France 2013 Plans Firm

The initial plans for France 2013 have now been made.

• Depart Houston on Monday, June 24 and arrive Paris on Tuesday, June 25 at 8:30 AM.
• June 25-July 4.  Alps???
• July 4-13.  Staying at Les Deux Velos in the Ariege Pyrenees.
• July 13-16.  Staying in Provence near Mont Ventoux.
• July 16-July 25.  Alps???
• July 25-August 4.  Staying at the Lanterne Rouge in the Haut Pyrenees.
• August 4-6.  Paris.
• Depart Paris on Tuesday, August 6 and arrive Houston on Wednesday, August 7.

The best sources that I have found for the latest information about the Tour de France are http://www.velopeloton.com/2013_tour_de_france_route.html and http://www.velowire.com/article/657/en/tour-de-france-2013--rumours-on-the-race-course-and-stage-cities-.html.  In any case, I plan to be in the Pyrenees for the Tour, at Mont Ventoux, and possibly at Alpe d'Huez (Thursday, July 18) to see everyone suffer up the climb twice.  Descending Col de Sarenne.

Since I am using frequent flyer miles for this trip, I made an effort to get my ticket early.  I fly direct to Paris on Air France business class.  The return trip is not going to be as much fun---Paris to Cincinnati to Atlanta (spend the night) to Houston.  Oh well, it's almost a free ticket.