Tour de France 2026: Week 3 “Experience” – French Alps & Paris

After breakfast, we set off directly from the Geneva hotel for our morning ride. We will tackle the classic local ascent of Mont Salève – a long, steady climb that is famous among local cyclists.
The reward for your effort is truly spectacular: amazing panoramic views overlooking the entire city of Geneva and the expanse of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). After soaking in the scenery, we enjoy a fun descent back to the hotel for a quick shower before heading toward the French side of the lake to Thonon-les-Bains, the finish city for today’s Individual Time Trial (ITT). We secure our spot to watch the most powerful and fastest riders in the world hurtle across the line, witnessing the dramatic conclusion of a pivotal stage.

Today is all about riding a significant portion of the early stage before settling into a prime viewing location. After breakfast, we depart for our starting point just outside Grenoble for a brief, flat warm-up, following the official race route. At the 20 km mark, the challenge begins with the first categorised climb of the day: the Côte du Monteynard. We continue over a scenic, undulating section that perfectly mirrors the terrain the professionals will face later.
Our ride culminates at the TDF Relais de l’Étape, an exclusive mid-stage hospitality area. Here, you’ll trade your bike for a seated dining experience enjoying food and drink while watching the high-speed action of the professional peloton race past. Once the caravan and riders have gone through, we will transfer back to Grenoble (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), allowing for relaxation and dinner after a full day on the official race route.

Today shifts focus to the drama of the professional peloton’s Queen Stage. Our ride starts in Allemond, taking us immediately onto the long, famous ascent towards the Col du Glandon (1,924m). If time and legs permit, the route offers the option to continue up to the Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067m) – an extraordinary final Alpine challenge. The team will strategically set up a prime viewing position near the Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer. Prepare to cheer as the early breakaways and the main peloton fight for position, possibly passing within arm’s reach.

Following the race, enjoy a thrilling, long descent toward the valley floor near La Chambre (or a van ride option); The team will transfer you to Chambéry to a local leisure centre to use their facilities for a refreshing shower and change, before taking the TGV for a high-speed, fast journey to Paris and your hotel.

We recommend that you book an afternoon flight to allow you a sleep-in, a leisurely Parisian continental breakfast and perhaps last-minute shopping. The Team will assist you in checking out, packing up and then transferring you to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your onward journey.
If the Grand Tours Project Tour de France Week 3 Experience ticks your boxes – up to 5 mountain climbs, riding on portions of the official race route with fans cheering you on, access to TDF VIP hospitality areas at the stage starts and finishes, immersed with crowds to feel the passion, dining and quaffing French cuisine, wines and beers, enjoying the camaraderie of friends family or new friends – then contact us here.

If the idea of this unforgettable experience, blending Tour de France passion with personal climbing achievement, appeals to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Grand Tours Project to secure your place.