This tour is designed for those people who don’t have the time to spend 10 days or 2 weeks following the Tour de France but want to see some of the most exciting stages that the race has to offer.
On this tour you will see all the crucial Pyrenean mountain stages and for those bringing bikes you will be able to ride the famous climbs such as Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet, Hautacam, Portet d’Aspet and Aubisque (not on 2008 route).
You can arrange your own flight to Toulouse airport, where our reps will meet you and take you to our Pyrenean base in Bagneres de Bigorre where you will spend 4 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis, followed by 1 night on B&B in the beautiful “Pink City” of Toulouse.
From the UK there are numerous budget airlines that fly into Toulouse airport (book early to take advantage of cheap flights). The following airlines fly from the UK into Toulouse - www.easyjet.com, www.bmibaby.com, www.ba.com, www.jet2.com, www.flybe.com

Saturday 12^th July:
Arrange your own flight with either www.easyjet.com www.ba.com www.jet2.com www.flybe.com to Toulouse where at 12.00hrs and 16.00hrs we shall provide transport to our hotel in Bagneres de Bigorre where we shall spend 3 nights on B&B basis
Our location in Bagneres de Bigorre offers excellent access to all the Pyrenean mountain stages of the Tour de France.

Sunday 13^th July:
The riders of the Tour de France enter the Pyrenees with a 222km stage from Toulouse to the spa town of Bagneres de Bigorre. En route they face two 1^st cat climbs, the Col du Peyresourde and Col d’Aspin. Those with bikes will be able to ride to either the stage finish in Bagneres de Bigorre or to either of the climbs (Peyresourde or Aspin). Those without bikes will be taken to either the town of Bagneres de Bigorre for the stage finish or to the final climb of the stage, the Col d’Aspin from where they will be able to walk onto the lower slopes and see the stage.
After seeing the stage we shall return to our hotel in Bagneres de Bigorre.

Monday 14^th July:
Today the Tour de France riders face up to the hardest Pyrenean mountain stage of the 2008 Tour de France, which is being held on Bastille Day (French National Festival Holiday). It is an absolute classic stage which includes the mythical climb of the Col du Tourmalet before finishing on the feared mountain of Lourdes-Hautacam (last used in 2000 & 1996).
Our location in Bagneres de Bigorre is excellent for accessing the stage, and those with bikes will have the choice of seeing the stage on either the Col du Tourmalet or the final climb to Hautacam, whilst those without bikes will be taken by the bus the short distance to the foot of the climb to Hautacam from where they will be able to walk on to the climb to see the stage.
After seeing the stage we shall return to our hotel in Bagneres de Bigorre.

As Official Tour Operator of the Tour de France we can offer NON CYCLISTS an exclusive package where you spend the morning at the riders start village in Pau, after which you travel the whole stage route (Col du Tourmalet & Hautacam) moving in and out of the publicity caravan experiencing the special atmosphere of the crowd on the biggest Pyrenean stage and Bastille Day (national festival). When you get to the finish at Hautacam you will your place in the exclusive VIP Izoard hospitality bus located very close to the finish line. Here you will have hostess service of drinks and snacks whilst watching the stage live on T.V. and after seeing the stage finish from this exclusive viewing area champagne will be served to celebrate the stage winner. After a memorable experience you will be taken back to your hotel.

Tuesday 15^th July:
After 10 days of hard racing the Tour de France spends its first rest day in the Pyrenean town of Pau. This will give those with bikes the opportunity to take to the mountains and ride either the famous mountains of the Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aubisque, or to the ski stations of Luz Ardiden & Pla d’Adet which often play host to the Tour de France. Those without bikes will be have the opportunity to visit the city of Lourdes.

Wednesday 16^th July:
The third and final Pyrenean mountain stage will leave from the town of Lannemezan with a 166km traverse of the Pyrenees to the Ariege town of Foix. En-route the riders will have to face up to the unknown climb of the Col de la Crouzette, an 11km climb of 7% with the last km of the climbi pitching up to 13%! 
After breakfast we shall leave Bagneres de Bigorre and travel to St Girons from where those with bikes will be able to ride to the Col de la Crouzette to see the stage, whilst those without bikes will be able to spend time in St Girons before seeing the stage pass through.
After seeing the stage we shall rejoin the touring bus and travel to the beautiful “Pink City” of Toulouse where we shall spend 1 night on B&B basis at a 3* hotel. This will give you the opportunity to explore the city and eat out in some of the beautiful squares that Toulouse has to offer.

Thursday 17^th July:
The Tour de France leaves the Pyrenees and heads for the Mediterranean with a 168km stage from Lavelanet to Narbonne. After the three Pyrenean stages that have been, today will be a relatively quiet stage in the Tour de France with a bunch sprint.
After breakfast clients will be taken to Toulouse airport at 09.00hrs & 12.00hrs.

Order a full Graham Baxter Sporting Tours cycling kit (short sleeved jersey, bib shorts, socks and cap) for only £70 (list price £85) when purchased with your holiday booking. See clothing page for clothing details and sizes. Clothing order must be paid in full and sent with holiday booking. The offer does not apply if ordered separately from holiday booking.

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