2019 Tour de France – Nimes, Mont Ventoux and the Alps

Official 2019 Tour de France tour

2019 Tour de France - Nimes, Mt Ventoux & Alps

Sunday 21 July until Sunday 28 July, 2019

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights Distance: Various stages

On this official Tour de France tour you will stay in the centre of Nimes for 3 nights in the heart of all the action before moving to the Alps where we will stay at a 4 star Spa hotel in Brides Les Bains at the foot of Val Thorens. On the rest day we will ride Mont Ventoux and after the stages around Nimes we move on to spend 4 days in the Alps and watch the final battle for the 100th Yellow Jersey unfold.

DETAILS
The 2019 Tour de France will have its final rest day in the historical city of Nimes with its Roman amphitheatre and treasures. Stay in the centre of Nimes for 3 nights and on the Tour de France rest day we will scale Mont Ventoux. After enjoying VIP access on the Nimes stage and fantastic finish hospitality in Gap, we move to the Alps for the 3 deciding Alpine stages.

The Tour de France will have its high altitude finale in the Alps in 2019 with 3 tough stages and iconic climbs like the Col du Galibier, Col d’Iseran, Cormet de Roselend and the climb to Val Thorens up to 2350 metres of altitude. Daily transport, the official 2019 Tour de France road book is included as well as official TDF merchandise and exclusive VIP access tickets to watch the Tour from up close. Bike rental is also available if you don’t want to bring your own bike.

This Tour’s Highlights
- Places are limited on this tour
- Guaranteed departure and all nationalities and single travellers are welcome to join our group
- Starts at Toulouse or Nimes and finishes at Geneva airport (airport transfers included)
- Stay in historical Nimes for 3 nights
- Stay in a 4 star Spa hotel in the Alps with stunning views and top notch catering and facilities
- 2019 Tour de France welcome pack with official Le Tour merchandise and the 2019 TDF road book
- Tour de France cross the finish experience
- Official stage VIP access is included
- Daily guided bike rides with minibus support vehicle
What to expect from Tour de France hospitality – watch the video here

Prices

£1599 per person based on two sharing a room
£550 supplement per person for a single room

What’s included:
- A safe pair of hands – More information
- Airport transfers from Toulouse on arrival
- Airport transfers to Geneva on departure
- 3 nights at the Royal hotel in the centre of Nimes
- 4 nights at hotel Mercure in Brides Les Bains
- Route maps, plans and daily guided cycling
- 7 breakfasts
- 4 evening meals (in Brides Les Bains)
- 2019 Tour de France road book and merchandise pack
- Exclusive Tour de France VIP access; – Have a look at our videos to see what VIP access is all about
- Minibus support vehicle
- The services of our bike guides
- A Sports Tours International cycling jersey made by Santini – More information
Also available
- Paris extension trip with TGV and 4* hotel in Paris at £200 per person based on 2 people sharing a room
- Sports travel insurance. Please visit our insurance page
- Bike rental – Available bikes are: Trek Emonda S5 / Trek Domane SL5 Disc, Trek Emonda SL6 – SL6 Disc, Trek Domane SL-7. Free pedal & helmet rental included (on request)
Paris extension – £200 per person based on sharing a room and £75 supplement for a single room

If you want to come to Paris to experience the final then we also offer a TGV train journey and a hotel in Paris at additional cost. On departure day we take you to the TGV station in Chambery and you will take the train to Paris. On arrival we will transport you to the Champs Elysees. We offer excellent hospitality access on the Champs Elysees to experience the final of the Tour in style.

If you are interested in adding Paris to your trip with us, please contact us on 0044(0)1617038161 or email cycling@sportstoursinternational.co.uk

Read More

Nimes

The viaduct of the Pont du Gard will feature in the final section of the stage today. Nîmes is famous for the Roman monuments, such as the Arena of Nîmes and Maison Carrée which is one of the best preserved Roman temples in the world. The Big Start of the 2017 Vuelta a España took place in Nîmes (see pic below) and the team time trial actually went through he Roman Arena. There are many art galleries within 50 metres of the hotel. More information can be found here: http://www.torildartistes.com With its rich Roman history, the archaeological museum www.nimes.fr/index.php?id=280

Tuesday 23/07/2019 – Stage 16 – Nîmes > Nîmes – 177 km – Flat

After the rest day in Nimes, today’s stage is a 177km flat loop in and around Nimes. The riders have the privilege of riding on the Roman viaduct, the Pont du Gard on the final section of the stage which should make for some stunning images. The stage will no doubt finish in a bunch sprint as the terrain does not favour a break away today.

The Alpine stages

Wednesday 24/07/2019 – Stage 17 – Pont du Gard > Gap – 209 km – Hilly

For today’s stage start we are 25km from Nimes at the Pont du Gard, the Roman aquaduct across the River Gardon. The Roman theme continues with the visit of the famous Roman Theatre of Orange and the aptly named Vaison-la-Romaine. The Col de la Sentinelle comes at 10 kilometres from the finish and from past performances we expect a break away to win. The last 3 stage finishes in Gap ended in solo victories: Thor Hushovd (2011), Rui Costa (2013) and Rubén Plaza (2015).

Our location in the Spa resort of Brides Les Bains allows us great cycling access to the final 3 stages of the 2019 Tour de France in the Alps as the riders build up to the ultimate finale at high altitude in Val Thorens. On Thursday we will ride over the Col de La Madeleine into the Maurienne Valley and up the Col du Galibier to see the finish in Valloire. On Friday we will ride straight out from the hotel to Val d’Isere and up to the Col d’Iseran to watch the riders summit and assume their descent into Tignes. And finally on Saturday we will ride up to Val Thorens to watch the riders finish and the winner of the 100th Yellow Jersey will be crowned.

Thursday 25 July – Embrun to Valloire

An absolute Alpine corker today with climbs up the Col de Vars, Col d’Izoard and the Col du Galibier before a downhill finish to Valloire. The Col du Galibier is the final climb of the day and it measures 23 kilometres with an average gradient of 5%. The first section is technically the Col du Lautaret and gradients are fluctuating between 4 and 5%. The remainder of the Col du Galibier fluctuates between 7 to 8% with a final kilometre going up to 9%. After the top of the Galibier it’s a fast descent to the finish in Valloire.

Friday 26 July – Saint Jean de Maurienne to Tignes

From today’s start in Saint Jean de Maurienne the first real hurdle is the Montée d’Aussois after almost 40 kilometres and from there the route move through Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis and the Col d’Iseran which is a climb of nearly 33 kilometres with a fairly easy average gradient of 4.2% that ramps up to double digits in the final kilometres. Following the descent to Val d’Isère the only tough part is the 7 kilometres at 7% to Lake Chevril before the last 2 kilometres to Tignes.

Saturday 27 July – Albertville to Val Thorens

Like last start is in Albertville and the riders will tackle the Cormet de Roselend before descendign into Bourg Saint Maurice. After a long, flat section through the Tarentaise valley the final climb of the 2019 Tour de France is up to the ski resort of Val Thorens. The climb up to Val Thorens; Europe’s highest ski resort (2,365 metres) is not the main road up but it’s the D96 from Salins Les Thermes next to Brides Les Bains. The steepest kilometre is nearer the top with maximums of 9.1%.

Bike rental

Do you want to ride during the Tour de France without the hassle of bringing your own bike? We offer bike hire for your time in France with us. Full details of our bike hire service and terms and conditions are available here

TESTIMONIALS

"Tour de France Alps tour 2017"

Hello ; Just got back from my trip and I would like to express my gratitude to you and your entire tour team. You guys Rock !! It was the perfect choice and we are very happy with everything you guys did for us. Your staff Darrell, Roy, Tim (Tom) and everyone involved in the logistics and organization are extremely professionals and excellent folks to work with. Always looking for ways to make this happen and trying to make it The best experience.. and they are successful on doing it..
This was The Best Experience of my Life.

Alberto - July 17, 2017

"Tour de France 2017"

I just wanted to thank you and all the STI team for a fantastic trip. I really enjoyed myself, had a great time and met some wonderful people.

Please pass my thanks on to all involved

Chris - July 25, 2017

"Tour de France 2017"

Roy said to we could send this picture to you so that you could forward it to all the emails of the Alps Part 2 group that stayed at Les Bartavelles.

Thanks for all of your team's outstanding work. We had the experience of a lifetime

Casey - July 26, 2017

"Tour de France 2017"

We just wanted to pass on our thanks to your whole team following our recent trip to Embrun for the Tour de France.

Roy and Dave could not have done more to make our trip pleasurable and memorable. Their gentle good humour and concern really made the trip special. We very much felt that it was about us and our enjoyment.

The accommodation was great - the staff at the hotel were friendly and helpful. We especially enjoyed the creative translations of the menu, meaning that we rarely knew what we were going to eat. But the food was excellent and the service attentive.

The information you provided was helpful and relevant. If anything, it underplayed exactly how special the package was. This was our first experience of France during the Tour and it was super.

We have been enthusiastically praising you to everyone who will listen. We hope to be repeat customers in the near future. Thank you again, from two very happy customers.

Diane and Mark - August 4, 2017
ITINERARY
Sunday 21 July, 2019 – Arrival day

Please arrange to meet us in Nimes at the Hotel Royal in the very centre of this historical city. Alternatively make use of our transfer from Toulouse airport at 11.00.

The Nîmes-Garons airport is 15 km away from the Royal Hotel. A shuttle bus between the airport and the centre of Nîmes is available. The closest stop to the hotel is the Pont de Vierne (200 m from the hotel). The shuttle timetable is based on flight departure and arrival times. If flight times change, the shuttle time is revised accordingly, based on the following:
- Airport–Nîmes centre: 10 minutes after flight arrival
- Nîmes centre –Airport: 1 hour to 1 hour and a quarter before flight departure
Nîmes is less than 3 hours from Paris by TGV (high-speed rail). The hotel is 2 km away by car/taxi or 20 minutes by foot from the train station.

This evening we will be on hand to assist you with putting your bikes together if you are travelling with your bike. We will also have your rental bike ready if you have chosen this option.
This evening we will take the opportunity to introduce everybody in our group and talk through the itinerary of the week ahead.

Monday 22 July, 2019 – Tour de France rest day and Mont Ventoux day

Mont Ventoux day

For the cyclists we offer a guided ride of the Giant of Provence, the Mont Ventoux today. Even though it doesn’t feature on the race route, we wanted to take the opportunity to scale this iconic mountain. We will take you to Pont du Gard from where we will ride some of the route of Stage 17 past Orange but instead of going to Vaison La Romaine we will go to Bedoin and climb Mont Ventoux from that side. Our guided rides are fully supported and planned by our bike guides and can be shortened and lengthened based on your needs.

Non-cyclists

We suggest that the spectators take the opportunity to explore Nimes today. Nîmes is renowned for its remarkable ancient Roman monuments such as the Arena and the amazingly preserved Roman temple, the Maison Carrée. The palpable presence of its ancient past has earned the city the moniker “the French Rome”. We expect Nimes to be bustling with Tour de France related activities so it will be a great place to explore.

The Arena of Nîmes

Built at the end of the 1st century AD, the Arena of Nîmes may not be the largest amphitheatre in the Roman world, but it is without doubt the best preserved. In Roman times, it was used to stage gladiator fights. Today, the amphitheatre provides a spectacular setting for performances ranging from concerts, operas, sports events, bullfights and Camargue bull racing.

The Maison Carrée,

This breathtaking Roman temple is among the best preserved in the world. The temple was built at the beginning of the 1st century AD in honour of the adopted grandsons of Emperor Augustus, Gaius and Lucius Caesar. Over the centuries, the temple later served as a meeting hall for consuls, a church and a museum of ancient art. Some of the hotel’s rooms overlook this beautiful example of classical architecture.

Les Jardins de la Fontaine,

This lovely green space was one of the first public parks in Europe. It was created in the 18th century on the ancient Roman site situated around a spring and includes Roman constructions such as the Tour Magne, a hilltop tower, and the Temple of Diana. Only 200 metres from the hotel, the park is an ideal place for a stroll and a favourite spot for local residents.

Tuesday 23 July, 2019 – Nimes to Nimes

Today will see a loop around Nimes and the peloton will have the very special privilege of riding on the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman viaduct. A bunch sprint in Nîmes is likely.

Our itinerary

We are based in Nimes and we have access to the official start village of today’s stage. After the riders are on their way we will lead the cyclists out of Nimes for a short guided ride before watching the finish in Nimes.

Village Depart

The 2019 Tour de France entourage and organisation travel around with the riders. The team buses park within an enclosed and restricted area. An expo type village is created at the start of each one of the stages. It is usually here that everyone who is linked in any way to the Tour de France like TV, sponsors and celebrities from the cycling world will show themselves. Also local companies will be keen to show off their wares. Your VIP passes will give you access to the village and the rider’s paddock. If you into collecting autographs, this is the best place for it.

Wednesday 24 July, 2019 – Pont du Gard to Gap and move to Brides Les Bains

The stage sets off from Pont du Gard today and will also visit Orange and Vaison La Romaine for an ancient Roman themed stage. After 209km the finish comes in Gap.

Our itinerary

We have a full day ahead of us today. After an early breakfast, please have all your luggage ready as we will move on to our next hotel this evening. We will make a stop on the way in Gap for the finish of today’s stage. The spectators will go straight to the hospitality venue and the cyclists will have exclusive finish and podium access with our cross the finish line experience.

Cross the finish-line experience

We have a treat in store for you today. The cyclists can join us for our ‘cross the finish line’ VIP experience. We will ride on the very roads that the peloton will ride on just hours later. After you have crossed the official finish line in Gap we will all have our photos taken on the winners podium.

After this we will join the spectators and we will wait on the finish grandstand (no hospitality included) in comfort for the riders to arrive.

Your day includes
- The support of the Sports Tours International team and support vehicle
- Cycle the final portion of the stage along the same route as the pros just hours later
- Crossing the finish line on your bike
- A photo on the top step of the official podium
- Seat on the grand stand
- Transport to Brides Les Bains after the finish
We will take you from Gap to the Spa town of Brides Les Bains at the foot of Val Thorens this evening where we will have our evening meal on arrival. If you would like to know a bit more about this area, have a look at our blog post here

Thursday 25 July, 2019 – Embrun to Valloire

Today the Tour de France comes within range as the finish of today’s stage is in Valloire after scaling the Col du Galibier from Embrun.

We offer a fully supported ride today to Valloire to watch the finish. From Brides Les Bains we cycle to Moutiers from where we have a short warm up ride before we tackle the Col de La Madeleine from La Lechere which brings us into the Maurienne Valley. We then ride the fairly flat valley road to the top of the valley and we will tackle the Col du Galibier which takes us right up to Valloire. The riders of the 2019 Tour de France will finish in Valloire but from the other side today. This is a tough 75km ride but it is possible to cut it short and make use of our support vehicle.

After the finish, we will provide transport back to Brides Les Bains where we will enjoy the hotel facilities and evening meal this evening.

Friday 26 July, 2019 – Tignes finish

The next Alpine stage will start from the town of Saint Jean de Maurienne in the Maurienne valley and finish in Tignes, a popular French ski resort at the foot of the Col de L’Iseran just a few kilometres away from Val d’Isere. The riders of the Tour de France will climb the Col d’Iseran from the valley which comes into Val d’Isere before the finish in Tignes.

Our itinerary

Cyclists can join us on our guided ride to Tignes today and spectators can come with us on our tour vehicle. We will take you to Albertville from Brides Les Bains and we will ride part of the final stage of the Tour de France. This stretch of road also featured on last year’s Tour de France.

We will climb the Cormet de Roselend from Albertville and then descend into Bourg Saint Maurice. From Bourg Saint Maurice we climb all the way up to Tignes ahead of the finish of today’s stage. This a 90km ride and you will be supported by our bike guide and our minibus.

Saturday 27 July, 2019 – Albertville to Val Thorens

Today is the day; the final stage of the 2019 Tour de France. We expect a very busy day so we will provide transport early up to al Thorens where the winner of the 2019 Tour de France and the 100th Yellow Jersey will be crowned. The riders can join us on our guided ride to Val Thorens this morning. We will ride out from the hotel to Moutiers and to the penultimate climb of the day, the Cote de Longefoy before tackling the final climb up to Val Thorens.

We will watch the finish and the cyclists can descend back to the hotel after the finish. Spectators will be able to take our transport back down.

Sunday 28 July, 2019 – Departure day or come to Paris with us!

As the riders of the 2019 Tour de France get ready for the final processional stage into Paris on the Champs Elysees, it is time for us to go home. We will run 2 airport transfers to Geneva airport, arriving in Geneva at 10.00 and 13.00. The journey takes about 2.5hrs so please ensure that your flight times are in line with this.

Paris extension – £200 per person based on sharing a room and £75 supplement for a single room

If you want to come to Paris to experience the final then we also offer a TGV train journey and a hotel in Paris at additional cost. On departure day we take you to the TGV station in Chambery and you will take the train to Paris. On arrival we will transport you to the Champs Elysees. We offer excellent hospitality access on the Champs Elysees to experience the final of the Tour in style.

If you are interested in adding Paris to your trip with us, please contact us on 0044(0)1617038161 or email us on cycling@sportstoursinternational.co.uk
HOTELS & PRICING
Mercure Grand Hotel des Thermes – Tour de France

Brides-les-Bains is a spa town located by the foot of the climb to Val Thorens. Family rooms are available on request – please email us. Fully renovated in 2014, the Mer...

Le Royal hotel Nimes

The Royal Hotel is a charming three-star hotel in a restored 19th-century convent built from limestone. It benefits from an ideal location in the heart of the historic centre ...

2019 Tour de France – Nimes, Mont Ventoux and the Alps Hotels

Mercure Grand Hotel des Thermes – Tour de France

Brides-les-Bains is a spa town located by the foot of the climb to Val Thorens.

Family rooms are available on request – please email us.

Fully renovated in 2014, the Mercure Grand Hotel des Thermes is designed with relaxation in mind.

The hotel has a restaurant with piano, fireplace, and extended terrace in a garden with swimming pool. There is a bar lounge with a giant screen, as well as a reading lounge, all in a stylish, classic decor. Spa treatments with hammam, sauna, heated swimming pool and hot tub have been entrusted to the Cinq Mondes brand.

Your stay here is on Half Board basis,. with breakfast and evening meals included. With a French-style ceiling with exposed wooden beams, the large restaurant room is warm and inviting. Traditional specialties in the winter and healthy or gourmet dishes in the summer. Chef Thierry Giannini prepares dishes based entirely on fresh produce.
2019 Tour de France – Nimes, Mont Ventoux and the Alps Hotels
Le Royal hotel Nimes

The Royal Hotel is a charming three-star hotel in a restored 19th-century convent built from limestone. It benefits from an ideal location in the heart of the historic centre of Nîmes, which makes it the perfect place to explore the numerous sights of the city. All rooms have been refurbished and the hotel is entirely air-conditioned.

The Royal Hôtel has an on-site restaurant called La Bodéguita, which looks out onto Assas Square. The Maison Carrée Temple and Carré d’Art Modern Art Gallery are nearby. Free WiFi access is available. The hotel is accessed via a staircase and breakfast made with organic produce is served daily. Spanish cuisine and fish à la plancha can be enjoyed in the restaurant and on the bar’s outdoor terrace.

Tango evenings are organised on Assas Square during July and August. There are also regular art viewings and exhibitions held on the square.

The hotel is within walking distance of the train station. The station is connected to Nîmes airport by shuttle buses in line with flight arrivals and departures.

Extras

Free wifi

Accessed via a staircase

Air conditioning

A flat-screen TV

View over the internal patio or Assas Square

Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.
IMPORTANT INFO

How to Book

Click on the Book Now at the top of the page. At time of booking we require a non-refundable deposit per person plus any applicable entry fee. The balance of your travel package must be paid, at the latest, 12 weeks before departure to avoid the cancellation of your trip. Please look here for our full booking conditions

Single travellers and twin to share

We welcome single travellers on our tours and holidays as it is a great way to join a like-minded group of people and you will make lots of new friends. If you would like to join our group as a single traveller we can offer you two options. A single room or if you want to avoid the single supplement then you can make use of our ‘twin to share’ option. We will pair you up with another rider (of the same sex) and you can enjoy the event without having to pay extra.

General, visa, passport and health information

General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist sports travel insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in running events. There is additional information about our other Concierge Services on our special web page.
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Brilliant couple of days ahead! Our first ever tour to @tour_transalp. Good luck to all the riders #OurExperienceWillMakeYours pic.twitter.com/JgigSIKcbF

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It’s not too late to ride one of Europe’s best sportives with us this summer. Let our experience help you on some of the most iconic climbs in cycling. Find your last minute sportive here ow.ly/fe5x30oZkKp #cycling #sportives #ourexperiencewillmakeyours pic.twitter.com/GbOK1gMbQL

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A new event for us this year, the Tour Transalp. Good luck to all our riders for this weeklong alpine cycling adventure from Innsbruck to Lake Garda including the Mortirolo (twice). In the safe hands of @RoySprintking @tour_transalp @100Climbs twitter.com/tour_transalp/…

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2019 Tour de France – Nimes, Mont Ventoux and the Alps

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