FRANCE GRAND TOUR 2024 - Massif Central & Lot Escape
8 Jul 2024 - 12 Jul 2024
The Massif Central and Lot. Under rated and not fixtures of popular summer international tourist destinations such as Bordeaux, the Pyrenees, Provence and the French Riviera. BUT these beautiful regions should be…or perhaps better left to be discovered by bike. And what better way than following the Grand Boucle of France!
The Grand Depart of the 111th edition of the World's premier cycle race in France, starts in Florence, Italy. After travelling over the Alps, through the world famous wine regions of northern France and down the edge of the Massif Central and flat Occitanie, the Tour reaches the magnificent Pyrenees. Week 3 throws a curve ball as a result of the Olympics and stays in the Mediterranean to finish with an ITT into Nice.
The Massif Central is a vast area and frankly under-appreciated except by the French of course. The Massif Central is a large region in central France and dominated by dormant volcanoes - perfect riding terrain. Remote, wild, short steep challenges, bucolic countryside, beautiful villages, and quintessential French cuisine. The Lot Department in the ancient Occitanie region offers a stunning contrast of flat rides, hot summer days, provencal type cuisine, deep red wines, and some of France’s officially recognised most beautiful villages - one of them is Rocamadour and also a UNESCO protected village.
The Grand Tours Project France’s Grand Tour Week 2 Massif Central and Lot provides full support and guidance for the three riding days. Day 2 you will spend the day exploring the beautiful routes of the Massif Central, preparing you for the climbs of Day 3 Stage 11 of the Tour. Day 4 will find yourself meandering the flat and limestone gullies, canals and tributaries to the Dordogne before joining the Stage 12 route to Rocamadour - a truly astounding cliff perched village, discovering
Are you ready to join us and experience France’s grand cycle race into the Massif Central and through Lot?
Total price: From €2,560
- Ride along portions of Stages 11 & 12 on the race route, on the day of the race
- Discover the surprising Volcanic region of central France - The Massif Central and Lot
- Enjoy the French Pyrenean cuisine and wines from the the plains
- Fall in love with the villages and cultures of the ancient Occitanie region of southern France
- Challenge yourself on the official categorised climbs of Stage 11
- Stay 2 nights in a charming hotel in Aurillac
- Be wowed by astounding Rocamadour as well as the other well maintained and yet lived in villages of the Massif Central and Lot
- Expert planning and support from our team (guides, mechanics, drivers)
- Premium rental bike available (Full carbon disc brake + Ultegra di2 electronic)
- Level of fitness: MEDIUM - fit enough to ride 2 to 4 hours or 50 to 100 km per day.
-
DAY 1 - MONDAY 8 JULY
BIENVENUE
30 km | 400 m
HOTEL in AurillacWe will meet you at Aurillac Airport - there are flights from the Paris-Orly Airport 3 times a day during summer. The GTP team will take you to your hotel in Aurillac on the edge of the Massif Central, an ancient and now dormant Volcanic region of central France. After check in, we will help assemble your bike or fit you to your rental bike and then ride a bucolic route to explore the area as well as test the bikes. Back at the hotel we will meet for pre-dinner drinks to present the GTP musettes and discuss the logistics for the next few days. Finally, our first dinner together.
-
DAY 2 - TUESDAY 9 JULY
EXPLORING THE MASSIF CENTRAL
70 km | 1,430 m
HOTEL in AurillacAfter a leisurely breakfast, the team will transfer you to your starting point. Your day will be a mix of rolling hills along tree lined pastures; climbs to escarpments and lookout points; riding beside streams; and passing through picturesque hamlets and villages. It will be an idyllic jaunt before throwing yourselves into the excitement of the next day!
-
DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY 10 JULY
Stage 11 - Salers or Saint-Vincent- de-Salers - Le Lioran
50 km | 1,265 m or 74 km | 1,706 m
Hotel RocamadourThe day starts with a transfer - the short route rides along the beautiful balcony road to Col de Neronne joining the Stage 11 race route. The longer version from Saint-Vincent-de-Salers takes a more challenging way up the same col. The vegetation changes as you climb to the rugged and extinct volcano, Puy Mary Pas de Peyrole (1,589 m). Puy Mary is a classified Grand National site and for good reason if only for the magnificent views! Next up, Col de Pertus (1,309 m) and finally Col de Font de Cere (1,294 m) and the finish at Le Lioran (1,242 m). Wait at the finish amongst the passionate fans to cheer on the pros as they arrive then a long transfer to the absolutely fabulous Rocamadour!
-
DAY 4 - THURSDAY 11 JULY
STAGE 12 - ROCAMADOUR LOOP
60 km | 600 m
HOTEL ToulouseAfter breakfast, you will be transferred to Nizza Monferrato, famous for the Barbera wine produced here. The race route skirts the town and you start your journey following the undulating race route through the countryside lined with vineyards and pastures, castles and beautiful villages like Neive. Crossing through beautiful Alba and a quick lunch, you will climb Sommariva Perno (389 m) and descend to Ceresole Alba before a transfer to Torina to watch the Stage 3 finish.
Shorter route start from Nizza Montferrato
Piedmonte lunch & Wine tasting
Watch the race In Turin at finish
Transfer to Turin -
DAY 5 - FRIDAY 12 JULY
DEPARTURE DAY - AU REVOIR
The French Grand Boucle through central France - stunning landscapes, volcanic ascents, drop dead gorgeous Occitanie villages, gastronomic dining, experience the atmosphere of the race with passionate fans lining the ascents, routes and finishes… it will be an experience never forgotten. The GTP team hope that these 5 days will not fail to give you a taste and experience of riding during a Grand Tour.
We will assist you in checking out and take you to Toulouse Airport for your flight home or to your next destination. As always, ride safe and see you on the road again soon.
If you want to extend your tour through France, you can join our tour, the 2024 Tour Into Pyrenees Escape to complete Week 2 of France’s Grand Tour. Contact the office for more information.
