Tour de France
Week 3
ALPS with Paris Option
TDF K/QOM Challenge – Week 3 Alps Stages with Paris Option
Week 3: the Alps stages with the Premier Official Tour Operator Optional Paris extension
LIVE race-viewing of the key Alps stages during Week 3 of the Tour de France. Ride the Col de la Loze, Col de la Croix de Fer, Les Lacets de Montvernier and the Col du Platzerwasel, the ultimate climb of the 2023 Tour de France.
Optional extension to witness the Grand Finale in Paris.
Live Race Viewing
Private Hospitality Marquee on the Col de la Loze
Stage 19: Moirans-en-Montagne to Poligny
VIP Departure Village in Moirans en Montagne
Stage 20: Belfort to Le Markstein
VIP Tribune at the Summit Finish in Le Markstein
Stage 21: St Quentin en Yvelines to Paris
The Final Stage on the Champs-Elysées (Paris Extension Only)
Overview
Details
Next Departure
July 17th 2023
From
USD $7,995
Duration
7 days / 6 nights:
July 17 to 23
8 days / 7 nights:
Includes Paris Extension
Non-Rider Friendly
Yes
Rental Bike
USD $500
Overview
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 to witness stage 20, the Final Mountain Stage of the 2023 Tour de France, in the Vosges mountains.
Our Final Mountain Stage race-viewing program includes:
- access to our VIP Tribune at the Finish Line in Le Markstein
- an official ride across the Finish Line before the arrival of the Tour de France peloton
- a memorable photo shoot on the Official Podium in Le Markstein
You’ll also witness Stage 17, LIVE on the mountain-side of the Col de la Loze, the most challenging climb in the Alps, and mingle with pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village at the start of Stage 19 in Moirans-en-Montagne.
Riding is also a key feature of every Thomson Tour de France trip and on this trip you’ll conquer numerous famous climbs including the incredible Col de la Loze, the Col de la Croix de Fer, the spectacular Lacets de Montvernier, Mont Semnoz with its stunning views of Lake Annecy, and the final 2 spectacular climbs of the 2023 Tour de France in Les Vosges, the Col du Petit Ballon and the Col du Platzerwasel.
No one rides like Thomson!
Paris Extension: extend your trip to continue on to Paris and witness the Final Stage on the Champs-Elysées. Our Paris Extension includes travel to Paris by high-speed TGV train, accommodation at the 5-star Hotel Intercontinental Opera, and entry to the Elysée Tribune directly opposite the Finish Line on the Champs-Elysées circuit.
Paris Extension VIP Upgrade: please contact us if you’d like to upgrade to the VIP Espace Rive Gauche Tribune (subject to availability).
Larry Goodreau, USA — 2018
Mark Mullins, USA — 2022
Ben Polichronopoulos, USA —
3 fully supported daily rides!
Yes, that’s correct! Each day you’ll have the choice of 3 different fully supported rides – from 25km to 150km (15 miles to 95 miles). No matter your fitness level, our extensive ride program has you covered. Perfect for couples who love to ride but have different fitness levels.
Check out our Sport, Performance and Epic ride programs!
Performance Itinerary
RIDE ITINERARY SELECTOR
Click the tabs to see our flexible ride
programmes.
You can change between rides each day.
| Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | Hotel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bienvenue en France! | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 01 | Bienvenue en France! | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 01 | Bienvenue en France! | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 02 | Col de la Croix de Fer | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 02 | Col de la Croix de Fer | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 02 | Lacets de Montvernier | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 03 | LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the Col de la Loze | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 03 | LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the Col de la Loze | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 03 | LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the Col de la Loze | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 04 | Massif des Bauges Natural Park | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 04 | Massif des Bauges Natural Park | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 04 | Massif des Bauges Natural Park | Chateau des Comte de Challes | |||
| 05 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village in Moirans en Montagne | Hotel Les Jardins de Sophie | |||
| 05 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village in Moirans en Montagne | Hotel Les Jardins de Sophie | |||
| 05 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Departure Village in Moirans en Montagne | Hotel Les Jardins de Sophie | |||
| 06 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Tribune at the Stage Finish - plus Official Ride over the Finish Line & Podium Photo Op | Hotel Les Jardins de Sophie | |||
| 06 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Tribune at the Stage Finish - plus Official Ride over the Finish Line & Podium Photo Op | Hotel Les Jardins de Sophie | |||
| 06 | LIVE Race-Viewing: VIP Tribune at the Stage Finish - plus Official Ride over the Finish Line & Podium Photo Op | Hotel Les Jardins de Sophie | |||
| 07 | End of the Alps Trip - OR - continue to Paris for the Final Stage (Paris Extension Only) | Hotel Intercontinental Le Grand, Paris | |||
| 07 | End of the Alps Trip - OR - continue to Paris for the Final Stage (Paris Extension Only) | Hotel Intercontinental Le Grand, Paris | |||
| 07 | End of the Alps Trip - OR - continue to Paris for the Final Stage (Paris Extension Only) | Hotel Intercontinental Le Grand, Paris | |||
| 08 | End of the Paris Extension | ||||
| 08 | End of the Paris Extension | ||||
| 08 | End of the Paris Extension | ||||
| Performance Daily Averages |
Itinerary Detail
Day 1
Distance
Elevation
Bienvenue en France!
Your trip starts at Geneva Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your first hotel, the 15th century Chateau des Comtes de Challes near Chambery. Before lunch we’ll have a brief Orientation Meeting followed by the bike-build where our mechanics will be on hand if you need help preparing your bike.
You’ll kick off your week in the Alps with a magnificent ride into the Massif des Bauges Natural Park and your first Alpine climb, the “Categorie 1” climb to the Col de Marocaz.
Day 2
Distance
Elevation
Col de la Croix de Fer
A quintessential Alps ride today featuring several legendary Tour de France climbs.
After a short transfer to La Chambre, you’ll head along the Maurienne Valley for 8km. As you’re riding along the valley you’ll notice a steep cliff on your left hand side with what looks like a road weaving its way up the almost vertical cliff face. Welcome to Les Lacets de Monvernier, an incredible road carved into the side of the mountain and incorporating 17 switchbacks in just 3km! From the Lacets you’ll ride along the valley to Jean de Maurienne where you’ll start the legendary climb to the Col de la Croix de Fer, then continue on to the Col du Glandon before the long descent back to La Chambre. Bon courage!
Day 3
Distance
Elevation
LIVE Race-Viewing: Private Hospitality Marquee on the Col de la Loze
Since the Col de la Loze was paved in 2019, it has become the most challenging climb of the Tour de France. Today is your opportunity to test your climbing skills on this monster climb which boasts an average grade of 7.5% over 21.5km, and a maximum grade of 24%!
Our Logistics Team will have set up our Race-Viewing Hospitality Marquee on the climb which will be buzzing with thousands of passionate fans excited to see the Tour de France on this spectacular climb. Enjoy the race atmosphere from the comfort of our Private Hospitality Marquee. Food, drinks, and satellite TV race coverage will keep you entertained as you wait for the peloton to approach.
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Map & Profile
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Col du Marocaz from Cruet |
8.2% | 1 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lacets de Monvernier from Pontamafrey |
10.6% | 2 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
|
Col de la Croix de Fer from St Jean de Maurienne |
6.0% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Col de la Loze from Brides les Bains – via Meribel |
7.7% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
8-10
10-12
12-15
>15
|
|||||
Climbs
Stage
Rest Day: St Gervais Mont Blanc
Stage 16
Passy > Combloux (TT)
The only time trial of the 2023 race is characterized by its short distance and a profile that will suit those climbers who feel comfortable in this solo discipline. The famous Domancy climb is on the programme. At the same time, it provides an opportunity for the rider who’s in yellow to assert his superiority or for his rivals to begin a fightback that could last a whole week.
Stage 17
St Gervais > Courchevel
The stage will be a great challenge, with more than 5,000 metres of vertical gain to deal with or exploit across the day. The finale will feature the Tour’s second visit to the impressive Col de la Loze, then plunge into Courchevel, where the final battle will take place on the altiport’s 18% runway.
Stage 18
Moûtiers > Bourg-en-Bresse
The sprinters will have needed to show real determination to get through the shock of the Tour’s stint in the Alps. They’ll be rewarded with a stage where the route avoids the hills and should facilitate their return front and centre. On the straight final kilometre, they’ll be able to get right up to maximum speed again.
Stage 19
Moirans-en-Montagne > Poligny
The stage meanders between the numerous lakes of the Jura, but avoids climbing to the department’s summits. The Côte d’Ivory, located around 30 kilometres from the finish line, won’t prevent the sprinters from taking advantage of a gigantic launch-pad: the final straight is a touch more than eight kilometres long.
Stage 20
Belfort > Le Markstein
The penultimate stage features an Alsatian menu that is likely to cause indigestion, even over a distance this short, as the riders face a cumulative total of 3,600 metres of climbing. If the contest for the Yellow Jersey is still alive, anything is possible: after the Ballon d’Alsace, there will be an opportunity to launch attacks on the Col de la Croix des Moinats, then a little bit further on when climbing the Col de Grosse Pierre, then on the Schlucht, before then tackling the Petit Ballon and the Platzerwasel... It’s a minefield!
Stage 21
St Quentin en Yvelines > Paris
The contenders for the race’s last bouquet will have to be in Olympic form on a course that’s been designed in a nod to the 2024 Paris Games, during which the events for all cycling disciplines will be held mostly in the Yvelines. The sprinters will be looking to test themselves in the vertiginous arena that is the Champs-Élysées.
Stage
Paris
Paris
Tour de France
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Climbs
Dates & Prices
| Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | |||||||
July 17 to 23 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $7,995
|
USD $900 |
n/a |
Book this trip | |
July 17 to 24: Includes Paris Extension |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $9,695
|
USD $1,200 |
n/a |
Book this trip | |
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:
Trip Hotels
What's Included
| What's Included | What's Not Included |
|---|---|
Tour de France Viewing
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
Merchandising
Paris Extension (if selected)
|
|
| What's Included |
|---|
Tour de France Viewing
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
Merchandising
Paris Extension (if selected)
|
| What's Not Included |
|
Pick-up/Drop-off Info
Arrival
| Pickup Location | Time |
|---|---|
|
Geneva Airport |
July 17th at 9:00am |
OR |
|
|
Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport |
July 17th at 9:00am |
Departure
| Drop Off Location | Time |
|---|---|
|
ALPS TRIP: Basel Airport |
July 23rd at 10:00am |
OR |
|
|
PARIS EXTENSION: No organized Drop-Off |
|
Rental Bikes
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
Price
USD $500
See Videos
VIP Departure Village Experience
Meet the riders and Tour celebrities in the VIP Departure Village
VIP Ride across the Finish Line
Official VIP ride across the Finish Line followed by a memorable photo shoot on the Official Podium
No-one prepares like Thomson
An inside view of how we prepare a Thomson trip, to ensure you have the optimal experience
TDF K/QOM Challenge – Week 3 Alps Stages with Paris Option
Experience the Tour de France with the Premier Official Tour Operator
