Torino to Paris - AllTrails Expedition (TourzPlus)
Torino to Paris - AllTrails Expedition (TourzPlus)
We have partnered with Australian company AllTrails to bring you a bicycle expedition from Torino to Paris.
Cycle from Italy to France over legendary passes in the Alps and through renowned wine towns. Absorb the scenery on the way to Paris from your bike seat. This 13-day trip enables you to enjoy French culture, explore the tiny villages en route and make new friends on the road, as well as welcome the Tour de France cyclists as they race into Paris on the last day of the most famous cycling race in the world.
Featured in Men's Journal as one of 3 top global epic long distance bicycle tours.
arrival in Paris 1 day prior to the Tour de France
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Mountainous terrain that flattens out as the tour progresses; high daily mileage; this tour is timed to combine with the finish of the Tour de France so expect it to be hot.
Includes
13 days, 12 nights in comfortable 3 and 4 star hotels and country estates; 12 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 1 evening happy hour, 3 lunches, Champagne celebration at the Eifel Tower; van support
Arrive / Depart
Torino International Airport (TRN) / Charles De Gaulle (CDG) or Paris-Orly (ORY)
This is rest day in Torino after Leg 22 from Rome to Torino. For cyclists joining us in Torino, we strongly suggest arriving on the 8th to prepare yourself and explore the area before meeting the AllTrails Cycle Legs team and riders. Torino was the first capital of a unified Italy and a major business and cultural centre for the country, it is also the capital of the Piemonte region, famous for its wines and monasteries.
Distance: Test Ride. Meals: D
Lodging: Hotel Genova
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Torino to Susa
Highlights: Italian Alps
The beauty of the Italian Alps is with us today in all its glory as we cycle up the Dora Riparia - the magnificent valley taking us to Susa and the snowfield region of Bardonecchia, a popular holiday resort in the heart of the Alps, where the Winter Olympics took place in 2006.
Distance: 57km (35 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel Napoleon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: Susa to Briançon
Highlights: Climbing the French Alps, Briançon
Today we cross the French border then head south to the lovely Alpine town of Briançon. At 68km this is a reasonably short ride but it marks the start of the mountain climbing so it will be a nice warm up for tomorrow's attack on the famous Tour de France climbs and you will enjoy the afternoon in beautiful surroundings. We are going to pass through Bardonecchia, the last village in Italy before climbing the Colle della Scala/ Col de l'echelle which marks the boundary between Italy and France. From the top of the Col (1762 metres) we will gently ride downhill into Briancon, the highest town in the European Union at 1325 metres, with its magnificent fortifications of the Vauban. Briancon has often been the final stage of the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.
Distance: 68 km (42 miles). Meals: B
Lodging: Parc Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Briançon to Alpe d'Huez
Highlights: Col du Lautaret, la Meije, Massif des Ecrins, l'Alpe-d'Huez, Col du Galibier (optional)
We cycle through the valley alongside beautiful river systems, before climbing Col du Lautaret 2058mt then on to La Meije, Massif des Ecrins. For those who want the ultimate Tour de France cycling experience you have the opportunity to ride up and down Col du Galibier before we all climb the world famous Alpe d'Huez. Stand on the podium at the top for a great picture opportunity before retiring to our accommodation right here at the top of Alpe-d'Huez for our overnight stay (unless you want to go down and do Alpe-d'Huez again!). Don't worry if you do not want to tackle all of the hills today - our support vehicle will be there to help you along where required (and remember that tomorrow is pretty much all downhill). Many of the climbs that you ride today will be ridden by the Tour de France cyclists tomorrow as le Tour travels in the opposite direction to us.
Distance: 81 km (50 miles). Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Alpenrose Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Alpe d'Huez to La Cote St Andrè
Highlights: Gorges de la Romanche, Chaine de la Belledonne, Grenoble.
Today we head down from Alpe d'Huez to Le Bourg d'Oisans on a long downhill then wind our way between the stunning mountain ranges, heading on and through Grenoble along the Drac and then Isere Rivers. Grenoble is considered the capital of the French Alps and the city's history goes back more than 2000 years! We'll bike along the two rivers on a nice and flat bikepath before getting to a small and typical village of the region Rhone Alpes: la Cote St Andre.
Distance 124 km (77 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel de France
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: La Cote St Andrè to Mâcon
Highlights: Rolling countryside of the French Rhone-Alpes region, Mâcon wines and Beaujoulais vineyards
A long but flat ride for today as we cross the Rhone River and head north through the marshy plains of the Dombes region, also known as the thousand lakes region. Many spots for bird watching today, as we pedal from one pond to the next. The cycling to Paris from now has a lot less hills, however vineyards are the beauty of this area. We head away taking in the wonderful scenery and atmosphere of the French countryside and villages. In the morning we will pedal through the beautiful countryside on small roads with no traffic before getting into the Burgundy region with its production of excellent wines. Our final stop is Macon, a town which lies on the river Saone. The city has a wonderful recently restored romanesque cathedral and many cafes along the river where you can taste some wines of the Maconnais!
Distance: 141 km (87 miles). Meals: B
Lodging: Hotel de Bourgogne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Mâcon to Beaune - Capital of Burgundy Wines
Highlights today are many as we cycle through Burgundy's famous Vineyards. A scenic flat ride through some of the best known vineyards of France. We will start the day biking along rolling roads in the middle of the countryside before getting to the medieval town of Tournus where you can stop by to visit the massive church of Saint Philibert. From Tournus you will bike through the famous vineyards and chateaux of Burgundy before getting to Beaune, the capital of the wine region, ready for your rest day tomorrow.
Distance: 102 km (63 miles). Meals: B
Lodging: Hotel de la Paix
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Beaune (Rest Day)
Highlights: Beaune
Rest day today in the Capital of Burgundy Wines to recharge the batteries and prepare for the final push on to Paris. Explore the town or relax at the wineries scattered around every corner.
Distance: Rest Day Meals: B
Lodging: Hotel de la Paix
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Beaune to Semur-en-Auxois
Highlights: Beautiful traffic-free country roads, fortified town of Semur-en-Auxois
Burgundy Vineyards beautify this area, which has many quiet back roads through medieval villages built on a pink granite bluff. We pedal the small roads again before a short climb to the splendid medieval chateau de Chateauneuf where you can stop for a visit and enjoy a magnificient view of the countryside. There will not be many villages today along our route - simply the beauty of the green, flowery countryside before arriving in Semur en Auxois which is encircled by River Armancon and was the start of 2007 Tour de France.
Distance: 90 km (56 miles). Meals: B, L
Lodging: Le Cote d'Or
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10: Semur-en-Auxois to Auxerre
Highlights: Auxerre - Capital of Lower Burgundy.
Rolling terrain today on our way to Auxerre, the Capital of Lower Burgundy and home of some of the most famous wineries in France. Not to be missed is the historical center with its half-timber houses and the exquisite flamboyant Gothic Abbey of St. Germain. From Semur we will experience the bucolic side of France, pedaling through flat roads before a short climb to Avallon, an architectural medieval pearl in the middle of Burgundy. Take the time to explore the village and do not miss the collegiate de Saint Lazaire. From Avallon we will continue on rolling and flat roads with little traffic till the entrance of Auxerre. We will pedal through the historical centre on small medieval lanes to our hotel. Auxerre is simply stunnning: explore the city and taste some typical wines such as the Chablis or the Cremant de Bourgogne.
Distance: 102 km (63 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel le Parc des Marechaux
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11: Auxerre to Fontainebleau
Highlights: Fontainebleau
A great ride today as we cycle the flat and easy terrain, passing through villages and crossing the border with our final region that is the Ile de France region. A few last short rolling hills before our final destination of Fontainebleau where you will admire one of the most famous French royal palaces: Fontainebleau. The Palace and the surrounding forest are popular destinations for Parisians to get out in the country and a lovely way to appreciate where the kings of France once lived.
Distance: 125 km (78 miles). Meals: B, L
Lodging: Aigle Noir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12: Fontainebleau to Eiffel Tower, Paris
Highlights: Pedaling into Paris, Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, Moulin de Senlis
Pedalling into Paris, the scenery, vineyards, villages, churches, magnificent architecture to Notre Dame Cathedral then finish under the Eiffel Tower with celebrations, champagne, French bread, cheese, olives, meats. Photos and 3 cheers before cycling down to the Champs-Élysées. Our hotel is exceptional, placed between Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées, in a lovely area of Paris amongst great restaurants.
Distance: 88 km (55 miles). Meals: B, D
Lodging: Hotel West End
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13: Paris - Tour Ends
Highlights: Optional Extra - grandstand viewing of Tour de France Paris arrival
Today we wander the sights of this wonderful city, and as an optional extra, some clients have bought seats in a hospitality tent on the Champs-Élysées, with food, drinks and a giant screen opposite. Others are scouting around, grabbing their best vantage points for the last day of the Tour de France. Don't miss it! A venue will be arranged for dinner tonight for those who want to continue celebrating which is at your own expense. No cycling today.
Meals: B
Optional Extra: enjoy the final day of the Tour de France in Paris with a fully catered grandstand package as the riders race up the Champs-Élysées. We can also help arrange a hotel for you if you plan to stay for the fun.
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Mountainous terrain that flattens out as the tour progresses; high daily mileage; this tour is timed to combine with the finish of the Tour de France so expect it to be hot.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Rolling hills
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
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