Tour de France Alps Weekend 2017

Service back to top

The Weekend Plan

This weekend has been designed to give you the perfect Tour de France experience. As a guide, here is a description of the popular 2016 weekend, based in Morzine to witness the penultimate stage 20:

Day 1, Thursday. Get there.

• Leave work early and grab an afternoon flight to Geneva.
• You’ll be met for the 1 hour 15 mins transfer to the chalet.
• Settle in to the chalet, enjoy a sunny drink on the terrace and wander in to town for a drink, a bite to eat and chance to feel the buzz in the air.

Day 2, Friday. Ride.

• Enjoy a hearty fresh breakfast before setting out into the mountains.
• There will be a group ride for those who want to join, taking in perhaps the most anticipated col on the Tour - Col de Joux Plane (11.5km at 8.5% avg incline (max 12.5%), and 989m vertical ascent).
• The suggested route is a 53km loop with 1487m vertical from Morzine - up to Les Gets - down to Taninges - along the valley to picturesque Samoens - ascend Col du Joux Plane - descend to Morzine.
• Route notes and advice will be provided and vehicle rescue pick up if needed.
• Longer or shorter easier routes can of course be done as you wish.
• Return to the chalet and relax in the sun for the afternoon, enjoy lunch in the village square, go for a swim in the outdoor pool.
• Sociable two course evening meal with wine in the evening.

Day 3, Saturday. Watch the Tour finish.

• Enjoy another leisurely breakfast, head out for a ride if you wish or savour the building atmosphere around the town.
• Join the colourful crowds roadside as the tour ascends yesterdays route from Samoens, over the Joux Plane and down to Morzine. Plenty of drama guaranteed as we finally discover who has won this years Tour.
• Enjoy dinner and party with the rest of the town.

Day 4, Sunday. Head home.

• After breakfast there is still a whole day ahead of you to enjoy the sunshine or head out on a final ride, perhaps up to Avoriaz, stage finish on previous occasions.
• Get your transfer back to Geneva to meet your chosen flight home.

Accommodation back to top

This was the accommodation used on the 2016 trip:

The trip was based in one of two wonderful Morzine chalets or a centrally located apartment.

One is an attractive, traditionally furnished chalet located in the Pied de la Plagne area of Morzine. The chalet sleeps 10 – 12 in 2 double en-suites, 1 twin en-suite and 2 triple en-suite rooms. The ground floor of the chalet comprises a large entrance hall and one double en-suite bedroom, as well as a large, open plan living and dining area with wood burning stove. All of the remaining bedrooms can be found on the first floor. Accessed via a separate entrance the lower ground floor is the sauna and a large boot room. There is a large terrace at the rear of the chalet which is home to the outdoor hot tub.

The other is an 18th century converted barn located in the majestic Prodains valley and boasts a high quality finish and covered outdoor hot tub on the terrace in which to relax after a long day of enjoying yourself! The chalet has a spacious, open plan lounge/dining room features a large dining table, plenty of comfortable seating and underfloor heating throughout. The kitchen is spacious and extremely well equipped. There are three twin en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor and two large quad en-suite bedrooms on the first floor. The chalet also offers a large secure garage area and on-site parking. Free wifi is available throughout.

The apartment is an attractive, traditionally furnished duplex apartment just off the main square in central Morzine. It sleeps 6 – 8 in 2 doubles and 1 twin room. The ground floor of the apartment comprises large open-plan living and dining area. On the first floor are three bedrooms; one double en-suite, one double and a twin which share a family bathroom and additional WC. There is also a large mezzanine seating area with sofa. The large, open plan living area and open fire make a great place to chill out in the evenings, whilst the adjoining balcony looks out over central Morzine.

Location back to top

View map

Full details to be announced when 2017 Tour details are announced.

About French Alps

Picturesque villages and famous cols in the Savoie and Haute Savoie.

Frequently Asked Questions back to top

Why book with Much Better Adventures?

Forget complex planning, we’ve taken care of all the details to maximise your time away - you just need to turn up and be epic. Expect:

• A unique, handcrafted mini adventure
• Expert local guides and hosts
• A hassle-free, all-inclusive package
• Best price guaranteed
• Bragging rights in the office on Monday
• A charity donation made by us via our Foundation.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?

No hard and fast rules on this one. The group ride on Friday is optional, you can choose to ride more, less or not at all. You’ll have a chance to meet the others on Thursday and Friday over breakfast and suss out what you want to do.

What’s the weather like?

The weather in summer is beautiful. Expect blue skies and sunshine unless you are unlucky, with temperatures ranging from 25-30C, maybe a little less at the top of the cols.

Which flights should I book?

Flight and transfer details will be announced when the 2017 itinerary is announced.

What's included in the price?

To maximise convenience we include as much of your travel and logistics in this package, so you just need to turn up and play. As a guide, in the 2016 trip:

• 3 nights chalet accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• Two course meal with wine on Friday
• Airport transfers
• Cycling route advice and on call vehicle support if needed.
• Mini bus shuttles around town as required.
• Bed linen, towels, WiFi.

What's the food like?

Breakfast is continental style and includes; a choice of cereals, porridge and muesli, accompanied by yoghurt, fresh french bread with butter, jams, eggs and cheese.

Dinner is a delicious two course meal, accompanied by complimentary bottled wines. An example menu: Chicken with Goats Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Parmentier Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, followed by Panna Cotta with Muddled Raspberies, or Lamb Tagine with Chickpeas and Apricots, Cous Cous, Honey Glazed Carrots and French Beans, followed by Chocolate Orange Torte.

Can my dietary requirements be catered to?

Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met.

How many people in the group?

This package was available exclusively across two chalets in Morzine, one sleeping 14 and the other 12. There will be the chance to join people from the other chalet for the group ride, watching the tour and at plenty of other times over the weekend.

Can I book on my own?

Sure can! It’s going to be a great weekend for meeting like minded people. Please note the price is based on sharing a twin room. If you want sole occupancy of a room, please let us know when booking.

Is there bike hire available?

Of course! There are a lot of excellent bike hire shops close to the chalet and your host will be able to point in the right direction.

Can I bring my own bike?

Sure thing! There is secure bike storage and a maintenance area at the chalet. Just book it on to your flight.