Tour de France La Marmotte and Etape du Tour
11 Days | 10 Nights
2024 Marmotte Gran Fondo, Tour de France and Etape du Tour with Sportive Breaks
Key Features
- 10 nights | 11 days
- Fully supported tour with experienced local guides
- Entry into La Marmotte & Etape du Tour
- Prime viewing of 2 stages of the Tour de France
- Breakfast and Evening meals
- ~15,000m total elevation climbed for the week
- ~600km the total distance ridden
- Tour starts Alpe d'Huez 28th June, finishes Nice 8th July
This tour is limited to 14 riders
Our tour starts with the original European sportive and still one of the hardest. The Marmotte takes in four giant alpine climbs, all legendary from the Tour de France finishing with the mighty Galibier and then Alpe d’Huez. A serious challenge! Also part of the Marmotte weekend are the Grimpee Time Trial on Friday and the Ultra route option with over 6500m of climbing which takes place alongside the Marmotte on Sunday 30 June. The other big Sportive, the Etape du Tour takes place in Nice a week later on Sunday 7 July giving us the brilliant opportunity to ride both! As an added bonus, the Tour de France visits Valloire straight after the Marmotte so we will stay around for a few days to catch that.
Stay in Alpe d’Huez with us for 3 nights followed by 3 nights in Bourg d’Oisans and 4 nights in Nice. Our support includes mechanic service, guided rides and private feed stations. We also offer Marmotte entry in wave 1 with a 07:00 start or wave 2 with a 07.30 start, a group meal night in Alpe d’Huez and airport transfers from Geneva airport and back to Nice airport.
Please book an extra night on Thursday if you want to take part in the Grimpee de L’Alpe; Alpe d’Huez Time Trial on Friday morning.
2024 Tour de France
After its Grand Depart in Italy, the 2024 Tour de France comes into the French Alps with a stage from Pinerolo to Valloire followed by a stage start in St Jean de Maurienne the day after. Before we move to Nice for the Etape, we will watch the riders of the Tour as they tackle the same roads as you did on the Marmotte.
2024 Etape du Tour
The 2024 Etape du Tour will take place in Nice on Sunday 7th July. The start is in Nice and the finish is on the Col de la Couilolle, located 90km north of Nice. Stage 20 of the 2024 Tour de France is 132 kilometres long, but packs in 4 climbs. The finish is situated at the Col de la Couillole, 15.7 kilometres long with an average of 7%. The other climbs are the Col de Braus (10 kilometres at 6.6%), the Col de Turini is the longest climb of the day with 20.7 kilometres at 5.7% with the highest point at 1,608 metres above sea level. The Col de la Colmaine is roughly 20 kilometres long and averaging almost 5%.
Bike Hire Available
Ridley Fenix SLIC Di2 just mention it with your enquiry for more information.
2024 Marmotte Gran Fondo, Tour de France and Etape du Tour
Price per person: $6,998 AUD based on twin share. (two people in room)
A Single Supplement of $1,700 AUD is available so solo travellers can join us too!
Note: Trip costs are per person, not including airfare and based on two persons per room. We recommend Travel Insurance for your trip. As cycling travel experts, we are able to match you with an ideal provider, just mention it when you enquire.
What's Included?
- Expert Staff Fully Supported
- 2024 Marmotte Entry in the first start wave at 07.00
- 2024 Etape du Tour Entry delivered to your hotel
- Private feed stops on Marmotte and Etape day
- Bag drop at the Marmotte start
- Prime viewing of race stages
- Guided rides with our experienced local team
- Expert mechanic on hand
- Meals Included Breakfast and evening meals
- 3 nights at hotel Pop Alp in Alpe d’Huez (Fri – Mon)- Half Board Basis
- 3 nights in Bourg d’Oisans (Mon – Thu) - Half Board Basis
- 4 nights in Valberg (Thu – Mon) - Half Board Basis
- Airport transfers included From Geneva airport (GVA) and back to Nice Airport (NCE)
- Transfer from Alpe d’Huez to Nice. Transfer to the start in Nice on Etape day.
Itinerary
Day To Day
Hotel: Pop Alp in Alpe d’Huez
Highlights:
- Tonight we host a group dinner, this is an opportunity to get to know the other riders & we’ll run you through the itinerary ahead.
Today’s Ride: If you are on the earlier arrival, we will run a short (but punchy) guided ride down Alpe d’Huez, over the Balcons and back up the Sarenne departing Alpe d’Huez at 15.30.
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner at local restaurant
Fly into Lyon or Geneva where our team will meet you. The transfer takes just over 2 hours from Lyon and 3 hours from Geneva.
Please make your way to Alpe d’Huez today or make use of our optional airport transfer from Geneva airport where our team will meet you. The transfer takes 3 hours from Geneva. Please arrive today if you would like to do the Alpe d’Huez Time Trial tomorrow (Grimpee de L’Alpe).
Group airport transfers from Geneva Airport – Included
Today we offer one airport transfer which depart Geneva Airport at 11.00 and at 16.00. When you make your booking, you can add this group airport transfer. Please book a flight that arrives before the transfer time.
Private Airport transfers
Please contact us for a quote on a private airport transfer at another time from Geneva Airport or from Lyon Airport. Below you will find some guide prices for private airport transfers.
What about my bike?
You can bring your own bike as we have planned to transport bike boxes on our airport transfers. Our mechanic will be available this afternoon at the hotel to assist you with building your bike after travel. Bikes can be safely stored at the hotel.
This afternoon you can go to the expo to collect your race bib for tomorrow. This afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you.
Hotel: Pop Alp in Alpe d’Huez
Today’s Ride: ~50km guided ride that takes in the Villard Reculas climb which is the easiest way to get back up to Alpe d’Huez. We will descend to Bourg d’Oisans, ride along the valley floor and climb back up to Alpe d’Huez.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Evening Meal
After breakfast and preparing the bikes, we will take you on a supported, guided ride that takes in the Villard Reculas climb which is the easiest way to get back up to Alpe d’Huez. We will descend to Bourg d’Oisans, ride along the valley floor and climb back up to Alpe d’Huez.
We’ll be back at the hotel in the afternoon for you to rest and get prepared for tomorrow. This evening our bike guides will do a race briefing to run through Marmotte day logistics and of course the route.
The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us at a local restaurant the meal night.
Hotel: Pop Alp in Alpe d’Huez
Highlights:
- Ride La Marmotte!
Today’s Ride – 177km | 5500m Climbing
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
We have an early start this morning. Early breakfast is arranged in the hotel restaurant.
The Marmotte Gran Fondo takes off in waves. You will be assigned a start pen with an allocated start time. This race does operate with a cut-off time, there is a checkpoint at the start of Alpe d’Huez in Bourg d’Oisans and you must reach it before 18:15. If you are unable to make the cut-off, you will be transported to the finish line on Alpe d’Huez or you may finish
Once you cross the line it’s a
. You will be allocated a start pen with a time that you must enter the pen plus a start time. The Marmotte is a race with one cut off point. You need to have passed the start of the Alpe d’Huez climb in Bourg d’Oisans before 18.15 otherwise you will be eliminated from the race. If you’re eliminated your bike will go on a bike trailer and you will be transported to the finish in Alpe d’Huez or you can still climb Alpe d’Huez and finish in your own time.
Once you finish in Alpe d’Huez, there’s no need to worry as you are staying near the finish.
The evening is free for you to eat out in one of Alpe d’Huez’s many restaurants or you can join us for our meal night at a local restaurant. After the meal we’ll have a few drinks at a local bar to celebrate your achievement.
Hotel: Check-out Pop Alp in Alpe d’Huez | Check-in Bourg d’Oisans
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
A day off after yesterday’s epic ride. We’re sure you’ll have plenty to chat about with your fellow riders, hang out in the hotel at the outdoor pool or the terrace. If you’d rather go and explore, this is the perfect opportunity to go for a walk in the mountains.
In the afternoon we will transport you to Bourg d’Oisans where we will stay for 3 nights on half board basis so with breakfasts and dinners included.
Hotel:Bourg d’Oisans
Highlights:
- See a stage of the 2024 Tour de France!
Today’s Ride – Route TBC our local guides will take you to see the pros at stage 4 of the TDF.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Evening Meal
After breakfast, we will take you on a guided ride to watch the riders of the 2024 Tour de France as they race into the French Alps after the Grand Depart in Italy. The stage starts in Pinerolo (It) and finish in Valloire which you will know from the Marmotte.
Hotel: Bourg d’Oisans
Highlights:
- Watch a stage of the 2024 Tour de France!
Today’s Ride – Route TBC we will take you on a guided ride to see the pros at stage 5 of the TDF.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Evening Meal
After breakfast, we will leave Alpe d’Huez and take you on a guided ride to watch the riders of the 2024 Tour de France as they will start in the Maurienne Valley to leave the French Alps after the Grand Depart in Italy.
Evening meal at the hotel.
Hotel: Check-out Bourg d’Oisans | Check-in Le Chestellan
Highlights:
- We’re not on the bikes but you wont be disappointed by the views on this drive down from the Alps to the Coast.
Today’s Ride – Just a ride on our private transfer vehicle planned for today!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Evening Meal
After breakfast we say goodbye to Bourg d’Oisans and we will make our way to the Mediterranean coast. The drive is about 5 hours and your bike will be transported fully assembled.
We will be staying for 4 nights in Valberg at hotel Le Chestellan near the finish of the Etape du Tour on half board basis.
- Beuil is the location of the Etape du Tour finish village and is located at 8km from the finish on the Col de la Couilolle. This is the closest venue to the finish.
- Valberg is the nearest resort with more hotels and is located at 13km from the finish on the Col de la Couillole.
Hotel: Le Chestellan
Highlights :
- Conquer a Col near you!
Today’s Ride – Route TBC as determined by you and our guides.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Evening Meal
This morning we will take you for a guided ride in the area. Depending on the group preferences there are many climbs to conquer within direct access from Valberg.
- Isola 2000 (finish of Stage 19 of the 2024) Tour de France
- Col de la Bonette as featured on stage 19 – 55km from Valberg
- Col de la Couilolle – the Etape finish climb and featured on Stage 20
This afternoon and early evening, our tour leaders and bike mechanics are available for you to ask any extra questions or have a bike check-up.
Hotel: Le Chestellan
Highlights :
- Join us for another guided ride or go Tour Nice for the day
- Private Etape du Tour Race Briefing in the Evening
Today’s Ride – Route TBC designed by our expert guides
Meals Included: Breakfast & Evening Meal
After breakfast, we will take you on a supported, guided ride. We’ll be back at the hotel in the afternoon for you to rest and get prepared for the challenge that awaits you tomorrow.
If you’d rather spend the day off the bike this is the perfect opportunity to visit Nice and tour the city before it’s overwhelmed by the Tour de France finale! Return trip transfers are available for $95pp.
This evening our bike guides will do a race briefing to run through Etape day logistics, the Etape du Tour route and any questions you may have. Your evening meal is included but you might want to try a local restaurant, just ask us for recommendations.
Hotel: Le Chestellan
Highlights :
- Ride L’Etape du Tour de France
- Ride a stage of the Tour de France!
Today’s Ride – The 2024 Etape du Tour Route is 133km and over 5000m of climbing.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Evening Meal
We have an early start this morning. Early breakfast is arranged in the hotel restaurant.
The Etape du Tour start is done in waves. You will be allocated a start pen with a time that you must enter the pen plus a start time. Please note that Sportive Breaks has no influence on start pens or timings.
The Etape du Tour is a race with various cut off points. You need to have passed each cut off point at certain times otherwise you will be eliminated from the race. If you’re eliminated your bike will go on a bike trailer and you will be transported to the finish.
We have an early start this morning. Early breakfasts are arranged in the hotel restaurants.
Transfer to the start
This morning we will transfer you to Nice for the start of the 2024 Etape du Tour.
As you are staying near the finish, just descend down to Beuil and enjoy your achievement before riding back to your hotel. Assistance is available for those who can’t ride back.
Evening meal and support packing bikes this evening.
Hotel: Check-out Le Chestellan
Today unless you have booked onwards travel options with us, we part ways and bid you Adieu. After breakfast we offer our optional transfers back to Nice Airport at set times.
More About the Tour
La Marmotte
La Marmotte is known to be one of the hardest sportives to participate in. Taking place in June this year, our travel packages include tackling 4 alpine climbs which have become legendary thanks to the Tour de France. This route is a serious challenge and a fantastic achievement.
What is La Marmotte Sportive?
La Marmotte is the ultimate cycling test and also the oldest sportive in the cycling calendar. At 174km, this one-day classic includes conquering famous climbs from the Tour de France including the Galibier, the Glandon and the Croix de Fer. The Marmotte has one cut off point. You need to have passed the start of the Alpe d’Huez climb in Bourg d’Oisans before 18:15 otherwise you will be eliminated from the race. If you’re eliminated your bike will go on a bike trailer and you will be transported to the finish in Alpe d’Huez. Once you finish in Alpe d’Huez, there’s no need to worry as you are staying near the finish.
First held in 1982, this is still one of the most popular cycling events in the world and a bucket list sportive all riders should try at least once.
Gran Fondo Options
The famous Marmotte Granfondo Alps finishes with the legendary Alpe d’Huez. The famous 21 hairpin bends must be conquered before the final release of the finish. It takes courage to overcome the 174 kilometres and 5,000 altimeters of this epic cycling challenge.
The route features 6 of the most legendary passes in France: in order of appearance on the route: the Glandon, the Croix de Fer, the Telegraphe, the Galibier, the Lautaret, and finally the final ascent of Alpe d’Huez. Whether you aim for a certain time or you just want to finish, every participant leaves Alpe d’Huez with a satisfying feeling and bragging rights knowing that they have conquered this challenge.
2024 La Marmotte Gran Fondo Route
2024 Etape du Tour Route
- Start: Nice City Centre
- Finish: Col de la Couillole
- Finish Village: Beuil
- Return Transport: Beuil
The 32nd edition of L’Étape du Tour de France will be held on 07 July 2024 on the route of the 20th stage of the Tour de France, between Nice and the Col de la Couillole, a 138km route with more than 4,600 metres of ascent, including the climbs of the Col de la Couillole, Col de Braus, Col de Turini and Col de la Colmiane.
Even though slightly shorter than the 2023 Etape, this is a tough stage with 4,600 metres of climbing over the 138-kilometre rout you need to be perfectly prepared for this challenge. Our team have been present at the last 14 editions of the Etape du Tour and we are looking forward to again helping riders to enjoy a brilliant day out on the bike again.
If you are interested in cycling the most famous sportive in the world, your entry is included with this package. Take on the Etape du Tour (also known as the L’Etape du tour) and ride the Queen stage of the 2024 Tour de France. The 2024 route will again include awesome climbs in one of the world’s best cycling regions.
2024 Etape du Tour de France Route
Hotel: Pullman Adelaide
Hotel
16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide CBD, 5000 Adelaide
An explorers playground in the heart of Adelaide. Our 308 rooms and suites offer a fresh, open layout and all-round connectivity; ready to welcome modern-day adventurers and nomads, travelling for business or pleasure.
Stay connected with ultra-fast Wi-Fi in the lobby and throughout the hotel. For those needing to regenerate and re-energise, our lap-pool with spa & sauna is the place. Need to sweat it out? Visit our fully equipped Fit Lounge & Bike Zone. Our Salt Restaurant and Bar infuse impeccable service with a modern, evolving dining experience featuring fresh seasonal and local produce. It’s the perfect place for chance encounters, business dinners or wind-down drinks.
Positioned in the heart of the Adelaide Central Business District and with Adelaide’s world-class dining experiences and vibrant East End right on our doorstep, Pullman Adelaide is perfectly located.
You're in safe hands
We have a team of highly experienced professionals who have been organising cycling trips for over 25 years.
Plenty to choose from
Did you know we offer the biggest selection of European Gran Fondo and Cyclo-Sportive events.
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Our payment plan is an interest-free payment method where you will have the opportunity to spread payment for your booking. *Selected products. Terms and Conditions apply
Logistics covered
We know the routes, we know the roads. We know how the event works and the best hotels for the start and finish. We organise everything for you; transfers, bike transport, additional feed stops, rep support and more.
