A Tour de France bike tour is at the top of the wish list for cycling enthusiasts everywhere especially as the popularity of the Tour de France race as well as the sport of cycling in general continues to grow. Tours such as these have been around for a while and have prospered along with the growth of the race itself. With this growth comes the opportunity to work a Tour de France bike tour into anyone’s budget, regardless of how large or small that may be.
Speaking of budgets, let’s go over a few of the different options one has when booking a Tour de France bike tour. There is always the option of going first-class, if your budget allows. These more luxurious bike tours will include hotel accommodations at top-notch hotels along the course, private dinners, cocktail parties, wine-tasting events and more. You’ll ride some of the more scenic routes that the race takes and you’ll have the opportunity to view the actual race from prime locations. Many tours include breakfast and dinners throughout the course of the trip, and nice as they sound, these bike tour packages do come at a cost. Many can be as much as $4,000 per person and most do not include airfare. Obviously, this isn’t going to be in everyone’s budget, but if you can swing it, it will be well worth the expense.
For those on a more modest budget, don’t lose faith. For as many VIP Tour de France bike tour options that exist, there are just as many, if not more, available for people who are looking for a more cost-effective vacation. These packages might not include four-star hotels but the accommodations will be more than adequate. The stops along the way will be just as impressive as the race itself. Many of the more modest packages have stops at some of the most beautiful stages of the race.
Bordeaux is one of the more popular stops as it offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to visit the vineyards and sample the wines. In the village of Dax there are thermal baths and hot springs. In the Provence region of France you will witness views of the French countryside and the French Alps that are simply breathtaking. You can continue your journey through the countryside and visit such small villages as Montelimar where the race starts and from there continue on to Alpe D’Huez. Many of these tours also offer hotel accommodations in the same hotels where some of the racing teams are staying, allowing you the chance to interact with some of the actual riders.
You don’t necessarily have to pick from a prearranged tour. For those of you who are part of a group of cyclists, many tour companies will arrange a private Tour de France bike tour. This allows you to decide as a group just what part of the race you want to see and where you want to ride. The best part is you don’t have to be an avid cyclist to participate in the package. Private tours offer many different options for ways you can spend the day. You can cycle, take side trips to outlying areas, or simply relax if you wish.
Age isn’t a factor either. Since the average age of participants in a Tour de France bike tour ranges from the twenties to the sixties, anyone of any age will fit in. So, go ahead. Plan the Tour de France bike tour you’ve had your heart set on. You’ll have the time of your life!
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