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The Pyrenees stages with the Premier Official Tour Operator

LIVE race-viewing of the key Pyrenees stages during Week 2 of the Tour de France. Witness the Tour LIVE on the iconic climb to Pla d’Adet and enjoy VIP access to the Stage Finish in Pau. Ride the Col d’Aspin, Col de Peyresourde, Port de Bales – and of course the Tourmalet!

Thomson Tour de France K/QOM Challenges are the trips of choice for avid cyclists of all abilities looking for a unique blend of LIVE race-viewing and challenging riding.

Be there on Pla d’Adet to experience the Tour de France LIVE on this iconic climb. Mingle with pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village and Team Paddock at the start of Stage 15 in Loudenvielle. Experience a memorable day in Pau with an official ride across the Finish Line before the peloton, a photo shoot on the Official Podium, then witness the Finish of Stage 13, LIVE from the Official VIP Lounge.

Riding is also a key feature of every Thomson Tour de France trip and on this trip you’ll have the opportunity to conquer numerous famous climbs including the legendary Col du Tourmalet, the Col d’Aspin, the Col de Peyresourde, the Port de Balès (where Andy Schleck dropped his chain in the 2010 TDF),  and one of our favorite climbs, the little-known but super-challenging climb to Cap de Long on the Spanish border. 

 

Next Departure

July 9th 2024


Rental Bike

USD $550


From

USD $7,695


Duration

7 days / 6 nights


Non-Rider Friendly

Yes


star star star star star
Tour de France
Every aspect of the trip - the staff, hotels, rides, and Tour viewing - was incredible and I cannot wait for my next Thomson bike ...

Kelley Virgilio, USA — 2022

star star star star star
Tour de France
I can't say enough nice things to describe this trip. As expected the routes, food, accommodations, and scenery were beyond category. A trip of a ...

Scott Griffin, USA — 2016

star star star star star
Tour de France
A lifetime experience. Thomson focuses on cycling first with quality rides that pushed my fitness efforts to achieve new climbing personal bests in a unpressured ...

GRANT HUSZTI, USA — 2022

See more reviews

Daily itineraries

Only with Thomson: a choice of 3 fully supported rides each day. With daily rides from 25km to 150km (15 miles to 90 miles), no matter your fitness level, we’ve got you covered!

 

Your partner doesn’t ride but is a Tour de France fan: no problem, our Non-riding Companion program features daily activities and Tour de France viewing for those who prefer not to ride.

 

Check out our Sport, Performance, Epic and Non-Riding Companion itineraries below.

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KM & metres
Miles & feet

Itineraries

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Choose your itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation
01 Bienvenue en France! Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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01 Bienvenue en France! Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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01 Bienvenue en France! Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
Read more
01 Bienvenue en France!
02 Port de Balès (Chaingate) Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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02 Port de Balès (Chaingate) Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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02 Ainsa visit Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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02 Le Col d'Aspin
03 The Tourmalet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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03 The Tourmalet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
Read more
03 Pic du Midi Observatory Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
Read more
03 The Tourmalet
04 Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
Read more
04 Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
Read more
04 Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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04 Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Op & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish
05 LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the final climb to Pla d'Adet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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05 LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the final climb to Pla d'Adet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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05 LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the final climb to Pla d'Adet Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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05 LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the final climb to Pla d'Adet
06 LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
Read more
06 LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
Read more
06 LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan
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06 LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock access
07 Au revoir et à bientôt!
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07 Au revoir et à bientôt!
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07 Au revoir et à bientôt!
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07 Au revoir et à bientôt!
Sport Daily Averages
Day sport Distance Elevation performance Distance Elevation epic Distance Elevation
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
Companion Companion Itinerary
Sport Sport Itinerary
Performance Performance Itinerary
Extreme Epic Itinerary
01
02
03
04
05
06
07

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

-

Elevation

-


Bienvenue en France!

Your trip starts at Toulouse Blagnac Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in St Lary.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out on our warm-up ride over the famous Cat.1 climb to the Col de Val Louron-Azet, a spectacular climb with stunning views of the high peaks that mark the border with Spain.

Bienvenue en France!

Your trip starts at Toulouse Blagnac Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in St Lary.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out on our warm-up ride which takes you high into the hills above the Aure Valley over the Col de Ris. Serene roads and spectacular mountain landscapes set the scene for the week to come!

Bienvenue en France!

Your trip starts at Toulouse Blagnac Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in St Lary.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out on our warm-up ride over the famous Cat.1 climb to the Col de Val Louron-Azet, a spectacular climb with stunning views of the high peaks that mark the border with Spain.

Bienvenue en France!

Your trip starts at Toulouse Blagnac Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in St Lary. In the afternoon we’ll organise a walk around the small town of St Lary, a very quaint mountain town with lots of lovely cafés where we can enjoy a coffee.

Day 2

Distance

-

Elevation

-


Port de Balès (Chaingate)

First big ride in the Pyrenees and we kick things off with one of our favorite Pyreneeen climbs. The Port de Bales was first introduced to the Tour de France in 2007 when a gravel forestry trail was asphalted allowing a connection between two valleys. It’s probably best remembered for the “chaingate” incident in 2010 when Alberto Contador attacked Andy Schleck after Andy had dropped his chain.

Stunning scenery, no traffic, great pavement, fantastic views from the summit, and on a par with the Tourmalet in terms of difficulty all combine to make the Port de Bales one of our all-time favorite climbs. From the summit, enjoy the great descent before the final climb of the day, the iconic Col de Peyresourde.

Port de Balès (Chaingate)

First big ride in the Pyrenees and we kick things off with one of our favorite Pyreneeen climbs. The Port de Bales was first introduced to the Tour de France in 2007 when a gravel forestry trail was asphalted allowing a connection between two valleys. It’s probably best remembered for the “chaingate” incident in 2010 when Alberto Contador attacked Andy Schleck after Andy had dropped his chain.

Stunning scenery, no traffic, great pavement, fantastic views from the summit, and on a par with the Tourmalet in terms of difficulty all combine to make the Port de Bales one of our all-time favorite climbs. It’s a long ride so our staff will advance you 50km in the vans, to the village of St Bertrand de Comminges. From St Bertrand you’ll have a 10km warm-up before reaching Mauleon-Barousse and the start of the climb. From the summit, enjoy the great descent before the final climb of your trip, the iconic Col de Peyresourde.

Port de Balès (Chaingate)

First big ride in the Pyrenees and we kick things off with one of our favorite Pyreneeen climbs. The Port de Bales was first introduced to the Tour de France in 2007 when a gravel forestry trail was asphalted allowing a connection between two valleys. It’s probably best remembered for the “chaingate” incident in 2010 when Alberto Contador attacked Andy Schleck after Andy had dropped his chain.

Stunning scenery, no traffic, great pavement, fantastic views from the summit, and on a par with the Tourmalet in terms of difficulty all combine to make the Port de Bales one of our all-time favorite climbs. From the summit, enjoy the great descent before the final climb of the day, the iconic Col de Peyresourde.

Ainsa visit

Our hotel in St Lary is very close to Spain and today we’ve organised a day-trip over the border into Spain to visit the beautiful town of Ainsa. Sitting on a hlll-top above the new town, the medieval town is a real gem to visit. Enjoy tapas and wine in the Plaza Major which dates back to the 12th century then discover Ainsa’s narrow medieval streets on a walk around the old town.

Day 3

Distance

-

Elevation

-


The Tourmalet

Today’s your chance to ride the most famous of all Pyreneen climbs – the legendary Col du Tourmalet. And trust Thomson to add an extra twist, and have you climb it not once, but twice – from the Ste Marie de Campan side and from the Luz St Sauveur side. Only with Thomson!

Setting out from the hotel your first challenge is in the form of the Cat.1 Hourquette d’Ancizan. The descent of the Hourquette takes you to Ste Marie de Campan and the start of the Tourmalet. Enjoy a snack at the famous cafe on the summit before heading down to Luz St Sauveur where you’ll turn around and head back up for your 2nd “Tourmalet” of the day.

The Tourmalet

Today’s your chance to ride the most famous of all Pyreneen climbs – the legendary Col du Tourmalet.

Setting out from the hotel your first challenge is in the form of the Cat.1 Hourquette d’Ancizan. The descent of the Hourquette takes you to Ste Marie de Campan and the start of the Tourmalet. Enjoy a snack at the famous cafe on the summit before heading back down to Ste Marie and the start of the magnificent ride over the Col d’Aspin and back to your hotel in St Lary Soulan.

The Tourmalet

Today’s your chance to ride the most famous of all Pyreneen climbs – the legendary Col du Tourmalet. And trust Thomson to add an extra twist, and have you climb it not once, but twice – from the Ste Marie de Campan side and from the Luz St Sauveur side. Only with Thomson!

Setting out from the hotel your first challenge is in the form of the Cat.1 Hourquette d’Ancizan. The descent of the Hourquette takes you to Ste Marie de Campan and the start of the Tourmalet. Enjoy a snack at the famous cafe on the summit before heading down to Luz St Sauveur where you’ll turn around and head back up for your 2nd “Tourmalet” of the day.

Pic du Midi Observatory

Today, your cycling partner will be climbing the most famous climb in the Pyrenees, the Col du Tourmalet. You’ll also head towards the Tourmalet, stopping at the ski station of La Mongie where you’ll take the spectacular cable car to the Pic du Midi summit and observatory. After visiting this famous site, we’ll continue on to the Col du Tourmalet where we may time it right to have a coffee with your partner at the café on the summit.

Map & Profile

Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Camparan
from Bazus-Aure
6.3% 4
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de Ris
from Arreau
5.9% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col de Val Louron-Azet
from St Lary Soulan
7.1% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col d’Aspin
from Arreau
6.7% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Port de Balès
from Mauleon-Barousse
6.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de Peyresourde
from Junction to Port de Balès
7.6% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Port de Balès
from Mauleon-Barousse
6.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col de Peyresourde
from Junction to Port de Balès
7.6% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Col du Tourmalet
from Ste Marie de Campan
7.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Hourquette d’Ancizan
from Guchen
7.6% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Tourmalet
from Ste Marie de Campan
7.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col d’Aspin
from Ste Marie de Campan
5.1% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
toggle arrow Hourquette d’Ancizan
from Guchen
7.6% 1
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Tourmalet
from Ste Marie de Campan
7.5% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col du Tourmalet
from Luz St Sauveur
7.6% HC
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
toggle arrow Col d’Aspin
from Ste Marie de Campan
5.1% 2
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15

Climbs

Stage 10

Orléans > Saint-Amand-Montrond


Heading through the Sologne forest, it’ll be difficult to predict the outcome of this stage, as the weather may play a significant role. After leaving Issoudun, the riders will find themselves on roads exposed to the crosswinds that scattered the peloton a decade ago. With three changes of direction in the last 30 kilometres, there’s a real chance of echelons forming.

Stage 11

Évaux-les-Bains > Le Lioran


There’s only one stage across the rugged Massif Central, but what a stage it is! With 4,350 metres of vertical gain, the riders will have to be on their mettle at all times, and particularly in the final 50 kilometres, when the degree of difficulty rises a level with a series of very challenging obstacles: the climb to the Col de Néronne, then to the Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol with its fearsome final two kilometres, then continuing on to the Col de Pertus, the Col de Font de Cère and the ascent to Le Lioran. They provide all manner of opportunities for eager climbers to attack.

Stage 12

Aurillac > Villeneuve-sur-Lot


The aesthetic landscapes of the Cantal and Lot regions won’t distract the baroudeurs (breakaway specialists) from the knowledge that there’s something for them to play for. The terrain here is all hills, with the climb to Rocamadour standing out – it’ll be tackled in the opposite direction to the route taken by the 2022 Tour time trial. The second part of the stage is more suited to the sprinters’ teams that are set on chasing the break down. However, on two previous and similar stages into Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the breakaway managed to hold off its pursuers.

Stage 13

Agen > Pau


The Lot-et-Garonne serves up some lovely balcony roads early in the stage, when the formation of the breakaway will be closely monitored by the sprinters’ teams, who will have studied the route carefully. If they judge their effort correctly, they won’t be caught out by the day’s escapees. However, amidst the hilly terrain approaching the finish, the Blachon and Simacourbe climbs could pose a problem for those sprinters who don’t feel comfortable in the hills.

Stage 14

Pau > Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d´Adet


The dynamic format of the first Pyrenean stage is accentuated by the fact that battle is unlikely to commence until the riders have gone through Lourdes. From that point, with 80 kilometres remaining, there’ll be a festival of climbing, featuring the Col du Tourmalet, the Hourquette d'Ancizan and the climb to Pla d'Adet. Fifty years on, the finish line will be exactly where it was when Raymond Poulidor celebrated victory in the 1974 Tour.

Stage 15

Loudenvielle > Plateau de Beille


The third Sunday of the Tour could prove crucial. Whatever’s happened on the previous days in the mountains, the terrain on this stage is ripe for revenge or confirmation, with 4,850 metres of vertical gain on the menu over almost 200 kilometres of racing. All manner of scenarios could play out, and it’s not unrealistic to imagine that team-mates of the GC contenders will attempt to infiltrate the breakaway climbing the Peyresourde. That would prove invaluable given what lies ahead, especially in a finale that features the climbs of the Col d’Agnes and the Port de Lers followed by the final haul up to Plateau de Beille.

Stage

Rest Day: Gruissan


Tour de France

Dates and prices

Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2024
July 9 to 15
Taking Bookings
Bookings will open on Monday, November 20 at 8:00am EST
USD $7,695
USD $950
n/a
Book this trip
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Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:


    Hotels

    Hotel Mercure, Saint Lary Soulan

    The top hotel in the Pyrenees for cyclists and the Thomson Pyrenees HQ every year! The Mercure is located in the quaint, Pyrenees village of St Lary Soulan, surrounded by phenomenal rides and iconic climbs. The Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, Pla d'Adet, Portet, Port de Balès, Hourquette d'Ancizan, Val Louron-Azet, Super-Bagneres are all within riding distance of the hotel.  The hotel itself is a gem, absolutely fantastic food, great rooms, a wonderful bar and the most welcoming staff. A home-from-home for the Thomson staff! 

    Pick-up and Drop-off

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Toulouse Blagnac Airport

    July 9th at 8:30am

    OR

    Pullman Toulouse Airport Hotel

    View website arrow

    July 9th at 8:30am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Toulouse Blagnac Airport

    July 15th at 10:00am

    What's included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Tour de France Viewing arrow
    • TDF Stage 13: VIP ride across the Finish Line, Podium photo op, and access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Pau
    • TDF Stage 14: access to our Private Race-Viewing Hospitality Marquee on the climb to the Summit Finish in Pla d'Adet
    • TDF Stage 15: access to the VIP Departure Village in Loudenvielle
    • Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • 3 x sit-down lunches
    • 3 x picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up & Drop-off at Toulouse Blagnac Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Overall Staff to Guest ratio: 1 to 3
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Merchandising arrow
    • Tour de France Gift Bag
    • Special Discount card for Official Tour de France stores
    • Thomson Bike Tours merchandise pack
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Tour de France Viewing arrow
    • TDF Stage 13: VIP ride across the Finish Line, Podium photo op, and access to the VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Pau
    • TDF Stage 14: access to our Private Race-Viewing Hospitality Marquee on the climb to the Summit Finish in Pla d'Adet
    • TDF Stage 15: access to the VIP Departure Village in Loudenvielle
    • Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • 3 x sit-down lunches
    • 3 x picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up & Drop-off at Toulouse Blagnac Airport
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Overall Staff to Guest ratio: 1 to 3
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Merchandising arrow
    • Tour de France Gift Bag
    • Special Discount card for Official Tour de France stores
    • Thomson Bike Tours merchandise pack
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Rental bikes

    Felt FR Advanced

    Read More

    Frame

    Felt FR Advanced

    Groupset

    2023 SRAM Force AXS 12-speed

    Weight

    7.7kg (size 53)

    Wheels

    Reynolds AR46 DB Custom

    Chainrings

    48x35

    Cassette

    10-33

    Sizes

    47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61

    Rental Fee

    USD $550

    See full details

    Guest Experience

    Elevate your riding experience to new heights as you conquer legendary ascents that have tested the mettle of cycling's elite. Picture yourself pedaling through panoramic vistas, tackling hairpin turns and steep gradients, all while astride top-tier bikes meticulously fine-tuned by professional mechanics. With a support crew unparalleled in their dedication, every mile becomes a triumph, every summit a personal victory. Fulfill your lifetime riding goals and immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of the pro peloton, where the passion for cycling meets the grandeur of the mountains. This isn't just a trip—it's a unique opportunity to challenge yourself and ride the same paths as cycling legends.

    VIP Experience

    Embark on the ultimate cycling pilgrimage with our exclusive VIP trip to witness the Tour de France in unparalleled style. Immerse yourself in the thrilling energy of the race with spectacular access to the start and finish lines, as well as prime vantage points along major climbs like the legendary Col du Tourmalet and the Col du Galibier. Rub shoulders with cycling royalty as you meet the pro riders up close, savoring the electrifying atmosphere of the world's greatest cycling event. Indulge in the epitome of luxury with our VIP areas, where the finest champagne and cuisine await you. Experience the Tour like never before – you'll be as close to the pros as a Directeur Sportif, creating memories to last a lifetime. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, meticulously supported by the Thomson team, and elevate your passion for cycling to new heights.

    Legendary Climbs

    Get ready to ride your way into cycling history! Join us on an exhilarating adventure that puts your climbing skills to the ultimate test along the legendary routes of the Tour de France. Channel your inner pro cyclist as you conquer iconic climbs such as the formidable Tourmalet and the breathtaking Galibier. Feel the rush of ascending these famed Cols, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes that have witnessed cycling greatness. This isn't just a ride; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of professional cycling, supported by a dedicated team ensuring you tackle each ascent like a champion. Grab your bike, bring your determination, and let's ascend to new heights together!


    2024 TDF K/QOM Challenge – Pyrenees

    Experience the Tour de France with the Premier Official Tour Operator