2028 TOUR DE FRANCE Grand Depart
6 Day Champagne Region Tour

July 2028

Location

  • France
    Champagne Region, France

2028 Tour de France – 6 Day Grand Depart Tour. Champagne Region

Champagne Region, France.
Ride and experience the 2028 Tour de France Grand Depart race stages, plus ride and visit the the picturesque Champagne Region in France.
Reims is one of the wonderful historic Cities in the heart of the Champagne region. Its a fantastic place for a Grand Depart and we can’t wait for it! We will follow the early Tour de France stages through this beautiful region, riding through the famous vineyards and historic towns including Reims, Épernay, Metz and Thionville.

Tour Dates: TBC
Day 0: Pre Tour Thursday 29th June, 2028 [Suggested arrival day – non-inclusion Hotel night]
Day 1: Friday 30th June, 2028
Day 6: Wednesday 5th July, 2028
Tour Start: Champagne Region, France
Tour Finish: Champagne Region, France

Meals: All breakfasts, 3 Course Welcome and Farewell Dinner and Drink [approx 60%, 3 course dinners included]

2028 Tour de France – Champagne Region

6 Day Grand Depart Tour

Our combined experience in France allows us to put a superb series of rides and experiences together through quaint villages, small roads, laneways and see lovely historic places of interest in this north eastern region.

France was our home base for many years, we love everything about the country, it’s seasonal food, artisan drinks, beers, wines, lovely mineral waters and friendly locals.

When we’re not at the Tour de France race, or riding through the many towns, villages and cycling locations of the region, the Tour de France Grand Depart tour offers a unique cultural immersion on and off the bike, summer in Reims and the Champagne region is wonderful.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

WATCH
• 2028 Tour de France Grand Depart Stages

VISIT
• Reims Historic City Centre
• Picturesque French Countryside
• Champagne Region and it’s famous vineyards
• Historic WW1 Museums
• Quaint local French villages and Towns

NON-CYCLING
• Daily Guided Non-Cycling Activities

• See Tour de France Grand Depart Stages

RIDE
• 3 Daily Supported, Guided Ride Options Available [Short, Medium, Long – Extra’s available each day]

Our Tour

Our Tour de France – Reims and Champagne Region Grand Depart Tour provides the ideal mix of “ride more – transfer less” as we experience the excitement, and cultural immersion of the start of the 2028 Tour de France”.

The proximity of our Team Hotel in the historic city of Reims allows us to experience the best of the wonderful Champagne region.

July each year signals Tour de France time and announce it’s summer. It’s a beautiful time to visit and ride in France. We’ll show you the smaller roads, charming villages and stay in chic cycling friendly hotels.

It’s with out a doubt the best time to visit France, the villages, the city all come to life to the sights, sounds and festivities of le Tour de France.

There’s something beautiful about riding a bike in France in the sun drenched summer, the terrain is almost purpose-built for cyclists who love panoramic smaller climbs, sweeping views, scenic vineyards, architecture and historic sites, France is stunning.

France was our base for many seasons, we’ve been hosting cycling tours in these regions and to the Tour of Spain races which occur in these parts most years, we know France like the back of our hand, plus our local guides who live in the region have some wonderful local knowledge to show case the areas we visit. We’ve hosted groups to all of France’s beautiful regions, ridden all the best roads, mountains and we’ll show you the best of France and the Champagne region on this unique, action-packed Ultimate Tour de France Grand Depart tour.

We love everything about France, the people, it’s arts and culture, it’s beautiful food, wine, beer, history, outdoors, and it’s love for the biggest sporting event in the world, the Tour de France. You’ll have your fill of riding, optional extra rides are available each day for those that are keen for more. Plus we visit many places of interest including small local Artisan Producers, Bike Stores, lovely cafe’s / coffee shops. Let us know your passions, interests and things you’d like to see and do, we have plenty of great recommendations as we explore these wonderful regions on and off the bike.

We’re looking forward to showing you the Ultimate Tour de France Grand Depart experience including TDF Stages 1-3, Plus ride and visit the regions best local roads, monuments and locations in the comfort of summer, plus many more beautiful places in the greater Champagne area, and of course the excitement of the 2028 Tour de France race

We’re looking forward to welcoming you in France.

Ciao Pat, Grace Fitzpatrick, and the Ride International Tours Team.

Meet Your Hosts For Our 2028 Tour de France Grand Depart Tour
Pat Fitzpatrick - Ride International Tours

Pat Fitzpatrick

Director Sportiff

Having descended from a lineage of competitive cycling, Pat is a fourth generation of passionate cyclists. He has excelled in all disciplines of cycling including BMX, MTB: Downhill and Cross Country, Cyclo-cross, and Road racing. His varied background enables Pat to be a global leader in cycling skills coaching, coaching everyone from introductory riders to a current crop of professional cyclists. Pat loves sharing his love of cycling and all that it entails from beautiful secret roads to quaint little villages and local specialties. He also has a knack for locating the best coffee. Pat’s been hosting rides since 1994 and co-founded Ride International with wife Grace in 2007.

Rudy Rogiers

Co-tour Leader - Former Professional Cyclist

In the prime of his career Rudy was a Spring Classics and Tour de France specialist, he raced four editions of the TDF. With some top 10 placings, and some entertaining Mario Cippolini stories. He also raced in 1 Giro d’Italia too! What a legend , the most humble guy you will ever meet.When Rudy’s not working on tour with us, he divides his time with a Belgian professional cycling team - Top Sport Flanders [Vlaanderen]. Rudy has a long list of achievements on and off the bike, yet his 2nd place finish to Sean Kelly in the final sprint at the famously hard/wet 1984 Paris Roubaix is a big highlight. Testament to Rudy’s nature, he works with the Top Sport Flanders team as they are considered a development team for up-and-coming Belgian riders. Rudy’s a man of many talents, he’s also a great bike mechanic and is the man to see if you have any mechanical issues.
Alpine Expert & Chief Fun Officer- Thierry Favre

Thiery Favre

Co-tour Leader, Alpine Expert

Thierry hails from Champery high up in the Porte du Soleil region of Switzerland. He’s the Swiss army knife of biking, he’s the director of the local biking club, which has grown rapidly including over 100 kids as members. Thierry’s wife and children are also part of the local bike club. Thierry’s hails from a passionate biking and outdoor family, he loves road cycling, mountain biking and adventuring in summer. For the winter months he then switches over to winter sports in the Porte du Soleil alpine region. Thierry is a coowner of a ski company, and is a professional ski guide and instructor. Thierry has a vast amount of experience guiding and hosting tours all over Europe, he’s worked with us for over 10 years including tours to the: Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta – Tour of Spain and many private groups tour for guests to enjoy the wonders of Switzerland and it’s majestic mountains, and lake regions.

Ben Norden

Cycling & Non-cycling Guide, Rider Support

Ben comes to us from Melbourne, Australia. Ben values the art of truly hearing others and understanding their perspectives. Through his experiences in cycling and engaging with diverse communities, Ben has honed his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, fostering genuine relationships and creating spaces where individuals can feel heard and valued. His dedication to strategy, health, and social planning is fueled by his passion for making a positive impact on the world around him. His most memorable achievement was clinching a podium spot in the B-grade category during a 3-day tour. He holds many fond memories of competing in Central Queensland races and taking part in the Terra Australis mountain bike stage race. Engaged in mountain biking, triathlons, and road racing for 25 years, he also enjoys cooking, planning adventures, studying, and delving into human behavior outside of cycling.

Antton Miettinen

Cycling & Non-cycling Guide, Rider Support

We are thrilled to welcome Antton to the Ride International team. He will be joining in this year's Tour de France and brings along a wealth of experience from the cycling world, having worked in the cycling tour industry since 2015. When he's not on tour, he resides in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain, where he enjoys being a home dad and pursuing his passion for photography. Antton values good company and has led a rewarding life filled with meaningful experiences.

Guido Gazinga

Co-tour Leader

After indulging the cobbles and surprising us with his magical Italian driving skills at our Spring Classics, Guido rejoins us on the Tour de France to indulge his interest and passion in World Tour cycling events. Guido comes from a very experienced and well-rounded background in cycling and cycling tours management along with his vast international experience. He’s a lover of gravel, a well-connected industry guy in the cycling tours world and Italian cycling community. He’s a Jack-of-all-trades: proficient in project management, communication, writing, editing, design, illustration, content management, Specializing in route design & trip planning, he straddles the divide between global and Italian markets. When not on the bike Guido holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design.

Stefaan Rogiers

Co-tour Leader

Stefaan has quickly become one of the key staff members of Ride International Tours and is a superb allrounder, on & off the bike. Stefaan is our European Operations Co-ordinator and designs many of our Itineraries. He comes from a super pedigree of cycling, it's in his blood & DNA, & something he's immensely proud of, yet he excelled in Belgian's biggest sport (soccer) as a professional footballer. Nickname (Off the bike) - El Capitan - working as a Captain/guide on the “Bootjes van Gent”, a company that offers tourist boat tours in Ghent. Nickname (On the bike) - Il Pipistrello “The Bat” Because of his unpredictable way of climbing. We also affectionately call him our “Thibaut Pinot”, as he's as fast up a big climb!

Ryland Mollard

Cycling & Non-cycling Guide, Rider Support

Ryland is a multi-talented individual who not only shines on stage during tours but is also a Judge's Associate by profession. When he's not performing with us, he transforms into a criterium racing machine, donning his lycra/spandex suit. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Ryland is a true cycling enthusiast who has worked at bike stores, managed a pub, and served coffee as a barista, making him a respected figure in the cycling community. He is always ready to provide expert coffee recommendations during tours. Ryland's passion for cycling started when he was in high school, using it as a mode of transportation to and from rowing practice. He continued cycling in college and eventually started riding longer distances with his peers, eventually leading to his participation in races. Currently, Ryland is gearing up for bike packing, which he considers a new challenge. During tours, he enjoys supporting cycling and guests, savoring the slow pace of exploration, which provides the perfect balance between self-propelled adventure and the speed of a car. Ryland worked with us at this year's Tour Down Under and we’re pleased to have him on board for the Tour de France.

Nicolas Laclias

Cycling Guide

Nicolas is an experienced and charismatic guide, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to both on and off our tours. He is based in the south of France, in the stunning city of Nice, which also happens to be a cyclist's paradise. Prior to joining our team, Nicolas spent 20 years in the music industry, co-founding a digital music company. Nicolas’ job roles on tour include ‘"Stagiaire" Guide in Training, Super Domestique, Rider Support, Non-Cycling Guide, Driver and Guest Services Hotels - Restaurants Nicolas is also well-versed in the regions that we visit being a native frenchman.

Liz Nelson

Cycling & Non-cycling Guide, Rider Support

A relatively late bloomer in cycling, Liz is based in sunny Brisbane, Queensland, where she works as an exercise and sports scientist, coaching cycling and other related endurance sports. Liz provides evidence based programming and advice that helps people improve all aspects of their cycling. Liz’s cycling background is diverse, having competed in all facets of road racing, from local criteriums and road racing through to individual time trials - the ‘race of truth’ being her preferred event! Liz has also participated in mass cycling events, gran fondos and stage tours. Liz is also a fan of the gym and shares her lifting adventures on social media. With her wide range of skills, Liz is well-equipped to support guests on tour, regardless of fitness level or riding experience. Liz also has a health professional background, working as a pharmacist in a previous life. However, she found this a bit dull and prefers to showcase her talents as a “prawn peeler extraordinaire”. Perhaps we’ll have the chance to test this unique talent out during our tour as there are plenty of fresh seafood places to enjoy! Liz has joined us for the Tour Down Under and the Giro d’Italia this year, and we’re happy to see her with us again at the Tour de France. [10 Day Tour Team Member]

Pat and Grace worked tirelessly to make sure everyone’s needs and expectations were met

S. Charlton (2015)Queensland, Australia

A big thanks to you for making my trip, as a non-rider, very memorable

L. Green (2010) New Zealand

Grace and Pat go above and beyond to make sure you have a good time

Steph W. (2015, 2014 & 2013)NSW, Australia

Nothing was too much trouble, their demeanour was always cheery

Andrew S. (2014)Melbourne, Australia

Knowledgeable, multilingual, always helpful, a great team

Tommy. E (2016, 2014, 2013, 2012)USA

Grace is the most organised of guides, no request is too unusual or difficult

A. Saunders (2017)Victoria, Australia

You took care of my wife wonderfully… I am grateful and appreciative

David S. (2016)Canada

Thanks very much for a highly enjoyable and excellently run tour

Daren A. (2012)QLD, Australia

Grace and Pat are remarkable. Thank you so much!

Claudia H. (2104)Canada

Grace… you are warm, inclusive and infectious in your enthusiasm

John H. (2014)Australia

Pat and his team did an absolutely brilliant job

L. Hocking (2015)Victoria, Australia

Big thanks to Grace & Patrick… we had a Brilliant time

Andrew E (2016)Australia

The trip ran like clock work… all we had to worry about was enjoying ourselves

Ben K. (2013)NSW, Australia

Grace… you are still as efficient and organised as always

Richard B. (2016, 2012)Western Australia

Pat’s leadership gave everyone what they needed

Peter F. (2010)New Zealand

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Spacious Cycling Friendly Four Star Accommodation.
  • Daily breakfasts (Evening Meals, Lunches, Drinks Etc As Per Detailed Itinerary Below).
  • Local guides for cycling and non-cyclists
  • Minimum of three guided ride options per day, to suit your preferred distance and amount of climbing
  • Pro mechanical support on tour
  • Support vehicle to carry daypacks, spare parts, hydration and ride snacks
  • Separate Spectator Itinerary for Non-cyclists
  • Itinerary, including daily ride maps
  • Free download of our GPS Ride Routes
  • Complimentary return train station transfers
  • Daily Bike Spa including Bike Wash, Mechanical check and tune, by a Pro Mechanic
  • Cyclists Receive Our Premium Quality European Rider Pack including: Jersey, Knicks, Socks, Cycling Cap and Musette Bag
  • Non-Cyclists Receive a Spectator Pack including Designer Ride International Tours Polo Shirt, Socks, Cap and Musette Bag

inclusions

  • 4* Chic, Cycling Friendly Accommodation
  • Daily breakfasts
  • Welcome pack compliments of Ride International Tours
  • Welcome and farewell dinner and drink (approx 60% additional evening meals as per detailed itinerary)
  • Experienced guides for cycling and non-cyclists groups
  • Minimum of three supported, guided ride options per day, to suit your preferred distance and amount of climbing
  • ⁠Pro mechanical support on tour
  • Support vehicle each day to carry daypacks, spare parts, hydration and ride snacks
  • ⁠Separate Spectator Daily Itinerary for Non-cyclists
  • Electronic Itinerary, including daily ride maps
  • Free download of our GPS Ride Routes. Assistance with loading and navigation settings for GPS devices
  • All Tour Transfers, Including Complimentary tour start and finish – pickup and drop-off transfer
  • Daily Bike Spa including, Mechanical check and tune, by a Pro Mechanic
  • ⁠Where available cycling kit laundry service
  • Our Premium Quality Rider Pack includes: Custom Jersey *Your custom cycling kit orders are placed with our supplier at least 150 days before the tour departure date. Bookings made after this period may receive generic merchandise, subject to availability.
  • ⁠Our Premium Quality Spectator Pack includes: Designer Ride International Tours Polo Shirt, Custom *Our custom tour merchandise orders are placed with our supplier at least 60 days before the tour departure date. Bookings made after this period may receive generic merchandise, subject to availability.

⁠TOUR OPTIONAL EXTRA’S

  • Ride International Pro Cycling Knicks [shorts]
  • Ride International Pro Long Sleeve Jersey [Fleece Lined]
  • Scicon Custom Ride International Wet/ Rain Bag
  • Scicon Custom Ride International Backpack

2028 Tour de France Grand Depart Reims and the Champagne Region – Sample itinerary in brief below.

2028 Tour de France – 6 Day Reims and the Champagne Region Grand Depart
Below we outline our 2028 Tour de France – 6 Day Reims Grand Depart tour, sample Itinerary in brief.
Further details of tour program will be confirmed with guests who’ve placed an Advanced Booking deposit for their tour.

We continue to update guests with the latest information as details continue to come in from the race organisation.

We’d love to have you along to show you the best of the Reims and the Champagne Region Tour de France Grand Depart. Contact us for more information, we’re here to help make your dream of going to the Tour de France come true.

DAY 0 – THURSDAY 30th June, 2028 TBC

SUGGESTED ARRIVAL DAY

Today is our suggested arrival day to Europe, France, and the Champagne Region.

We always recommend arriving to our tour start team hotel, or the country in which your tour starts at least the day prior to your tour start.

In our years of experience, we have observed that guests who arrive on Day 0 are better able to respond to potential travel disruptions like flight delays, missed connections and lost luggage. In general, they are better rested, less stressed, less likely to get sick while on tour, much happier and ready for their adventure than those who arrive on Day 1. Should you like an additional night at our Team Hotel contact us, we can add you to our group booking for our Team Hotel. (non-inclusion).

Today is a great opportunity to arrive in Reims, France, and settle in to prepare for your Grand Départ – Tour de France Tour ahead.

Pre Tour arrival day is open to be as relaxed or busy as you prefer. Our staff will be arriving at varying times throughout the day, there are no official activities today.

We’ll all be connected via a WhatsApp chat group, we create the group chat just prior to your tour start so that we can all communicate.

The main focus of today is about arriving to the Champagne region, and settling at our hotel. Check in is generally 2pm, yet if you’re arriving early check in with reception to see if your room is available early – if your room isn’t available our friendly reception staff will be happy to store your bags securely while you explore the local area.

Bike Assembly & Logistics

Late in the day we’ll be available to assist with bike assembly and/or introduce you to your hire bike. Once your bike/hire bike is assembled – set up, we suggest taking a gentle pedal around the vicinity of the hotel to ensure everything is working correctly for tomorrow’s ride.

 Accommodation:

Reims, Champagne Region, France

Pricing and Dates

6 Day Grand Depart Tour Dates TBC

Day 0: Thursday 29th June, 2028 [Suggested arrival day – hotel non-inclusion]
Day 1: Friday 30th June – Day 6: Wednesday 5th July, 2028

Payments

ADVANCED BOOKING DEPOSIT:

AUD $750 [approximately] USD $500 reserves your spot on the 6 Day Grand Depart Tour

Tour Pricing

[Indicative Tour Pricing Based on 2027 TDF – 6 Day Grand Depart Tour]

Twin Share Room: AUD$5775 pp twin share (Approx. USD$3700 -€3300 )

Single Room Supplement: AUD$845 (Approx. USD$540)

$750.00 AUD

Hotel Option

ROOMS / SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

* Our twin share prices are per person based on two people ie couples, partners, family, friends sharing one room. If you are travelling alone, you have the option to have a room to yourself, or will be allocated a room to yourself by paying the additional single room supplement.

Bike Hire

Take the hassle out of travelling with your bike and hire a bike for our 6 Day Grand Depart Tour

18

Years of Experience

125

Tours Completed

2,955

Trip Guests

65,350km

Cycled on Tour

315

Hotels Visited

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OUR GUEST REVIEWS

Star rate
“Both Pat and Grace have excellent people skills, they build relationships quickly, they were always well organised with itineraries or plans for the day re weather, road changes, or unexpected issues that arose. Hard work from them made our tour of two weeks a dream holiday along with all the extra drama of the biggest cycling race in the world.”

- J. & I. Aplin . Napier, New Zealand

Star rate
“Thanks very much for a highly enjoyable and excellently run tour. You and your team certainly exceeded my expectations, not only with the rides but local knowledge which helped make life simple.”

- Daren A . QLD, Australia

Star rate
“It is the small things that you guys do behind the scenes that makes all the difference. It was an amazing experience to ride in Italy and experience the Giro first hand. Thanks again and looking forward to the next tour.”

- Stephen P . QLD, Australia

Star rate
“I first met Pat and Grace on a cycling tour in Europe in 2013. Pat and Grace make the perfect team to run these types of tours, both are friendly, bubbly and outgoing in their personalities and each bring their own invaluable skills to touring with a group.”

- A. Saunders . Victoria, Australia

Star rate
“Wow, two of the greatest tour guides I know. Knowledgeable, multilingual, always helpful, a great team to handle your once in a life time tour. I’ve done at least 4 two-week cycle tours with one or both of this husband wife team. Every one has been extraordinary. You will not go wrong with one of these two as your tour coordinators.”

- Tommy. E . USA

Advance Bookings:

We open up our Advance Reservations for trips so you can book well ahead. Guarantee your position by booking up to 12 months prior.

If you’d like to organise and book your trip more than 12 months prior, contact us via email or phone, we’ll arrange everything so you can make an advanced early booking.

An advance booking, accompanied by a fully refundable $750 AUD (Australian Dollar) ensures priority booking status when the trip details are announced. Note, an advance booking is not considered final until payment is received.

Once specific trip itinerary details are finalized, we’ll contact everyone on the advance reservation list via email, we’ll include the itinerary and offer a priority booking position before opening up bookings to the wider community.

If a trip fills – as it often does in the advance bookings, we create a waiting list and then offer reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis (based on the date the advance reservation was made) once our advanced booking guest have finalised.

To cancel an advance reservation a cancellation request must be submitted in writing/ via email within 14 days of the trip details being published. The (AUD) $750 advance reservation payment will be immediately refunded for any cancellation received within this 14-day period.

Travel Insurance:

As a Ride International Tour participant, it is compulsory to have your own travel insurance. We recommend activating your travel insurance as soon as you’ve placed your booking deposit to ensure you are covered from the outset. Please ensure that your policy includes coverage for:

  • Cancellation charges
  • Medical expenses in the event of an accident or illness.
  • Baggage
  • Cycling activities and associated risks
  • Cycling equipment

We encourage each participant on our tours to contact your travel agent, and or travel insurance provider directly. Your travel insurance experts are best equipped to provide clarification, recommendations for best providers and or further information on the cover that suits your specific needs.

Final Payments:

Final Payments:
Please Note: Our Tour de France Tours, and various other tours operate in the “Peak European Travel Season” each year. Our Tour de France tours take place in the regions, towns and city’s in the vicinity of the Tour de France, hence it’s considered “Ultra Peak Season” by our suppliers.

Our suppliers engage their special conditions during “Ultra Peak Travel Season”, including non-refundable payments for bookings to secure the needs to operate our Tour de France tours.

Our Tour de France tours require payment conditions which include a 50% tour progress payment once we supply our tour “Itinerary in Brief”. We forward your first progress payment invoice/s via email, these tour progress payments made to Ride International to secure your position/s on the tour are non-refundable by our suppliers.

Travel Insurance is compulsory for guests on all our tours, should you need to cancel your tour once your tour progress payment/s have been made, contact us via email to notify us of your intention to cancel. We can provide you with written confirmation that your tour position/s have been cancelled, this confirmation of cancellation can then be forwarded by guests onto your travel insurance provider for their consideration.

The balance of your tour payment/s is due no later than 150 days prior to your tour departure date, we will forward via email your final payment invoice. You can choose to make full payment earlier if you prefer to finalise your trip payment early, contact us and we will arrange for an invoice to be sent.

What if I have to transfer, change or cancel my trip:
We understand you may not be able to go on your tour, you have the option to cancel, change or transfer due to personal or medical reasons if you’ve paid a tour advance booking deposit, and or it’s within 10 days of receiving your tour “Itinerary in Brief. Post the 10 day period after you have received your “Itinerary in Brief”, tour payments, progress payments are considered final, non-refundable. If you have a question give us a call or email.

Due to the high demand, limited hotel availability and the advance payments expected by our hotels, various suppliers, and restaurants we use, the following cancellation conditions apply to all of our trips.

AFTER BOOKING, IF YOU CANCEL:

Prior to 150 days before to departure 50% cancellation fee of the trip price
149 – 61 days prior to departure 75% cancellation fee of the trip price
60 days and less prior to departure 100% cancellation fee of the trip price

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