Etape du Tour

ETAPE DU TOUR
LUXURY | 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS
TREKTRAVEL.COM | 866-464-8735
L'Etape du Tour isn’t just a ride. It’s a proving
ground with your name scribbled in chalk.
From
$4699pp
Rider Type
For as long as you've been a cyclist, you've compared yourself to the pros. You've wondered
what it feels like to ride up those storied French climbs, and contemplated how hard the Tour
de France really is. This year is your chance to live out your dreams, by taking part in the
Etape du Tour-- a Gran Fondo-style event designed to celebrate the challenge of the famed
routes and share in the passion that surrounds the Tour de France. As an Official Tour
Operator for both the Etape du Tour and the Tour De France, we are proud to welcome you
to this historic event and to guarantee your place for 2017 - courtesy of our unique
relationship with official Etape sponsor Trek Bicycles. You’ve been riding your entire life for a
day like this. Don’t just do it. Go at it like the champion you always knew you were. Are you
ready? View our Race Trip Difference»
Avid
Hotel Style
Luxury
Duration
6 days | 5 nights
Start | End
Les Deux Alpes, France
Dates
2017/Jul
TRIP WOWS
Etape du Tour is the hottest ticket in France, and we've got
your guaranteed entry.
Stop for support in style at Trek Travel-exclusive rest stops
strategically located throughout the route
Ride like a pro with a fully-fitted, race-worthy Trek Domane
carbon road bike and Di2 electronic shifting.
Ride the best climbs in the world, including Alpe d'Huez, Col du
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Galibier, Col du Télégraphe, and Col du Lautaret in the days
leading to the Etape!
DAILY ITINERARY
2017
DAY 1
Today's Ride:
Avid Option:
Le Bourg d'Arud to St.
Christophe to Venosc
Approximately 24 miles with 3,380
feet of climbing
Le Bourg d'Arud to St.
Christophe to Les Deux Alpes
Approximately 37 miles with 6,790
feet of climbing
Description:
Welcome to the northern Alps! This is the Tour de France's favorite mountain range, with historic climbs such as
Galibier, Télégraphe, Lautaret and so many more. Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Grenoble train
station at 10:00 AM and you will take a one-hour shuttle to the quaint mountain village of Venosc in the heart of
the Alps. Enjoy a satisfying lunch and get professionally fit to your Trek Domane before setting out for an
introductory ride along the untouched Bérarde Valley, shrouded by soaring peaks. We're on our way to the tiny
shepherd’s hamlet of St. Christophe, nestled at the foot of the stout Massif des Écrins. Here, choose to continue
with the remainder of the climb to our hotel in Les Deux Alpes, or opt for a quintessential Alps experience by
ascending via cable car. Les Deux Alpes is your port-of-call for the next five nights and where you’ll find Chalet
Mounier, our mountain lodging. Once at the chalet, you’ll enjoy a warm family welcome and incredible views of
the mountains that surround you. This evening we’ll toast to the week ahead and enjoy a meal fit for l'Etape du
Tour.
Hotel:
Included Meals:
Chalet Mounier
Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
www.chalet-mounier.com/en/
VIEW MEETING AND DEPARTING INFORMATION»
DAY 2
Today's Ride:
Avid Option:
Les Deux Alpes to Col du
Galibier Return
Approximately 54 miles 8,635 feet
of climbing
Les Deux Alpes to Col du
Télégraphe Return via Col du
Galibier
Approximately 98 miles 15,626 feet
of climbing
Description:
An unforgettable “King/Queen of the Mountains” challenge is on tap as you tackle three of the Alps’ most
celebrated passes. Up first is the lofty Col du Lautaret which is sure to get your heart pounding. Next you’ll
climb up nearly 8,600 feet above sea level as you top the daunting and iconic Col du Galibier, just as the pros
did over 100 years ago when this climb debuted in the Tour. Last looms the Col du Télégraphe, first crested by
Tour rider Emile Georget in 1911. If you seek an even bigger challenge, coast down Col du Télégraphe to St.
Michel de Maurienne, where you can enjoy a quick snack before beginning your attack of the fearsome
Télégraphe/Galibier duo from the other side. Your attentive guides will support you as you meet today’s
challenge head on with all the determination of a pro cyclist. Tonight, we’ll share typical Savoie fare when we
gather for a dinner and celebrate a successful day spent conquering the most infamous cols of France.
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Hotel:
Included Meals:
Chalet Mounier
Breakfast | Dinner
www.chalet-mounier.com/en/
DAY 3
Today's Ride:
Les Deux Alpes to Alpe d'Huez
Loop via Col de Sarenne
Approximately 40 miles with 7,882
feet of climbing
Description:
After a hearty breakfast, today's ride begins with a descent down valley to the base of the mythic Alpe d’Huez.
Each of the 21 switchback is named after a winner of this climb in the Tour de France, each one baiting you to
ride to the next. After ascending to the summit of the historic pass, you're free to fuel up with a lunch of your
choice while you bask in the afterglow of your conquest and savor the astounding views. If you’re eager for
more, continue up and over the mountain to attack Col de Sarenne. This quiet road is popular with locals as an
understated, less-traveled and equally difficult challenge that culminates at the top of the mountain from the
opposite side of the Alp. After an exhilarating descent, choose to shuttle or ride back to Les Deux Alpes to enjoy
a relaxing afternoon and an evening to yourself. Dinner this evening is on your own.
Hotel:
Included Meals:
Chalet Mounier
Breakfast
www.chalet-mounier.com/en/
DAY 4
Today's Ride:
Avid Option:
Today's Activity:
Les Deux Alpes to La Grave
Return
Approximately 31 miles with 4,860
feet of climbing
Les Deux Alpes to La Grave
Return to Le Chazelet
Approximately 40 miles with 6,533
feet of climbing
Etape Race Expo
Description:
As always with Trek Travel, today is yours to spend as you choose: loosen your legs for tomorrow with a short
morning spin, or opt for rest and relaxation at the hotel. This afternoon you’ll visit the race expo to mingle with
fellow riders and pick up your race number at the official event check-in. Soak up the atmosphere and browse
the expo area with cyclists from all over the world. This evening, discuss strategy and review the course profile
with your guides and riding companions as you gather your courage for race day. Tonight’s meal will be a
hearty, energy-packed feast that’ll ensure you’re well-fueled for tomorrow.
Hotel:
Included Meals:
Chalet Mounier
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour |
Dinner
www.chalet-mounier.com/en/
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DAY 5
Etape Race Day:
L'Etape du Tour
Approximately 110 miles and
11,580 feet of climbing
Description:
Today is the day you finally experience what it's like to be a pro. You’ll rise early this morning, fuel up with a
hearty breakfast, and transfer to the start line to take your place among thousands of other riders who will all
chase history together. Your Trek Travel support team will be available at strategically-located private rest stops
to provide you with tasty nourishment and moral encouragement. This much-needed support will keep you
motivated and fueled for your ride and out of the long lines at the official race stops. First you’ll climb 3,200 feet
over 20 miles as you ascend Col de Vars. Then prepare for a gorgeous descent into Guillestre before attacking
the Izoard. Although previously featured 34 times in the Tour, this will be the first summit finish on Col d’Izoard.
By the time you roll into the summit, you’ll have done battle in the Alps in spectacular fashion like the heroes of
cycling.
After your historic ride, the group will gather at the finish village where your Trek Travel guides will welcome you
with a satisfying buffet of food and ice cold beverages. Relax and recover at our exclusive post-ride celebration
before shuttling back to the hotel for a meal worthy of champions.
Hotel:
Included Meals:
Chalet Mounier
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour |
Dinner
www.chalet-mounier.com/en/
DAY 6
Today's Activity:
Departure
Description:
It's hard to believe that our adventure has concluded. The morning is yours to recover after your assault on
yesterday's stage. You'll have time for a short spin to loosen the legs, or choose to sleep in for a full recovery.
Whichever you choose, your final day will be well-spent. A private shuttle will take you to the Grenoble train
station this morning for travel to your final destination.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
VIEW MEETING AND DEPARTING INFORMATION»
WHAT'S INCLUDED
We Include More
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's
the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories.
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Activities
Gratuities for all scheduled special events, restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation during your trip.
Private tours
Entrance fees to all group events/activities
All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
Cable car entry
Guaranteed Etape race entry
Lodging
5 nights of accommodation
In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Etape du Tour trip, you will
stay in a top-rated chalet-style hotel featuring a spa and two pools so you can relax and recover from the week's epic riding.
Dining
Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 social hours, 4 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
On our Etape du Tour trip, you’ll be exploring a variety of regional Rhone Alps cuisine, which is noted for its decadent, cheesebased recipes. This is the home of fondue, raclette and gratin dauphinois. We’ve made some adjustments to this traditional fare
to ensure meals are appropriate for our riders.The food is savored over a number of courses and the portions are smaller to
enable you to enjoy each course. Breakfast is always served at the hotel, buffet-style.
Support
The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
Daily route support
Paper route guides also available upon request
All luggage transfers
Comprehensive trip literature
Private Trek Travel rest stops and support on the Etape du Tour route
Gear
The use of a Trek Domane SL 7 carbon road bike with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting, or Trek Domane 5.9 Women’s Specific
Design carbon road bike with Shimano Di2 electronic shifting (limited selection), or Trek 7.6 FX Hybrid bicycle
Trek Electric Assist XM700+ also available in a limited quantity
The use of Garmin Touring Plus GPS cycling computer
The use of Bontrager bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
Complimentary Bontrager merchandise
Trek Travel water bottles
Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Contact us for details.
Trek Travel Bontrager RL jersey and cycling socks
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Thank your Guides, by tipping
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. Industry standard is 5-10% of your trip price for the guide team.
Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at
your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
What’s Not Included
Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
Lodging before and after the trip
Personal items purchased during the trip
Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership.
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Industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 5-10% of the trip price.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Chalet Mounier
Les Deux Alpes, France
Chalet Mounier Les Deux Alpes,
France This property is situated in the
prime location to ride the most
prestigious cols of France including
this year’s Etape du Tour (Stage 18).
Enjoy incredible views of the Alps at a
top-rated, chalet-style hotel featuring a
spa and two pools so you can relax
and recover from the week's epic
riding.
TRAVEL SERVICES
How to get there
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk
of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Paris (CDG).
Trains depart Paris’s Gare de Lyon daily for Grenoble with a travel time of 3-4 hours. Please consult www.SNCF.com or speak with our
travel agent for current train schedules.
Meeting Time And Location
Grenoble Train Station | Grenoble, France
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Grenoble Train Station (1 Place de la Gare, 38000 Grenoble, France) at 10:00 AM on the
first day of the trip. A 1-hour shuttle through the bustling city of Grenoble will bring you to your ride start in Venosc. Please have your
first day’s riding gear handy and separate from your other luggage to facilitate the bike fitting and ride.
If you will be late for the pick-up or will miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip
start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Chalet Mounier (+33 (0)4 76 80 56 90),
and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. You may take a taxi to the first night’s hotel for approximately
$120 euros.
Departing Time and Location
Chalet Mounier | Les Deux Alpes, France
You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at the Chalet Mounier. You’ll then travel by shuttle to Grenoble Train Station, arriving
at around 11:15 AM. Please allow adequate connection time for any ongoing travel to accommodate any possible traffic delays.
Before: Grenoble, France
Grenoble offers numerous outdoor activities, including via ferrata, a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges
providing access to otherwise isolated routes to climbers with a variety of skills. Not to be missed in this Rhone-Alpes town is a ride on
the téléphérique: egg-shaped cable cars, les bulles, take you across the Isère River to the Bastille, a series of ancient fortifications.
Enjoy the view from the summit, then wander the many trails leading down to the city. We recommend the following accommodations
for your pre-trip hotel:
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Park Hotel
Situated adjacent to the Paul Mistral Park in the center of Grenoble, the city’s only 4-star hotel is sure to win you over with its elegance
and charm.
10 Place Paul Mistral | +33 (0)4 76 85 81 23 | www.park-hotel-grenoble.fr/en/ | ~$150
Le Grand Hotel
A historic hotel built in 1870, the Grand Hotel Grenoble Hyper Centre is located in the heart of the Alps capital. The Bastille cable
railway, the Antique dealers district, the Grenoble museum and its theater are less than 5 minutes on foot from the Grand Hotel.
Located close to Grenoble’s city center, this 4 star hotel offers you many of the modern comforts you enjoy.
5 rue de la République 38000 Grenoble | +33 (0)4 76 51 22 59 | www.grand-hotel-grenoble.com | ~$150
Best Western Terminus
This Belle Epoque hotel (1906), with modern conveniences, such as air-conditioning and WiFi, is conveniently located just across the
street from the Grenoble train station.
10, place de la Gare | +33 (0) 4 76 87 24 33 | www.Terminus-Hotel-Grenoble.fr | ~$175
FAQS
Trip Changes
Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip.
At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip
experience.
What are the daily rides like?
Rider Type | 4
Average Daily Mileage | 65
Terrain | Mountainous
Average Daily Elevation | 9,680 ft.
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are
avoided as much as possible. Etape du Tour trip is best suited for our Type 4 Riders. Type 4+ Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the
avid route options offer. The terrain is mountainous and challenging, with stunning views and quiet roads. You will be invigorated by the
fresh mountain air and will take in wonderful vistas. See day by day itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
This destination is best suited to guests who want to cycle every day. Because of the terrain and/or remoteness of the hotels and riding
routes, there are few, if any, non-riding options available. If a non-rider wants to accompany a rider guest on this trip, they would need
to spend many hours in the van and/or at the hotels on the trip. Due to this, we strongly discourage non-riders from this destination. As
an alternative, call a Trek Travel Trip Consultant at 866.464.8735 for trip suggestions where more non-rider activities are available,
such as:
Tour de France
Provence
Bordeaux
What is the weather going to be like?
The summer months in France can bring warm days, ranging from the mid 60s to low 80s, with evenings dropping to the mid 50s to mid
60s. When traveling in the mountainous regions of France, it is best to be prepared for variable conditions, as weather can change very
quickly, and there is always the chance of snow and rain. We recommend always traveling with rain gear, as well as plenty of
breathable layers to provide warmth should the temperature drop.
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Do you have upgrade options available?
For an additional fee you may request to upgrade to the Trek Emonda SLR with Shimano Di2 Electronic shifting or Bontrager Aeolus
carbon wheels for the ultimate riding experience. Contact our trip consultants for more details.
If I book a tour, can it be guaranteed that it will run?
If you’re going we’re going on almost all our trips. Trips with 1 guest booked are guaranteed to run. Select trips like Cross Country,
Race and Special Edition trips require a minimum number of guests to run and are not guaranteed until that number is reached.
Contact your Trip Consultant for more details.
In the event that a departure has low enrollment, we will notify guests at 60-90 days before departure to give the option to select a
different date with more guests booked. Please do not reserve airfare before confirming your Trek Travel trip.
What kind of information is provided?
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email
containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you
arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and provide you with daily route guides and a
detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence and independence.
What if I have to change or cancel my trip?
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as
possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our
cancellation policy.
What should I pack?
We want you to be prepared and as comfortable as possible throughout each day of your vacation. See our Packing List for more
details on what to pack for your trip.
General FAQs
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions
that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
Race FAQs
Want to learn more about our race trip difference? Check out our Race FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common
questions that pertain to our race trips.
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