On Wednesday, we completed the 2026 L’Étape du Tour route. Since 1993, this annual mass participation event (currently attracting around 16,000 cyclists) allows amateur riders to race over the exact route and stage as the “Queen” stage of the Tour de France. The “Queen” stage of a cycling event describes the most difficult (ex hardest mountain climbs, highest overall elevation gain) day of racing in a multi-day cycling stage race. When planning our France cycling-cation, I knew we had to conquer this route. We set out around 9am from our Airbnb in Le Bourg D’Osians for this 105 mile, almost 18,000 feet elevation gain course. With our pockets stuffed with extra fuel, we spent the entire day on our bikes, checking off legendary TdF climbs (two of which we have never climbed before) while taking in the incredible views. Col de la Croix de Fer Col du Télegraphe Col du Galibier Col de Sarenne What makes these climbs so magnificent isn’t just the elevation gain (and c...
Alpe d' Huez may not be the steepest or longest climb in the Alps but it is one of the most historic because of its rich history in the TdF. And because of the TdF fans, it's one of the biggest natural cycling amphitheaters in the alps. Although the 21 hairpin turns give this climb an iconic look, each turn bend is numbered and includes a name on a sign after each legendary stage winner. For our stay in the Alps (after traveling from Embrun, France to Bedoin, France), we went from the Provence region to the Alps. It wasn't until we are around 30 minutes out from our Airbnb in Le Bourg d'asians that the mountains started to grow. I researched several options as to where to stay for our "home base" for the last 9 days of our cycling-cation and Le Bourg continued to come up. When my best friend Carley also gave her recommendation for Le Bourg, I felt confident with our Airbnb booking, which sits at the base of Alpe d'Huez. Plus, the town center is a 5 min...