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Cycling enthusiasts, take note.
The 98th Tour de France hits the road Saturday July 2nd to Sunday July 24th 2011, and covers 21 stages and a total distance of 3,471 kilometers. Even if you're not a serious cyclist, packing a picnic and staking out your spot to watch the pack whiz by, is a thrilling experience.
Day 15 features a 'medium mountain stage' beginning in the scenic town of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, in the Dé partment de la Drôme, located just under an hour's drive from most of our rental homes. The final stretch involves climbing the Col de Manse followed by the descent from La Rochette before the magnificent home straightaway into the town of Gap. There are lots of great viewing sites along the day's 163 km stage.
It's a thrill to see the pack whizzing by but it can be a bit anti-climatic - they are gone in a few blinks. The real fun is watching the advance caravan, which, according to the official Tour de France
site, includes 160 colorfully decorated vehicles in the 20-kilometer parade, 600 caravanists, and 16 million gifts given away from 33 different brands. During my first Tour, I was the proud recipient of a plastic bowl containing freeze-dried salad - just add water - a new product being promoted by one of the sponsors. My gift was tossed from a giant salad-bowl float! What will yours be?
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Ride your own Tour de France | |
Imagine riding in your own Tour de France! Many tour companies organize rides for real people on various stages of the course, but only the Tour de France and its VIP Official Tour Operators can provide you VIP access to the "Village" of the Tour de France and to the private areas along the arrival. You can discover the road of a mythical stage or creat your own 'self-guided' rides. Custom Getaways is the only North American tour operator officially recognized by the Tour De France, which offers a variety of packages. Find links to other offical tour operators at the official site of the Tour de France.
For a tamer experience, stay in one of our homes in Provence, ship your own bike or rent and select your own routes. We can provide details on many tried and tested rides. Shipping bicycles, however, can be expensive. Check these major airlines for details. Air France, United Airlines, Delta Airlines. If you would like us to contact you regarding bicycle rentals, please send us an email. |
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Enjoy other events in the region | |
Summer in Provence is filled with festivals and special events. It's a great opportunity to mix with locals and get a real sense of the country and its traditions. Here are just a few of the events we've attended over the years. Click on the links for photos and to get a flavor for festivals in Provence.
Avignon Theatre Festival, throughout the first three weeks of July
Vacqueras Wine Festival, July 13, 14, 2011
Fete de la Veraison in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, August 5-7, 2011
Look for additional details in upcoming issues of Limited Edition. |
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Nearly 20 years ago, we found our own French Home in a sun-drenched village in Provence. Since then, we've restored other village properties and introduced countless friends and guests to la vie française. Now we can't wait to share our passion for living as the French do in Provence.
Michele Bowler-Failing
Your Own French Home |
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2011Dates & Course Announced | |
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Events | |
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Tour de France 2011
Saturday, July 2 - Sunday, July 24, 2010
Official Site of the Tour de France
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Contact Us | |
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Your Own French Home, LLC
2649 SW Georgian Place
Portland, OR 97201
503 891-1304
michele@yourownfrenchhome.com
www.yourownfrenchhome.com |
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SAVE
YOURSELF
15%
Reserve one of our French homes for the Tour de France before December 31, 2010 and receive a 20% discount on your rental of one week or more. (Some restrictions apply.)
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Rentals | |
Here are three of our comfortable bedrooms where you can rest your weary bones after a long ride. | |
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 | | Atelier Chambre Rose |
 | | Cairanne Chambre Kaki |
 | | Chateauneuf Chambre Bleu |
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