Photo by Tim Clinch, courtesy Les Prés d'Eugénie

Michel Guérard's gardens at Les Prés d'Eugénie

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The three Alpine stages should decide the Tour. People camp out near the finishes of the route’s highest hills, especially the famed eight-mile Alpe d’Huez, with its 21 hairpin turns (July 23). The mountain becomes a rowdy street party. Wait for the Tour on one of the other peaks, like the Col du Galibier or the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, early in a stage. You can set yourself up on an S curve and watch the long lines of racers come up slowly. Make reservations; hotels around here fill up early.

HOTEL LA DEMEURE DE CHAVOIRE
Annecy, with its beautiful lake, flower-lined canals, and mountain views, is a great place to stay. It’s a fair drive from the action, so you have to get up early to catch the race. But away from the madness, you won’t have to worry about drunk fans singing outside your window all night. La Demeure de Chavoire is a quiet lakeside charmer.
71, ROUTE D'ANNECY,
VEYRIER-DU-LAC
334/50-60-04-38
rates: $200–$310
demeuredechavoire.com

LA MAISON DE MARC VEYRAT
The closest thing France has to Ferran Adrià is Marc Veyrat, who practically instructs his guests on how to experience the meal, with its brilliant progression of flavors. Prepare to be shocked by at least one dish—and by the bill.
13, VIEILL E ROUTE DES PENSIERES,
VEYRIER-DU-LAC
334/50-60-24-00

"When in France for... Le Tour de France" originally appeared in the May/June 2008 issue of Culture+Travel. For a complete list of articles from this issue available on ARTINFO, see Culture+Travel's May/June 2008 Table of Contents.