Tour de France 2026
Next July, the Tour de France is in town; arguably the world’s greatest sporting event, it never fails to leave a lasting imprint on the mind.
After the chaos of the passing publicity caravan, excitement builds with the distant hum of TV helicopters, euro pop blares on the roadside, pastis shared amongst strangers (they soon become friends). It’s a day that brings out the best in people; sitting, standing, eating, drinking, chatting, laughing. You hear the roar before you see the riders, a police moto with blues flashing and siren blaring cuts a narrow column of light between the mass of fans and then BOOM – the riders are here and utter madness follows. It’s a breathtaking spectacle.
Alongside your day out to watch Stage 4, you’ll also have plenty of time to ride along lush river valleys, through picture postcard towns and villages, on largely quiet roads, all seemingly made for cyclists. You’ll be treated to truly incredible views and magical sights, as eagles and vultures soar above you and the ethereal high mountains dominate the sky line.
This is a trip of immersion not exertion, you can do as much or as little as you please but the Tour de France is a must see! We’ll also BBQ, fire up the pizza oven and spin plenty of vinyl to keep the party going. Alongside all that, Joss will also serve up delicious, thoughtful, seasonal food and we’ll supply you with excellent wines, beers and softs, all from local suppliers. You can swim in the pool, enjoy a dip in the passing river or simply kick back and relax when you’re not on the bike.
Vive Le Tour x
Duration: 6 nights
Distance: 80-125km per day
Elevation: 1,000m per day average
Terrain: Road
Difficulty: Intermediate
Price per person:
€1,200
Secure your spot with a 25% deposit
Payment plans available
ITINERARY
(click on arrow for more daily info)
Day One – Zero Neuf (Arrivals)
We’ll meet at our rendezvous points in Toulouse it’s then a short, one hour transfer back to Zero Neuf. We’ll take care of bike builds and for anyone renting, your bike will be waiting for you. There’ll be time to use the pool, jump in the river or simply hang out in the Cowshed bar and garden, before welcome drinks and dinner.
Day Two – Orientation Ride
A short 50km spin to get the legs moving and iron out any last minute bike fit issues. You’ll have plenty of time to chill out prior to longer rides later in the week.
Day Three – The Lac
Distance – 75km
Elevation – 700m
After a hearty breakfast and plenty of fresh coffee, we’ll head out. Today’s route takes us north east, over rolling terrain, with a few short climbs to wake the legs up. We’re pedalling on lovely, quiet roads, punctuated by sleepy villages and rolling farmland. We’ll ride to the lake of Ganguise, stop for a quick swim and beer before looping back round to the house. A lovely start to the week.
Day Four – The Cave
Distance – 125km
Elevation – 2,000m
The route’s biggest climbing day, best to be taken slow and steady. We head west over the regions rolling foothills and visit the region’s second Grande Sites des Pyrenees (it stays a secret but trust us when we say it’s super cool!) before turning south towards the tough (but hugely rewading) climb of the Col de la Crouzette. We are in the high mountains now, above the glorious Massat Valley and once we’ve crested the Crouzette, you quickly grab cols with the Pradel, Portel and Peguere following in very quick succession (they’re all on the same ridge). From the top, there’s a lovely 30km descent before a stop in Foix, for well earned beers.
Day Five – The Vines
Distance – 90km
Elevation – 1,000m
We’ll head east into the region’s rolling farmland and vineyards. This part of the area is visually quite different, the topography more mediterranean; sleepy hilltop villages, scrub oak forests and vineyards are navigated on narrow, sweeping roads, seemingly designed with cyclists in mind. The terrain here is more forgiving with shorter climbs and descents but there are plenty of places to stop and admire the far reaching views en route, and there are a couple of cracking cafe stops on the way round.
Day Six – Tour de France – Stage 4
Distance – 120km
Elevation – 1,510m
Today’s the day – we’ll need to make an early start to get to our base for the day. After breakfast we’ll ride out together and get you to the best vantage spot. We’ll ensure you’re able to soak up everything this incredible spectacle has to offer.
Day Seven – Departures
We’ll take you and your luggage back to Toulouse, for your onward connections.
THE FINER DETAILS
RIDE SUPPORT
With small groups, a policy of one guide to four riders and a support vehicle close by at all times, our experienced team will ensure you’re spending your time soaking up the riding in this wonderful part of the world.
Our guides are on hand to keep you safe, motivated and on route!
This is an adventure, not a race. To ensure everyone can ride at a pace they are comfortable with, we’ll give each of you a copy of the route for use on your bike computer. Our guides will never be far away.
ACCOMMODATION
You’ll stay at ZN in our comfortable twin rooms and eat thoughtful, seasonal food, freshly prepared by Joss. You’ll get plenty of time to kick back and relax in the garden, by the pool or in the bar. We want to ensure you get an optimum amount of rest and relaxation when you’re off the bike and some time to disconnect.
LOGISTICS
Inbound – Fly / Train to Toulouse / Carcassonne
Outbound – Fly / Train from Toulouse / Carcassonne
Meeting Point – Toulouse / Carcassonne
Meeeting Time – 1500
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Six nights, half board accommodation (breakfast and dinner)
Accompanied Rides
Accommodation at Zero Neuf
Return transfers from Toulouse to Zero Neuf (Carcassonne also available)
BIKE RENTAL
We can organise bike rental via an excellent third party – just ask at the point of booking and we’ll give you all the details.