First things first, a col is the highest road dividing two mountain peaks. Secondly, a peloton is the main cluster of cyclists in a road bike race. Finally, a Tour de France holiday is tough, very tough. However, with the right fitness training, hill climbing practise and small group tour operator, you’ll be able to ascend l'Alpe d'Huez, conquer Col de la Bonette and take your place at a key stage viewing area as you prepare to witness one of the world’s greatest sporting spectacles.
Les Alpes et les Pyrénées; Galibier et Tourmalet; Danser même en haut; le peloton est regroupé; camarades et amitié; Tour de France, Tour de France.
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Tackling the hairpins, gradients and cols of the Tour can be undertaken outside of July, when the race takes place, although, it has to be said, there’s nothing quite so thrilling as climbing Port de Bales, for example, just a few hours before the pros pedal past. The first flash of maillot jaune, taste of tartiflette des Pyrénées; your peloton, your leader, your bike; Tour de France, Tour de France.
Find out more in our Tour de France holidays travel guide.