How about combining a morning visit to a vineyard and watch the race in the afternoon? We are proud to announce that Le Tour de France 2014 is passing through our backyard and Bergerac Wine Tours is doing “Le Tour de France special” on the 25th July 2014.
We have managed to secure private prime spot by the road in Eymet, last town before the Bergerac where race will end on the 25th July.
Menu
And here is our menu for Friday 25th July (veggies are welcome):
Amuse Bouche
12 months cured ham and melon kebab
Game pâte and cornichon toast
Wine – Sparkling Rose and Brut or Chateau Lestevenie Rose 2013
Gaspacho
Foie Gras served with ginger bread and figue chutney
Wine – Chateau du Rooy – Rosette 2013
Slow roasted veal with plums and apricot
Stuffed courgette with creamy potatoes and garlic
Grilled tomatoes
Wine – L’Audace 2011 & Legend 2011
Cheese Platter
Poire Belle Helene dessert
Coffee served with chocolate
To secure your spot please see our contact page.
Le Tour de France – History
Le Tour de France is a bicycling race in France that has been running annually since 1903. The only years when the race has not taken place were during the two World Wars, when many traditions and events were postponed. Originally the race acted as a promotion for a sports magazine but over time Le Tour de France grew and gained popularity as a grueling show of true cycling prowess for riders from around the world and its legacy continued on past the bankruptcy of its founding publishing compay.
The format of the tour has continued to evolve and now stands as a 21 day event in segments over a 23 day period. While some ideas of the tour have remained consistent over time the race map changes every year. In changing the routes there are slightly varying distances that the races cover.
The shortest tour was 2,428 kilometers in 1904 and the longest was 5,745 kilometers in 1926 although the modern tour is now limited to 3,500 km. Over the years the tour has visited many neighboring countries and explored every region of France except the island of Corsica. It was not until 2013, in celebration of the 100th edition of the race, that the tour had visited Corsica, whether due to political strife, accommodation logistics, or other unexplained reasons.
Cyclists have always been awarded prize money for their victories and have many ways to win compensation for their efforts. Riders can win based on their daily times, final times, and team place. Crossing the finish line at the Champs-Elysees is a special moment for the cyclists who have dedicated more than 20 days to the race. This iconic finish started in 1975 and has continued ever since as a sort of tradition for the area and viewers.
The first live broadcast of the tour was in 1929 by radio when listeners could tune in to hear riders ride and cross over bumps and lines. It wasn’t until 1948 that the nation was able to watch a live broadcast of the events on television. The French people have long revered Le Tour de France as a gateway to show off France’s beauty and poise while also offering an opportunity for French athletes to compete and showcase their skills. It brought France forward and presented the rest of the world with an exciting event that has only grown in popularity over the years.
Doping is a common topic that accompanies discussions about the race and there have actually been problems with doping and substance abuse since the very first race when riders would drink alcohol and take pills to numb their pain during the ride.
Measures have been put in place to discourage, if not completely stop, these occurrences and one of the most famous doping scandals in the recent past was that of American rider Lance Armstrong, who later admitted to the accusations charged against him. Safety is a priority and in over 100 races there have been only 4 deaths of cyclists, one of whom died on a rest day.
This Year
This year Le Tour de France 2014 continues and will start in the town of Leeds in the UK. British riders are vying for an advantage start on their home turf but the French riders know that any comfort or familiarity will wear off when they land back in France. Bergerac, the second city in Dordogne through which the tour will pass, has only been a stage city twice in the tour’s history. Near the end of the race on the way back to the finish line at the Champs Elysee tourists will enjoy the high stakes excitement when the success of the race comes down to how well riders can hold up their endurance to the end.
Bergerac Wine Tours
“Le Tour de France Special” Menu
Amuse Bouche
Ham and melon kebab
Game pâte and cornichon toast
Wine – Sparkling Rose and Brut or
Chateau Lestevenie Rose 2013
Gaspacho
Foie Gras served with ginger bread and figue chutney
Wine – Chateau du Rooy – Rosette 2013
Slow roasted veal with plums and apricot
Stuffed courgette with creamy potatoes and garlic
Grilled tomatoes
Wine – L’Audace 2011 & Legend 2011
Cheese Platter
Poire Belle Helene dessert
Coffee served with chocolate
