Tour de France VIP Access: The French Alps Challenge
10 days | 12 days with Paris extension |
- Physical activity
- Equipment
- Group size
- 5–16 travelers
Secure your spot
Challenge yourself on the Tour de France’s iconic alpine roads
From the crystalline waters of Lake Annecy to the legendary slopes of Alpe d’Huez, then all the way to the Champs-Élysées, experience the Tour de France from a perspective few ever will. This challenging alpine adventure begins with demanding rides around Lake Annecy, climbing toward Col de Leschaux and taking on the steep ascent of Col de la Forclaz. Then it’s on to Alpe d’Huez, where you’ll ride Col de la Sarenne before it makes its Tour debut and conquer the mountain’s famous 21 hairpins ahead of Stage 19—with thousands of fans cheering you on. These are serious climbs with significant elevation gain and technical descents that will test even experienced cyclists. When you're not pushing your limits on these routes, you'll enjoy exclusive race access that goes beyond standard spectating: tour the EF Pro Cycling Team bus at the Stage 17 Starting Village in Chambéry, ride across the finish line and take podium photos before Stage 19 atop Alpe d'Huez, and witness the finale from premium seating on the Champs-Élysées. Cap it all off celebrating with the team at their exclusive invite-only post-race party in Paris. This is your chance to experience cycling's greatest race from the inside.
What's included
- 8 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private local transfers
- Train from Grenoble to Paris
- Support van for bike rides
- 8 breakfasts
- 6 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 wine tasting & 1 French delicacies tasting
- Behind-the-scenes Tour de France access in partnership with Sports Tours International
- 2 expert European Tour Directors/bike guides
- Performance road bike (Road racing bike and e-road bike available for a fee)
- Helmets, GPS tracking devices, and other biking equipment
- 5 days of guided bike rides through the French Alps
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Cycle around Lake Annecy with climbs to Col de Leschaux and Col de la Forclaz
- Experience the electric atmosphere of the Stage 17 Starting Village in Chambéry
- Challenge yourself on Col de la Sarenne two days before the pros
- Conquer Alpe d’Huez’s 21 switchbacks ahead of Stage 19, ride across the finish line, and take photos on the official podium
- Get insider team access during an exclusive meet & greet with EF Pro Cycling staff
- Witness history at the Tour de France’s finale on the Champs-Élysées in Paris
- Celebrate in style at the EF Pro Cycling team VIP Tour de France party
Itinerary
Overnight flight
Day 1: Fly to Geneva
Your Tour de France adventure begins! Board your overnight flight to Switzerland—you'll cross into France almost immediately, heading straight to Annecy in the French Alps where you'll be riding legendary routes and witnessing cycling's most prestigious race.
Annecy
Day 2: Arrival in Geneva & transfer to Annecy
Included meal: Welcome dinner
After landing in Geneva, you’ll journey south into the French Alps to Annecy, often called the “Venice of the Alps” for its winding canals and crystal-clear waterways. This medieval town, nestled between mountains and the shores of Lake Annecy (Europe’s cleanest lake), has been charming visitors since the Middle Ages with its pastel-colored Old Town and flower-lined bridges. Beyond its fairy-tale appearance, Annecy sits at the gateway to some of France’s most spectacular cycling terrain—the perfect launchpad for your alpine adventure. Over the next few days, you’ll build your legs and acclimatize to the mountains before joining the Tour de France action in Chambéry.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport.
- Transfer 45 minutes to 1 hour to your hotel in Annecy to check in and explore your surroundings.
- Raise a glass of beer or wine while you get to know your fellow riders and Tour Directors during a Welcome Orientation.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner and toast to the adventure to come.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Annecy – Rivage Hôtel & Spa Annecy
Alpe d’Huez region – Alp’Azur
Paris – Maison Astor Paris
Equipment
We've partnered with EF Pro Cycling and Cannondale to offer four exceptional Cannondale bikes for you to choose from. You'll be able to select your preferred bike in your online account after you book.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Weather
Ready to book?
The dates for this tour are July 18 - 27, 2026. Pricing begins at $11,499 (excluding airfare). Call a Tour Consultant at 617-619-1679 for details.
