This may be a little harder in the mountains, though, where there aren’t as many places to stay.
That’s my concern… and it’s been a few years since I’ve been there and can’t remember how populated that area is. If there are nearby cities that’s always an option.
I’m from Texas, where every city is at least 3 hours from another, so driving a few hours is nothing for me Relatives in Holland that haven’t visited us in Texas can’t fathom that we drive for 3 hours between cities and not see one single city on the 3 hour drive!
I understand, too. I’m from Toronto and am used to the long drives as well!
I wasn’t thinking anything at all of the 7 hour drive back to Frankfurt to catch a plane the morning after the stage to Courchevel.
Do remember that every little town seems to have a handful of small hotels so we never had to drive too far. If we didn’t find something, we just kept driving!
I’ve been to the Tour many times over the past 8 years. A lot has changed (more americans) but a lot has stayed the same (drunk dutch on Alp d’Huez). It is very easy to see the tour if you are willing to camp and if you are willing to ride!
the logistical challenge of your trip will only be in getting out of the Courchevel area and over to the Galibier on the evening of the 12th. I would suggest going to the base of the Col de Cormet instead of Courchevel for the Stage 10 viewing and then once the race goes by ride back downhill. With your kids you could probably ride uphill for a couple km to get some good climbing action.
The hitch is going to be finding a place to park on the Galibier that afternoon. the place will be packed from about the 10th on. Your best bet would be to come up the other side and park somewhere near or above the Lautaret. It might be easier to find parking there - it will just be a very long drive for you on the evening of the 12th. For sure don’t wait until the 13th to try and get there - it will be a zoo for sure. Another option might be to try and book a 2* hotel in Valloire - which is where the col de Telegraph ends. That way you might be able to get a parking spot and have a place to sleep and clean up. The next day you could ride a bit with the kids or even hike 10 - 12km uphill with them. The race will probably come by Valloire about 4pm so you’ll have lots of time to get back down. I crossed the Galibier last year at sun-down and it was about 9pm.
I’ve been to the Tour many times over the past 8 years. A lot has changed (more americans) but a lot has stayed the same (drunk dutch on Alp d’Huez). It is very easy to see the tour if you are willing to camp and if you are willing to ride!
the logistical challenge of your trip will only be in getting out of the Courchevel area and over to the Galibier on the evening of the 12th. I would suggest going to the base of the Col de Cormet instead of Courchevel for the Stage 10 viewing and then once the race goes by ride back downhill. With your kids you could probably ride uphill for a couple km to get some good climbing action.
The hitch is going to be finding a place to park on the Galibier that afternoon. the place will be packed from about the 10th on. Your best bet would be to come up the other side and park somewhere near or above the Lautaret. It might be easier to find parking there - it will just be a very long drive for you on the evening of the 12th. For sure don’t wait until the 13th to try and get there - it will be a zoo for sure. Another option might be to try and book a 2* hotel in Valloire - which is where the col de Telegraph ends. That way you might be able to get a parking spot and have a place to sleep and clean up. The next day you could ride a bit with the kids or even hike 10 - 12km uphill with them. The race will probably come by Valloire about 4pm so you’ll have lots of time to get back down. I crossed the Galibier last year at sun-down and it was about 9pm.
have fun - it’s a great way to see france!
Well one thing for sure… I’ll be one of the sober Dutch! Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m half excited, and half praying that things work out when I’m there.
Relatives in Holland that haven’t visited us in Texas can’t fathom that we drive for 3 hours between cities and not see one single city on the 3 hour drive!