L’Etape du Tour 2009

Montelimar to Le Mont Ventoux Monday 20 July 2009

In the peloton

French Cycling Holidays are proud to be official agents for the world's premier cyclosportive, the Etape du Tour, in 2009 from Montelimar to Le Mont Ventoux. The ascent of Mont Ventoux will be the classic route via Bedoin, without doubt the hardest way up, with the steep forest section averaging 9% for 11km.The mountain is writ large in the history of the race, and is of special significance to the British because of the tragic death of Tom Simpson in sight of the summit in the 1967 race. More recently, controversy returned to the mountain when Lance Armstrong appeared to gift a stage win to Marco Pantani in 2000.

That year the Etape visited Ventoux, with difficult weather conditions including snow at the summit which saw a large number failing to finish as the road was closed even to those within the time limit.

French Cycling Holidays have packages ranging from £495 to £785 plus entry only options at £150.

Our packages will be based in and around the historic city of Avignon which is in easy distance of both the start and more importantly the finish. All packages (excluding entry only of course) will include all breakfast and dinners, transport from Nimes, Marseille and Avignon airports and Avignon TGV station (our recommended itinerary is direct Eurostar/TGV from London or flying to Paris CDG or Lyon and taking the TGV from there)

We will, as usual, be organising a bike transport service from our base in Watford for those flying who are wary about leaving their bikes to the tender mercies of the baggage handlers, and more importantly to ensure that your bike makes it to the start at all!

We will be staying at various hotels in and around Avignon and prices are based on the hotel stayed at.

Course profile

All packages start 18th July (Saturday). The following options are available.

Package A – Hotel le Lavarin

Staying at the beautiful Best Western 3* hotel Le Lavarin in easy access of the historic heart of Avignon, the hotel is set in a secluded park of olive trees, and has a swimming pool, air conditioning and wi-fi access.

Package A – Hotel le Lavarin (based on 2 sharing)
3 nights	£685 per person
4 nights	£785 per person
Single supplement (limited availability)
3 nights	£180
4 nights	£240
Non-riding accompanyist
3 nights	£535
4 nights	£635

Package B – Mercure Avignon Sud

Staying at the comfortable modern 3* hotel Mercure in easy access of the historic heart of Avignon, the hotel has a swimming pool, air conditioning and wi-fi access.

Package B – Mercure Avignon Sud (based on 2 sharing)
3 nights	£635 per person
4 nights	£720 per person
Single supplement (limited availability)
3 nights	£165
4 nights	£220
Non-riding accompanyist
3 nights	£485
4 nights	£570

Package C – Hotel Moulin de la Roque SOLD OUT

Out of town in the village of Althen-les-Paluds, the Moulin des Roches is a converted olive mill, and benefits from a secluded location. The hotel has a swimming pool and a gastronomic restaurant.

Package C – Hotel Moulin de la Roque (based on 2 sharing)
3 nights	£635 per person
4 nights	£720 per person
Single supplement (limited availability)
3 nights	£165
4 nights	£220
Non-riding accompanyist
3 nights	£485
4 nights	£570

Package D – Ibis Avignon Sud SOLD OUT

Staying at the comfortable modern 2* hotel Ibis in easy access of the historic heart of Avignon, the hotel has a swimming pool, air-conditioning and wi-fi access.

Package D – Ibis Avignon Sud (based on 2 sharing)
3 nights	£595 per person
4 nights	£650 per person
Single supplement (limited availability)
3 nights	£120
4 nights	£160
Non-riding accompanyist
3 nights	£445
4 nights	£500

Package E – Acotel Confort SOLD OUT

Located on the outskirts of Avignon at Le Pontet, the 2* Acotel has a swimming pool, air-con and comfortable rooms.

Package E – Acotel Confort (based on 2 sharing)
3 nights	£495 per person
4 nights	£545 per person
Single supplement (limited availability)
3 nights	£75
4 nights	£100
Non-riding accompanyist
3 nights	£345
4 nights	£495

All packages will benefit from our high levels of customer care and service, and from our experienced guides.

Entry Only SOLD OUT

Please note: Entry Only options have now sold out, subject to confirmation of pre-registered riders. If you wish to go on our entry-only waiting list, please complete the form and e-mail it to us; no monies will be taken unless your application for a place is successful.

REGISTRATION FORM

Etape Booking Form 2009

To secure a place, complete the form and e-mail to fch@frenchcyclingholidays.com or fax it to us or ring us now on +44 (0)20 8861 5888.

French Cycling Holidays is happy to make entries for cyclists around the world.

Mount Ventoux from Mazan