Tour de France 101: Q & A about the 2010 Tour

August 10, 5:32 AMFamilies Living Abroad ExaminerLucy Culpepper

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2009 riders approaching the 1km kite at Tarbes, France

Here's a copy of a question I received about planning a visit to the 2010 Tour de France:

Dear Lucy,

"I am looking to fly to France next year with my wife and follow the Tour De France in the Alps for about a week.  Want to get up in the mountains, spend the night in a few mountain towns and follow the tour.  What would you suggest I do, rent a van, car, motorcycle?  As soon as the stages come out in October I will start planning.  Where should we fly into?"

And here's my answer:

"As no one knows yet which towns will be the start/finish points in the Alps, it is difficult to recommend where to fly into. If you click here you will see a lists of the main airports serving the Alps. You could start researching the best option from wherever you are.
 
As to whether you rent a car, motorhome, motorbike depends a lot on whether you
1. are going to bring your own bikes or rent them in France
2. like to stay in campsites
3. prefer to stay in Bed & Breakfasts/ hotels
4. are a fairly expert motorbike rider to cope with busy mountainous roads
5. want to camp on the mountain side 1 or 2 nights before the riders arrive
6. are happy walking (or riding) up the mountains to good viewing points etc.
 
And of course your budget.
 
Here's are a couple of combinations to think about:
 
Rent a motorhome, bring or rent two bikes, and book yourself into a B&B
(Chambre d'Hôtes in French) for the last/first days when you do not have your
motorhome.
 
Or
 
Rent a small (compact) car, bring a tent - or buy an inexpensive tent when you get to
France (see www.decathlon.com - for high quality, reasonable price-point camping
gear). Bring or rent your bikes. And book yourself into a B&B (Chambre d'Hôtes in French)
for the last/first days.
 
Or
Have someone else organise your trip for you!
If you are a strong cyclist and really want to be where the action is, I highly
recommend Europe based Thomson Bike Tours

To read more practical information about the Tour visit:

• Can I watch the Tour live with kids
• How to plan your Tour de France vacation in 2010

Keep the questions coming!

For more information about Families Living Abroad, Living in France, Living in Spain, Living in Costa Rica, Living in Panama and Living in the UK please email lucy@culpepperink.com or visit www.culpepperink.com