Tour de France 2016

2016 marks the 103rd Tour de France, and with the start date on the horizon, and properties dotted throughout France, we invite you to follow the riders’ progress with us as they make their way around our beautiful countryside.

Taking place between Saturday 2nd and Sunday 24th July this year, the route covers 21 stages which will see the riders powering from Normandy’s Mont Saint-Michel, around the country and beyond, before returning to the finish line in Paris. The riders won’t only be traversing France’s scenic roads, with stages taking place in neighbouring Spain, Andorra and Switzerland, too.

Tour de France in numbers

The route

9 flat stages, 1 hilly, 9 mountain with 4 summit finishes, 2 individual time trials and a mere 2 rest days! Each stage is bafflingly gruelling, ranging from 17km – 237.5km of non-stop cycling per day!

The cyclists

The Tour de France 2016 will include 192 cyclists with 1,400 bikes whizzing through 33 French departments.

The spectators

The challenge will be broadcast in 190 countries, with an estimated 12 million spectators!

We’re lucky enough to have properties nearby the course this year, some of which still have limited availability, so if you’re quick off the start line there’s still a chance you could bag yourself a trophy trip!

 

9th July – Bagnères-de-Luchon, Midi-Pyrenees (Saint Lary Soulan)

On stage 8 of the race (9th July), the course winds its way through Bagnères-de-Luchon. This stage will have the cyclists accomplishing a total of 183km, peaking at 2115 metres above sea level.

Our property Residence Cami Réal in Saint Lary Soulan is less than an hour from the course, and offers fantastic access to the thermal baths of the city. There’s also an indoor swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool to relax in after a day of watching all that exhausting sport!

A 7-night stay in the Residence Cami Real between 2nd – 9th July for 2 people starts from £209.*

 

13th July – Carcassonne / Montpellier, Languedoc-Roussillon (Montpellier)

Stage 11 (13th July) will journey between Carcassonne and Montpellier. In the past, Montpellier has been the breath-taking site of the sprinters, with this stage being flat across the plains.

Our property Les Consuls de la Mer is located in the heart of the city, just a few metres from the City Hall, making it easy and convenient to set yourself up along the course in prime position of where the riders will fly past on the day. Our apartments are light and airy, with all amenities needed for a relaxing self-catering stay, plus there’s an outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub to recoup in!

A 7-night stay in Les Consuls de le Mer between 9th – 16th July for 2 people starts from £469. *

 

14th July – Montpellier / Mont Ventoux, Provence (Isle sur la Sorgue)

Following on from stage 11, the riders will head to the gruelling Mont Ventoux for stage 12 on the 14th July. This stage is crucial for Chris Froome to keep his trophy from last year, and is a particularly taxing part of the route.

Visit the Madame Vacances Residence Provence Country Club, which is roughly an hour’s drive from the Tour de France course, situated in pretty Isle sur la Sorgue. Found on the Saumane Golf Course, this property overlooks the Alpilles mountain range itself. These apartments offer comfort, roomy accommodation and an outdoor pool, tennis, al fresco dining and access to the golf course.

A 7-night stay in Residence Provence Country Club between 9th – 16th July for 2 people starts from £409. *

 

15th July – Bourg-Saint-Andéol / The Cave of the Pont-d’Arc, Ardèche (Barjac)

Stage 13 on 15th July is individual time trial day, measuring just (!) 37.5km. Today the cyclists will pedal alone, and be timed against the clock.

Rest your head in our Residence La Closerie, just 30 minutes from the trials, in Barjac. Near the centre of town, this property places you within easy reach of some fantastic places to eat while remaining relaxingly peaceful. Apartments sleep 2 to 8 people, so a great choice for the whole family, and also provide access to a communal swimming pool.

A 7-night stay in Residence La Closerie between 9th – 16th July for 2 people starts from £439. *

 

22nd July – Albertville / Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc, Savoie Alps (Chambéry)

Stage 19 on 22nd July will be held between Albertville and Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc. A mountainous route, this stage totals 146km, and is just 40 minutes from our hometown Chambéry, as well as our brand new luxury property Le Château de Candie.

This 4-star château is just 5 minutes’ drive from the city centre, and is surrounded by almost 15 acres of natural land. Wander the gardens and vineyards before taking a dip in the outdoor pool, and sample the French delicacies in the two restaurants on site.

An overnight stay in Le Château de Candie on 22nd July for 2 people starts from £99. *

 

We’re incredibly excited to be hosting fans so close to the course, and we’ll be cheering on from the sidelines – good luck to all the riders!

*(Prices current as per 7th June 2016)