Beginning on July 1st, the 110th edition of the Tour de France kicks off in Bilbao for 2023, and millions are expected to flock to the biggest cycling event in the world. With racers taking on 6 flat, 6 hilly and 8 mountain stages along with 5 summit finishes, we’re feeling tired just thinking about it. If you (like us) would prefer to watch the action from the sidelines, heading back to your holiday home for a dip in the pool or an afternoon cocktail, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top picks for Tour de France luxury villas and chateaux along the route.
Day 3 – AMOREBIETA-ETXANO > BAYONNE
Stay here: Manoir Mer et Lacs
Kicking off in Spain’s Basque region, by day 3 the cyclists will cross the border into France and make the city of Bayonne their first French pitstop.
Not far outside Bayonne is the unique and characterful Manoir Mer et Lacs, a home replete with original features such as oak floors, marble fireplaces, impressive high ceilings and a stunning oak staircase. Outside, your party will love the large heated swimming pool, summer kitchen perfect for al-fresco dining and a wealth of activities to enjoy together from the tennis court to football, volleyball and boules. It’s the perfect spot to set off from in search of the Tour de France route.
Day 7 –MONT-DE-MARSAN > BORDEAUX
Stay here: Chateau Belles Vignes
Built in the 17th century and restored to its original magnificence in 2016, Chateau Belles Vignes is a truly impressive place to stay. The white-washed chateau with pretty pepper-pot turrets sits among parkland and vineyards and has a superb pool to cool off in under the summer sun. Inside is chic and calming with six ensuite bedrooms and even a mini museum of rare curios. You could spend all day enjoying the home but don’t forget to hit the cycle route nearby to catch the athletes racing by.
Guests even receive a complimentary bottle of wine from the chateau’s own estate, and this property can be hired to serve as a stunning wedding venue.
Day 17 – SAINT-GERVAIS MONT-BLANC > COURCHEVEL
Stay here: Chalet Lanches
Just check out that private pool!
Beautiful Courcheval in the Alps attracts throngs of crowds during the wintertime for the unrivalled ski opportunities, but the area is simply beautiful during the summer too. Make Chateau Lanches your base during ‘Le Tour’ and enjoy four floors of luxurious accommodation including pool table, plush bedding, funky furnishings and of course that glorious pool to plunge into after a day exploring the mountains.
Day 21 – SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES > PARIS CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES
Stay here: Apartment Thea
Find yourself in the heart of the action with a stay at Apartment Thea, just a stone’s throw from the finish line on the illustrious Champs- Élysées. This elegant apartment inside a 19th-century Hausmannian property is perfect for a pair of cycle-lovers and means you are in easy reach of all of Paris’ top sights, so you can combine your trip following the Tour de France with some city exploration and fine dining nearby.
So there you have it: our top Tour de France luxury villas and chateaux. Explore the full range of villas in France and be sure to read our France travel guide before you go. It covers everything you’ll need to know about the country, exploring regions, essential phrases, where to eat and things to do – you really can’t go wrong.
