Le Tour - 100th Edition

Mont Ventoux & Provence - a weekend at Le Tour

13-16 July 2013

Premium Tour for Non-Cyclists

To book or for further information please contact: Will Maley p. +33 (0) 6 66 87 46 96 e. will.maley@sportspulsions.com

Tour Summary & Highlights

13 July 2013: Private transfer from Avignon to the hotel An afternoon at leisure at the hotel or exploring the ancient village of Sault Race viewing with welcome drinks and gourmet dinner at the hotel 14 July 2013: Enjoy a scenic drive around Mont Ventoux to intercept the race route Gourmet 3 course lunch by the race route with live race updates Feel the excitement of the race build up & watch the 'caravanne' and the race live from our race-side vantage point Sumptuous dinner at the hotel 15 July 2013: Experience the best of Provence with a guided private tour including a visit to the summit of the famous Mont Ventoux, a lavendar distillery and the stunning city of Avignon. Enjoy an evening in France's most beautiful village, Gordes Dinner in arguably Gordes' finest restaurant, La Bastide de Gordes 16 July 2013: Transfer to the Tour de France stage start village of Vaisone La Romaine Soak up the atmosphere and be there as the riders sign in, warm up and depart for the day's racing to Gap. Transfer to Avignon for the conclusion of the program.

About Sports Pulsions

The team at Sports Pulsions has been involved in cycling at all levels in Europe since the 80's. As a technical partner of the Tour de France, all our programs are race accredited and approved, ensuring you the best support and access throughout your Tour de France experience. We build our tours through local knowledge with a focus to ensure our guests are at the heart of the event. All our hotels are chosen for their quality and proximity to the race to ensure comfort and enjoyment. Our Mont Ventoux and Provence small group program has been designed to allow our guests to be there on one of the biggest day's of the 100th Tour de France. Here you will be a part of the race from the live viewings, the informative evening race reviews from your guide team and the visits to mythical places such as the summit of Ventoux itself. The region itself is not forgotten as you will also enjoy some of the finest dining on offer, visit the stunning villages and explore the beautiful landscapes. 4 days full of memorable moments.

We look forward to welcoming you 'Inside' Le Tour.

13 July 2013 2013 Stage 14, Saint Pourcain sur Sioule - Lyon, 191km
Our tour commences at our stunning hotel in the heart of Provence. We invite you to join us directly at the hotel or alternatively we will be providing complimentary private transfers from Avignon (2hrs 40mins from Paris by TGV). During the afternoon you are invited to enjoy the park surrounds of the hotel, relax by the pool or explore the historic village of Sault located nearby. All with views across the valley to the nearby Mont Ventoux. For those wishing to enjoy the day's racing from Le Tour, this will also be on offer in the hotel's bar area. In the evening you will enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner at our hotel. During each dinner you will enjoy a recap on the day's Tour de France action and a briefing on your following day's activities.

Overnight: Hotel Val de Sault, Sault, Provence

14 July 2013 Stage 15, Givors - Mont Ventoux, 242km

Le Tour arrives in to Provence on this day in emphatic style, taking on one of the most revered climbs in Tour history, Mont Ventoux. Following a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, guests will enjoy a scenic drive around the base of Mont Ventoux, giving you a sense of the sheer size of this iconic piece of Tour history. From here we will intercept the stage route to our lunch destination located on the race route itself. Your afternoon will be enjoyed in the heart of the race. During the afternoon you will enjoy a gourmet lunch with local wines and the build up of the race. First you will see the thousands of amateur riders who take to the roads ahead of the pros followed by the arrival of the 'caravanne', as it celebrates the coming race by distributing all sorts of products for the adoring locals and tourists alike. From here the atmosphere will build to the arrival of the riders. Will we see a breakaway? Who will be wearing yellow and will they keep it on such a demanding climb? Following the conclusion of the race we will transfer to the hotel for an enjoyable 3 course dinner including matching wines overlooking Mont Ventoux.

Overnight: Hotel Val de Sault, Sault, Provence

15 July 2013 Tour de France Rest Day

Whilst the pros take a well-earned rest, we will take this opportunity to explore the beautiful region of Provence. Our day will start with a visit to a local lavendar distillery where you will see the traditional techniques used to extract the oils and learn from the owners themselves. We will then visit the summit of Mont Ventoux. Revered for its ever changing weather, and the way it dominates the Provence skyline, Ventoux affords the visitor stunning views to the Mediterranean, Alps and Central France. From here we will visit the beautiful ancient city of Avignon. Known for its beautifully preserved ramparts, churches and city squares, the UNESCO Heritage site is also home to the Festival d'Avignon each July where the city comes alive with street theatre and art. Here you will have the chance to enjoy lunch at your leisure and take an optional city tour with our local guide. In the early evening we will transfer to the stunning village of Gordes, rated the most beautiful in France. After time to enjoy a stroll in this beautiful town, we will then proceed to our restaurant for the evening; Le Bastide de Gordes. Here you will enjoy a magical dinner overlooking Provence, complete with matching wines. La Bastide de Gordes is the premier restaurant in Gordes and the region.

Overnight: Hotel Val de Sault, Sault, Provence

16 July 2013 Stage 16, Vaison la Romaine - Gap, 168km

After breakfast at the hotel we will make our way to the village of Vaison la Romaine, home to the stage start as the race makes its way to the Alps. The village is no stranger to cycling having hosted the Tour de France, Criterium du Dauphine and Paris Nice over the years. Here guests will experience all the build up an excitement to the day's racing. You will see the teams arrival, the riders going through their warm-ups and signing in. We will be there as the 'caravanne' make's its depart for another day of partying and then there as the riders set off for the 168km ride to Gap at the base of the Alps.

With the festive atmosphere of the departure village, there is always many great opportunities to get photographs of your favourite riders, access Tour merchandise and see many legends of cycling from previous generations. Following the departure of the race, our tour will conclude with a transfer to Avignon for your onward journey

Our Hotel:
Provence; Val de Sault

The Hostellerie du Val de Sault welcomes our guests with simplicity to make you enjoy the real moments of ease. Pure relaxation next to the swimming pool, in the Spa area and in the comfortable suite with views of the mystic 'Giant of Provence', Mont Ventoux. A privileged site, the Hostellerie du Val de Sault is laid out on a hill with thousand year old paths inviting you for enjoyable walks and relaxing moments. Into an exceptional landscape, highly appreciated as a source of peace and retreat, Yves Gattechaut has built a small village comprising ten houses at garden level and in closest vicinity of the swimming pool facing the Mont Ventoux.

Inclusions
3 nights 4 star accommodation Dinner and breakfast daily and 1 lunch Sightseeing and hospitality as outlined in the tour dossier Private transfers throughout Tour polo and race pack, including maps and race information Discounts at the official Tour de France merchandise outlets Transfer on arrival and departure from Avignon (Rail Station / Airport / Hotel) Professional bilingual guide Local taxes

Not Included
Airfares and/or transport to and from our designated pickup and drop-off points Items of a personal nature, ie. laundry, phone calls, tips, etc

Cost per person: 1550 based on twin share Single supplement: 650 Deposit: 500 on booking per person, balance due 13 May 2013