The United States has its raucous Super Bowl weekend, England has its dignified Wimbledon tournament and France has its breathless Tour de France, during which a large part of the native population remains glued to their television screens while the crème de la crème of the cycling world fiercely competes for the glorious maillot jaune (the winner’s yellow shirt).
Even if sports competitions are not your thing, following the ever-changing route is a wonderful way to discover the country’s various regions. You can also get closer to the real thing without putting yourself through any punishing endurance tests by showing up somewhere along the way in July and eagerly participating as an on-site supporter.
This year, one of the most scenic legs will be in the Southern Alps whose stops include the attractive towns of Gap and Sisteron. . The tour will first stop in Gap on July 14, France’s Bastille Day, and the fortuitous combination of those two major national celebrations is very likely to trigger no less than twice as many festivities as usual. Mostly popular as an “athletic town”, Gap and its surroundings are also the perfect area to relax in while watching the professional cyclists zoom by. And do not forget the surroundings! New York Habitat has plenty of travel tips about the Alps.
Concerning your accommodation, we take care of everything. We have lovely, picturesque accommodations in the French Alps.
New York Habitat happens to have a lovely furnished 2-bedroom wooden chalet near La Batie Neuve (PR 954), a quiet mountain village, so you can indulge in a bit of outdoors activities yourself while enjoying the advantages of being close to the action in Gap.
Further south you’ll find Sisteron nestled at the bottom of the impressive Baume’s Rock (Rocher de la Baume). Well-known as a “Gateway to Provence”, this charming town is much appreciated for its Mediterranean climate and boasts of no fewer than 300 days of sunshine a year. Moreover, several historical landmarks have survived its 4,000-year history and include its four-century old Citadelle, in which live performances take place during the summertime “Citadelle Nights” festival, its 12th century cathedral (Notre-Dame des Pommiers), its 14th century city walls, five towers, several chapels and numerous remains of old convents. It is also a modern hub and will not disappoint even the pickiest visitor with its wide range of shops and restaurants.
If this sounds appealing to you, why don’t you make it your destination vacation? Get a group of your closest friends or family together and enjoy our luxurious furnished 5-bedroom farmhouse in Châteauneuf-Miravail (PR 499), the perfect haven for nature lovers. Far enough from the urban hustle-bustle to give you a well-deserved break, but close enough so you can get back to modern life in 20 minutes, this rustic vacation rental really offers the best of both worlds.
Even without the extra incentive of a close and personal look at the Tour de France, this whole region is unfailingly pleasant to visit at any time of the year and will not let you down. Have you been there? Why don’t you let us know what you think?
Is Lance going to do the Tour de France again? I wonder because he is obviously the greatest cyclist ever!
I love the picture of house