Stage 14: Bollene – Valence. 160km / 1606m. Sat 10^th July
Year of stage: 2025

Don’t get too complacent about this so-called flat stage because we’re too close to the mountains to avoid a few lumps and bumps, though in many cases we’ll be riding between the hills rather than over them. In 2025 there was enough head-wind to drastically increase the effort output but nonetheless this is a really scenic ride that offers a lot of bang for relatively little buck.

The morning involves a fair bit more up than down but as Valence is only 60m higher in altitude than Bollene, the good news is that the latter half of the day will seem much easier on the legs.

Our morning ride takes us through the arid landscape of northern Provence, with wide views over sweeping vineyards and the occasional burst of yellow gorse. We steadily gain height (over 500m in the first 50km) as we move out of the Rhône valley and into the Baronnies Provençales. This small range of limestone mountains, perched on the edge of the Alps, is known for the wide variety of herbs that are grown and harvested here, so we can inhale the scents of thyme, rosemary and lavender as we make our way through its quiet valleys.

We briefly descend out of the hills for visits to the historic stone villages of Marsanne and Cléon-d’Andran, passing small hamlets and very few cars on the way. And then a scenic climb of around 5km takes us up the rim of the valley, and over the top via a luscious descent to the river Drôme. The rest of this stage will pass quickly as the final hour of the ride is on fast, flat roads, so our arrival in Valence is full of the joys of cycling.

Why we chose it: Plenty of alumni will remember this stage with the biggest of smiles because it was the day that Abdul (one of our 2025 charity visitors) rode with us in style and gave an incredible talk over dinner, reminding us all why we’re here and why we should be so proud of our Le Loop achievements.

We wanted to respect the tradition of including a flatter “sprinter” stage before we hit the Alps and this recent stage was a natural choice. Over the years we’ve spent a fair bit of time in this part of northern Provence and it never disappoints – this stage had sunflowers, lavender, views, a head wind we might choose to avoid in 2027, and plenty of time for chat… lots to attract us back two years later.

Le Loop Logistics
Start: Montpellier hotel – transfer to Bollene
Finish: Valence hotel

Stage 15: Annecy Loop. 125km / 3826m. Sun 11^th July
Year of stage: 2013

Back in 2013 this stage was the ride before Paris; at the end of the Alps rather than at the beginning. It was the Etape du Tour stage that year, chosen for its value in metres-vertical per kilometre-hotizontal. 

The route starts on the flat bike path by lake Annecy, a lovely chance to stretch our legs and marvel at the holiday views. We continue with a stunning climb through the Mont Revard massif, much of the top section being in the shade of pine trees which make the reveal even more impressive when we pass over the top and suddenly see the shimmering Lac Bourget below us.

Following a descent towards Aix Les Bains with breath-taking views much of the way, the route circles back north and after more than 30km of descent and flat (a chance to get our breath back), we join the Semnoz climb, which to many is the best climb in the area. It’s a delightfully shaded road that gets pretty steep (rarely below 8% in the final kms), before bringing you out out by lovely café with views across lake Annecy towards the mountains that are waiting for us. 

At ‘only’ 125km long, today is a unique ride packed with special features but one that won’t keep you out until dark!

Lite: Instead of the 2013 stage, you can opt instead to do the 2009 Time Trial course which is a delightful 42km with 344m of climbing; a lap of lake Annecy with a small bonus climb half way round.

Why we chose it: location, location, location! Annecy holds a special place in our hearts as several of our Le Loop staff live there and in 2025 we also had a staff weekend cycling round the lake. Coming back for a visit in 2027 was a priority – to enjoy the lake views, the relaxed atmosphere and to give the best ever lite option to those who’d prefer a slightly more holiday vibe to their day.

Le Loop Logistics
Start: Valence hotel – transfer to Annecy
Finish: Annecy – transfer to Geneva hotel