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FRANCE CYCLING TOUR 2005. SEE LANCE IN HIS LAST TDF!
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lda-@earthlink.net
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May 05, 2005 01:44 PDT
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If anyone is interested in going to France this summer, this is an excellent trip. Some of you may already know us at Asphalt Magazine, but we would love to meet you in person.
Once we heard this would be Lance’s last Tour de France, we knew we had to plan a trip to see him. Come join Asphalt Magazine’s Patrick Brady for the final chance to see Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France. See the last two stages, and then cycle through the beautiful Massif Centrale, Rhone Valley, and get a taste of Provence.
This new custom tour, designed by Patrick, takes in the critical final individual time trial and the fun and excitement of the Champs Élysées. After celebrating the Tour, we return to the exquisite French countryside and enjoy wine country, lavender fields, and the opportunity to take on Mont Ventoux.
This tour provides the ultimate buffet for road cyclists. First, we begin with the final ITT in St. Etienne. If you’ve ever imagined what it would be like to have a 50-yard line seat at the Super Bowl, imagine that, times three. After watching the riders test themselves against the clock, we board the train to Paris where we will experience the party and thrills of the Tour’s final stage on the Champs Élysées. At day’s end, we re-board the train back to Lyon.
The following day, we unpack our bikes and begin our trek through the mountainous Auvergne. Challenging and filled with stunning vistas, the Auvergne offers all the grace and beauty of France without the length of the greater climbs found in the Alps and the Pyrenées. We are fortunate to stay a few days in one of true gems of the region, Le Puy en Velay. Leaving the Auvergne and the Loire Valley, we wind our way south through the Gorges de L’Ardeche to Chateneuf du Pape, an area renowned for its wine. If we are not overwhelmed by the scent of lavender, we take on Mont Ventoux and then cruise over to one of the most charming Provençal towns, Vaison La Romaine. This city offers a view into three different time periods. First, there is the old bridge and ruins that date back to the Roman Empire. Then, there is the Ancient Quarter stationed high above the main town with its steep, winding streets and buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. And finally, there is the modern day Vaison filled with unique shops and cafes offering Provençal delights for everyone.
While in Vaison, we will ride the Route du Vin which crosses through a number of France’s celebrated wine regions such as Séguret, Sablet, Rasteau, Gigondas and Vaqueyras. After leaving Vaison, we wind our way north along the Rhone River, taking in more lavender and passing through Cote Roti and Condrieu, until we arrive back in Lyon. Here we pack our bikes and say, au revoir.
Quick Details:
Dates: July 22 through August 7
16 days/nights; Option for 10 days/nights (call for price)
Includes: 2 Multilingual guides; 16 nights hotel; all breakfasts; 11 dinners with 5 nights to explore; support van; all luggage transfers; airport transfers to and from Lyon; route notes and maps.
$3400 per person, double occupancy, not including air fare and train fare to Paris.
Arrive/Depart: Lyon International Airport
Mileage: 50-70 miles per day.
We can accommodate non-cycling travel companions as well!
CONTACT: Lorraine Daly, lda-@asphaltmag.com, 310-937-5690 (www.asphaltmag.com)
Operated by Andiamo Adventours (www.andiamoadventours.com) (This tour is not on the website.)
THANK YOU!!!! Happy Riding!
Lorraine
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