5 Reasons to Join Us for the Tour de France
Tourists flock to France for the gorgeous scenery, delightful towns, and unique architecture, but during July the Tour de France trumps the list. Throughout the country, fans from around the world line the streets to cheer on the pro riders as they race by. On a Discover France VIP tour, Pure Adventures sister brand, because we are an official tour operator, you don’t just line the streets; you get to go behind the scenes of the Tour, test your power while riding the race route and taste some exquisite gastronomy.
Here are five compelling reasons to grab your bike and join a tour:
VIP access
As one of only 4 VIP official tour operators of the Tour de France, Discover France VIP tours offer unparalleled access to the 2012 Tour including the opportunity to ride the race course prior to the arrival of the pro-peloton, meeting the cycling pros and media with an official Tour de France guide at the Village and Izohard Bus, and crossing the finish line to take your place (and commemorative photo) on the awards podium! This special access to the 2012 Tour events can’t be found anywhere else except on our VIP cycling tours.
Different Degrees of Difficulty
Our VIP tours include challenging cycling or moderate cycling to suit every rider’s ability. Our challenging tours are for those who ride long, hard, and often and want to cover the big mountains at the Tour de France. Our moderate cycling tours are for those who ride a lot for fun, but want to enjoy other aspects of the tour and country. Discover France has spectator only tours for those not wanting to ride, but still looking to experience everything else offered including luxurious lodging, gastronomic dining, fantastic sites, and the unique French countryside and culture!
Guides
All of these exciting TDF tours include expert guides to lead the way and make sure every trip runs smoothly. The guides are professionally trained and certified and are highly knowledgeable about the race and routes. They are multilingual as well and are experienced at guiding groups of foreigners over the big mountains and around the melee of the Tour de France. We are confident that our guides will show every guest the time of their life.
Excitement of the Tour
The Tour de France is one of the most well-known and widely attended sports events in the world. For almost a month, the professional riders race by millions of cheering spectators. The excitement and suspense is why so many people wait anxiously for July to come. We offer biking aficionados the opportunity to be at the finish line watching a hair-win sprint, or at the top of the giant cols observing the strength and determination of the pros first hand, or in Paris as the Tour winner receives the yellow jersey. Mostly, we offer the opportunity to experience the Tour de France exhilaration in a way few will ever get to.
New Acquaintances
Whether you are traveling with a small group, a partner, or by yourself, you will meet plenty of other excited bike enthusiasts. Guests join our tours from around the world to enjoy the Tour de France. New friendships will be made at the top of Alpe d’Huez, or backstage in the company of the pros and their teams, or while sipping champagne at the Champs Elysees finish line. Two past TDF guests met as strangers with one thing in common, the love of cycling; they are now planning their third biking trip together. The memories and friendships that develop on our tours will last a lifetime.
The Tour de France is one of the most amazing experiences for tourists, especially cyclists who are seeking adventure while also experiencing rich culture and history. The list above offers just a few of the many reasons you should grab your own bike and experience it for yourself. It’s sure to be an unforgettable ride.