SUMMARY - INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
Your guide to a successful Grand Tour!
Welcome to the Participant Info page for this 30th edition of the Grand Tour, presented by Chocolate Milk! On this page, as well as on the pages detailing each day, you'll find all the information you need to make the most of your stay, before and during it. Preparation for the event, important information for your arrival, details of daily itineraries, activities, meals... this is where you'll find everything you need to ensure that your Grand Tour runs smoothly on the superb roads of the Outaouais region.
Come to Plantagenet on Saturday, August 3, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. for the big start! Starting point: École secondaire catholique de Plantagenet, 6150 Comté Rd #17, Plantagenet, Ontario, K0B 1L0.
We look forward to seeing you again!
Before you leave
Access to start site
You're invited to join us on Saturday, August 3, starting at 7 a.m. atÉcole secondaire catholique de Plantagenet (6150 Comté Rd #17, Plantagenet, Ontario, K0B 1L0) for the start of the Grand Tour. Plan your route to the start site by clicking here. Simply enter your starting address to get a customized itinerary.
Are you driving to the start and want to offer a place to another cyclist? Are you in the opposite situation and looking for a lift to the start? Check out the Grand Tour's Amigo Express platform!
Parking
You must leave your vehicle at the start site in Plantagenet. The cost of parking managed by the municipality for the week is $20 per vehicle, payable at the entrance. Cash only.
GPX routes and data
GPX routes are now available on the RideWithGPS platform. However, we advise you to add them to your on-board computer and/or smartphone just before your departure to ensure you have the latest versions of the routes, which are subject to change.
Need help downloading routes to your smartphone or Garmin onboard computer? Check out our short navigation guide!
Village locations
This year, discover our two-village formula, which will allow you to enjoy your days with less movement between the different sites!
Village of Gatineau: Parc Jacques-Cartier - rue Laurier, Gatineau, Québec, J8X 3W9
Village of Papineauville: École secondaire Louis-Joseph-Papineau - 378, rue Papineau, Papineauville, QCuébec,J0V 1R0
Before you leave
Access to start site
You're invited to join us on Saturday, August 3, starting at 7 a.m. atÉcole secondaire catholique de Plantagenet (6150 Comté Rd #17, Plantagenet, Ontario, K0B 1L0) for the start of the Grand Tour. Plan your route to the start site by clicking here. Simply enter your starting address to get a customized itinerary.
Are you driving to the start and want to offer a place to another cyclist? Are you in the opposite situation and looking for a lift to the start? Check out the Grand Tour's Amigo Express platform!
Parking
You must leave your vehicle at the start site in Plantagenet. The cost of parking managed by the municipality for the week is $20 per vehicle, payable at the entrance. Cash only.
GPX routes and data
GPX routes are now available on the RideWithGPS platform. However, we advise you to add them to your on-board computer and/or smartphone just before your departure to ensure you have the latest versions of the routes, which are subject to change.
Need help downloading routes to your smartphone or Garmin onboard computer? Check out our short navigation guide!
Village locations
This year, discover our two-village formula, which will allow you to enjoy your days with less movement between the different sites!
Village of Gatineau: Parc Jacques-Cartier - rue Laurier, Gatineau, Québec, J8X 3W9
Village of Papineauville: École secondaire Louis-Joseph-Papineau - 378, rue Papineau, Papineauville, QCuébec,J0V 1R0
Practical information
Luggage
Before you leave, be sure toidentify your luggage (first name, last name, telephone number) and attach the bracelet you received in the mail (be sure to use the LUGGAGE bracelet, not the access bracelet!). Make sure your FULL luggage is within the 22 kg weight limit for the Sous les étoiles package. If your luggage weighs more than 22 kg, you'll have to pay an extra luggage fee. After arriving at the departure site, please leave your luggage with the corresponding truck for transport to the village. A valet service is available for those who do not wish to take their luggage to the truck. The service is provided by the local Scouts, who are organizing a fund-raising event. A fee of $2 per bag is charged, payable directly to the valets in cash. As this is a fundraiser, feel free to donate more!
Bracelet
The bracelets you receive by mail allow you to access the various services offered during the Grand Tour.
- Turquoise, lilac and green bracelets: You will receive two (2) depending on the color of your package. The participant bracelet, to be worn on the wrist, will be needed to access the village and collect your meals. The other bracelet must be worn on your luggage.
- Green and white wristbands: If you have chosen a vegetarian or vegan menu (green wristband) or a gluten-free menu (white wristband), you will also need to wear these wristbands.
If you haven't received your wristbands, or if some were missing from your shipment, please come and see us at the Info booth before you leave for Plantagenet. We can give you the missing wristbands.
Lunchtime meals
Would you like to dine in the village instead of at the lunch stop? This will be possible on the three loop days of August 4, 5 and 7. You'll need to buy a wristband to obtain your meal for the following day in the village, at the info booth, the day before, before 9 p.m. Wristbands will also be handed out at the entrance to the evening meal area. This will ensure that we have the right quantity of meals in the village and at the rest stop.
Utensils and ecoresponsibility
To make our events more eco-friendly, we strongly recommend that you bring your own reusable coffee cup, crockery and cutlery. This initiative is in line with our eco-responsibility approach and will considerably reduce our waste. Reusable crockery and cutlery will be on sale at the village store. Washbasins and dishwashing equipment will also be available.
Info-packages
Under the stars package
Have you chosen to camp in our villages during the Grand Tour? Then you're all set to start your Grand Tour when you arrive in Plantagenet on August 3. Then you can leave your luggage at the luggage truck and hit the road.
Under the comforter package
Have you chosen to stay in a hotel during the Grand Tour? If so, you're invited to visit the Info booth at the Plantagenet departure site so that we can give you all the documents you need for your stay, including: your tour booklet, details of your accommodation (room numbers, etc.). You can then leave your luggage at the luggage truck identified for Sous la Couette packages.
One-day tour
Have you decided to spend a day with us on August 4, 5 or 7? Parking is available for your vehicles in the villages of Gatineau (August 4 and 5) and Papineauville (August 7). The bracelet you receive in the mail will allow you to pick up your meal at the lunch stop. After your day's cycling, don't hesitate to take advantage of the village facilities before heading home, and don't forget that your dinner is included!
Tent rental
Have you rented a tent from Vélo Québec Voyages? You have been given a tent card. The number on the card corresponds to the number of your tent. Please attach it to your luggage (your luggage will be identified with a card and a turquoise or lilac bracelet). At the departure site, please drop off your luggage at the "Camion bagages Location Tente" truck.
Info-packages
Under the stars package
Have you chosen to camp in our villages during the Grand Tour? Then you're all set to start your Grand Tour when you arrive in Plantagenet on August 3. Then you can leave your luggage at the luggage truck and hit the road.
Under the comforter package
Have you chosen to stay in a hotel during the Grand Tour? If so, you're invited to visit the Info booth at the Plantagenet departure site so that we can give you all the documents you need for your stay, including: your tour booklet, details of your accommodation (room numbers, etc.). You can then leave your luggage at the luggage truck identified for Sous la Couette packages.
One-day tour
Have you decided to spend a day with us on August 4, 5 or 7? Parking is available for your vehicles in the villages of Gatineau (August 4 and 5) and Papineauville (August 7). The bracelet you receive in the mail will allow you to pick up your meal at the lunch stop. After your day's cycling, don't hesitate to take advantage of the village facilities before heading home, and don't forget that your dinner is included!
Tent rental
Have you rented a tent from Vélo Québec Voyages? You have been given a tent card. The number on the card corresponds to the number of your tent. Please attach it to your luggage (your luggage will be identified with a card and a turquoise or lilac bracelet). At the departure site, please drop off your luggage at the "Camion bagages Location Tente" truck.
Day 0, the perfect start to your Grand Tour
Have you chosen to arrive the day before departure and camp in Plantagenet? We'll be on site to welcome you from 2 pm. You'll have access to the bathrooms and camping area at the departure site. If you have selected the tent rental option, your tent will be set up for you on arrival. When you arrive on site, you'll be asked to pay a $20 cash parking fee.
You will also have access to the following services:
- Street food truck (for a fee) on site from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., serving burgers, poutines and other hearty fare. Click HERE to see the menu.
- Afternoon musical entertainment.
- Access to showers at Plantagenet Catholic High School.
- A lunch (for a fee) on August 3 before departure. If you did not choose this option when booking, you can add it by contacting the Vélo Québec Voyages team by e-mail or telephone until Wednesday, July 31 at noon. The cost of lunch is $15 per person.
If you did not select the Day 0 option when you registered and would like to take advantage of it, contact the Vélo Québec Voyages team by e-mail or telephone to add it to your reservation free of charge.
Discover a unique village in Gatineau!
This year, we're offering you an innovative site for our visit to Gatineau. Imagine sipping coffee on the banks of the Ottawa River, with the sound of ducks landing and taking off right in front of you... a dream come true! Located in Jacques-Cartier Parkthe village where you'll be staying on August 3, 4 and 5 is one of a kind: a little piece of nature paradise right in the middle of the city! Its tranquility and location will appeal to cyclists, who will find it a natural and peaceful setting. While the park doesn't have an on-site school, we've put all the amenities in place to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
In Jacques-Cartier Park, you'll find :
- A (very) large dining tent
- A tent dedicated to cinema and conferences
- Charging stations for cell phones
- The classic Decathlon play zone
- A festive bistro serving fine beers from Microbrasserie Siboire
- The same early-bird and late-bird camping zones as usual
- All the comforts you need for a unique experience under the stars!
- More details to come, watch this page!
Day by day cycling itinerary
On the road
Day 1 - Saturday, August 3 - Plantagenet to Gatineau
The Grand Tour 2024 presented by Lait au chocolat gets underway today! We hope your chains are oiled, your shorts adjusted and your tires inflated, because today, we're rolling!
Meet at the meeting point - Plantagenet High School ( 6150, Comté Rd #17, Plantagenet, Ontario, K0B 1L0).
On our first day on the roads of the Outaouais region, we start this Grand Tour in Ontario, before heading for Quebec and the first village, Gatineau.
See today's itinerary on Google Maps
Route information
Shortest route: 60 km (with shuttle bus at start)
Regular route: 81 km
Regular + option 1: 111 km
Regular + option 2: 103 km
Regular + options 1 and 2: 133 km
Minimum daily ascent: 624 m
Maximum daily ascent: 839 m
Prefer to start the week slowly? A shuttle bus will be available to reduce the distance to be covered on the first day (60 km). This shuttle will allow you to shorten the distance by about 20 km. More info to come.
Day 2 - Sunday, August 4 - Gatineau loop
On this beautiful Sunday, the day of the first loop of this Grand Tour, we're off to explore the banks of the Gatineau River and its wonderful roads, as quiet as they are pleasant.
See today's itinerary on Google Maps
Route information
Shortest route: 64 km
Regular route: 71 km
Regular + option 1: 96 km
Minimum daily ascent: 777 m
Maximum daily ascent: 1,144 m
Day 3 - Monday, August 5 - Gatineau loop
On this third day, you'll take to the roads of the magnificent Gatineau Park before returning to the town of the same name!
See today's itinerary on Google Maps
Route information
Shortest route: 47 km
Regular route: 63 km
Regular + option 1: 76 km
Regular + option 2: 82 km
Regular + option 3: 106 km
Regular + options 1, 2 and 3: 138 km
Minimum daily ascent: 481 m
Maximum daily ascent: 1,282 m
Day 4 - Tuesday, August 6 - Gatineau to Papineauville
After three superb days in Gatineau, we're off to the second village of this Grand Tour, located in Papineauville!
See today's itinerary on Google Maps
Route information
Shortest route: 60 km (with shuttle bus at start)
Shortened route: 74 km
Regular route: 86 km
Regular + option 1: 117 km
Regular + option 2: 109 km
Regular + option 1 and 2: 140 km
Minimum daily ascent: 498 m
Maximum daily ascent: 1,573 m
Day 5 - Wednesday, August 7 - Papineauville loop
For this day of loops around Papineauville, you'll cycle along the region's pretty country roads, which will take you past several of the area's lakes. The most adventurous cyclists can even ride along the shores of Lac Simon!
See today's itinerary on Google Maps
Route information
Shortest route: 38 km
Regular route: 89 km
Regular + option 1: 105 km
Regular + option 2: 126 km
Regular + option 1 and 2: 142 km
Minimum daily ascent: 459 m
Maximum daily ascent: 1,737 m
Day 6 - Thursday, August 8 - Papineauville to Plantagenet
For this last day of the Grand Tour, we're taking you back to Ontario for a lovely stroll along the local farm roads before heading back to Plantagenet and its high school to say goodbye!
See today's itinerary on Google Maps
Route information
Shortest route: 33 km
Regular route: 85 km
Regular + option 1: 103 km
Regular + option 2: 118 km
Regular + option 1 and 2: 136 km
Minimum daily ascent: 120 m
Maximum daily ascent: 603 m
Bulletin board
Traveler's Guide
The Traveler's Guide, intended for participants in our travel events, contains a wealth of information to help you make the most of your vacation. We invite you to read it carefully.
Paper/PDF edition of Le Déchaîné
This year, Le Déchaîné is back in its classic form! Each day, discover a new edition written by Jonathan B. Roy! Printed copies to share will also be distributed at the INFO booth and other locations in the village. For the sake of the environment, we encourage you to read Le Déchaîné in PDF format on your phone and/or tablet. A link will be added on each day's page. Come back to this page for more information.
Have a question during your stay?
For all questions, information and requests, come and see us at the INFO booth. Located at the start/finish site in Plantagenet, as well as at our two village sites in Gatineau and Papineauville, the INFO booth will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.. The team will be on hand to answer all your questions and make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your Grand Tour. Look out for the large black and green flags marked with a large "i" to find the location of the INFO booth.
Boutique Vélo Québec
During the Grand Tour, visit the Vélo Québec Boutique, located right next to the INFO booth, to purchase t-shirts, hoodies, jerseys and other Vélo Québec accessories.
Conferences and workshops
- August 3 to 7, schedule to come - Décathlon mechanical workshop
- August 3, 5 p.m. - Encyclicals podcast with Jonathan B. Roy
- August 4, 5 p.m. - Discussion with Michel Labrecque on the origins of the Grand Tour
- August 5, 5 p.m. - Conference presented by Tourisme Outaouais
- August 6, 6:30 p.m. -Conference on mushrooms with Jean-Paul Blais
- August 6, 7:30 p.m. -Lecture by Jonathan B. Roy
- August 7, 9 a.m. - Mushroom-picking activity
- August 7, 5 p.m. - Discussion with Anne-Rika, winner of Les Chefs in 2017
Massage therapy
Enjoy a massage therapy session from August 3 to 7, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (lunch stop) and between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. (village):
- Rates :
Drop-in (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.): $20 for 10 minutes, $25 for 15 minutes and $30 for 20 minutes (taxes included).
Village (2 pm - 10 pm): $55 for 30 minutes, $100 for 55 minutes (taxes included). Reserve your session by stopping by the massage therapy booth at the start before you hit the road! You can also reserve your massage therapy session in advance by texting Djilali Aïcha at(514) 991-1822 with your choice of time slot. You'll receive a prompt reply confirming your appointment or suggesting an alternative time slot. Don't wait to book your next session!
Back to Plantagenet
If you need to cut your Grand Tour short and return to the Plantagenet site to collect your car, a shuttle bus leaves the village every day at 6.30pm. To reserve your place, go to the Info booth. The shuttle costs $20 per person.
In the village
At Le Grand Tour, there's never a dull moment! Whether you're looking for the relaxation of a massage or the festive side of a bistro, it's all possible. Our villages are tailor-made to ensure that your after-bike experience is as memorable as the day you spent pedaling in one of Quebec's most beautiful regions, the Outaouais.
As life is well done, everything is in the same place! In the village, you will find every day :
- Sanitary facilities, bathrooms and showers to erase the traces of your efforts
- Access to a swimming pool a short distance from the villages
- A friendly meal point where you can meet people and discover new tastes
- Musical entertainment provided by our DJs, who will set the evening alight and make you forget your... inflamed calves!
- Films shown at the village cinema
- Board games from SOCIOJEUX and outdoor games from DÉCATHLON
- Massage therapists to loosen up your body after a day of high mileage
For more information on daily timetables, see the pages for each day.
Get the 2024 Grand Tour official jersey
On sale at the Grand Tour boutique!
- Castelli Jersey
- Ventilated, micro-mesh Strada stretch fabric
- Moisture-wicking fabric
- Tailwind honeycomb fabric on shoulders, side panels and pockets
- Full-length YKK Vislon zipper
- Silicone hem adhesive strip
- 3 back pockets and one zippered pocket
- Available in men's and women's sizes
- Course on the back of the jersey
$99 + taxes
FAQ
Luggage transportation
At the Grand Tour, we transport your luggage from one stage town to the next. We accept only one piece of luggage per person. For the sake of your back and that of our baggage handlers, make sure your luggage weighs no more than 22 kg for the Under the Stars package, and 15 kg for the Under the Duvet package. You will be required to submit your luggage to a weight check at the time of departure from Plantagenet. Any excess must be returned to your vehicle.
NEW - This year, we are offering you the option of adding an extra piece of luggage when you make your reservation. If you wish to add an extra piece of luggage after your reservation has been finalized, please contact a member of our team by phone or e-mail. You will also be able to add an extra piece of luggage when you depart from Plantagenet on August 3, at a cost of $80.
Sending the booklet
The booklet containing all the information you need to prepare for your Grand Tour will be mailed out over the summer. Come back to this page in the coming months for more information.
Arrival the day before
If you want to arrive on August 2, it's possible! With our new Day 0, you can sleep for free at the Plantagenet departure site the day before departure! If you wish to take advantage of this option, you must contact the agency by telephone to confirm your presence.
The Info booth will be open from 2:00 p.m. to welcome you on August 2.
On the menu:
- Camping area
- Access to toilets and showers
- Bistro, live music and food trucks (fee payable)
- Lunch available on Day 1 at extra cost. Advance reservations are required. Please contact a member of the Vélo Québec Voyages team if you wish to take advantage of this option.
Please note that other Grand Tour services, such as meals, mechanics and first aid, will only be available from August 3.
The Grand Tour route day by day
In the tab of each day, you will find the routes on the Ride with GPS application as well as the maps in printable format (PDF).
To help you plan your Grand Tour, it's possible - using a phone, computer or tablet - to consult maps and topographical profiles with the Ride with GPS platform.
This platform offers you an array of superior features:
- Voice navigation
- Offline access to maps
- Detailed maps and itineraries (cuesheets) in PDF format (data is provided for information purposes only)
- Advanced route notifications with GPX (or TCX) files. If you would like to access these features, please follow the steps below:Register for the Ride with GPS event.
You'll be asked to register if you're new to the site, or to log in if you already have an account. Registration is free of charge. The event will be automatically synchronized with your mobile and online account. Do you have a GPS or smartphone? Consult the short navigation guide to familiarize yourself with the Ride with GPS platform. Please note that the application is available in English only.
One week before the Grand Tour, you'll receive an e-mail updating the route maps, including the presence of toilets. It's best to wait for this last update before downloading the data to your GPS, if necessary.
Rain and other bad weather
In the event of rain, the Grand Tour will proceed as scheduled. In the event of more severe weather conditions, such as high winds or thunderstorms, Vélo Québec reserves the right to bring forward or delay the start times in order to avoid such conditions.
Should extreme circumstances force the cancellation of a day, shuttles will be provided to the next village, except for the loop days on August 4, 5 and 7.
If you have any doubts about the weather before hitting the road, drop in at the INFO kiosk and we'll be happy to advise you.
Air quality
The safety of our participants is paramount, and should the air quality reach a dangerous level for vulnerable people (heart or lung problems, pregnant women, young children, etc.), shuttles will be provided to the next village, if necessary.
The air quality of the day will be indicated every day at the INFO booth. If you'd like to know more about air quality, or if you're uncomfortable riding, drop by the INFO booth and we'll work with you to find the solutions you need.
Insurance coverage
It is the responsibility of each traveler to ensure adequate insurance coverage (medical, luggage and bicycle). Vélo Québec Voyages assumes no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to your luggage and personal effects (including your bicycle) during your trip, including the transportation of your bicycle by truck. Please note that many home insurance companies cover property damaged or stolen outside the home. Check with your company.
Road behaviour
We won't be the only ones out and about during this beautiful week. You'll be driving partly on the road network, and the roads won't be closed to vehicular traffic. We ask you to bear this in mind and to DRIVE AWAY. Take this opportunity to remind the younger riders who will be accompanying you. The organization has made a commitment to the authorities to be more "cyclocivist" and will not hesitate to call you to order if your behavior puts your life and that of others in danger.
Tagging
The route is marked with signs. These signs will also indicate the presence of the various service points (toilets, refreshments, lunch stop, water, etc.). Any last minute deviation will be indicated, if necessary, with the help of DETOUR signs.
Closing of optional courses
The optionals indicate a closing time so that all participants can cross the finish line by 6:00 pm. In addition to being indicated on the course sign at the beginning of the optional course, closing time information is also provided on the maps, where applicable.
Charging point for electronic devices
If you need to recharge your phone, tablet or computer on your bike, there's a space for it at each stopover village.
Meals and allergies
When you registered, we asked you to choose a meal type (regular/vegan/gluten-free). However, we are aware that some participants may have more specific allergies or intolerances.
Full menus are available on the daily pages of this Déchaîné. If you'd like more details on ingredients and meal preparation, the on-site catering service has a complete list of ingredients and can provide you with the information you need to ensure you don't consume any foods to which you're allergic.
Broken bracelet
If you've damaged your wristband during the Grand Tour, come to the INFO booth with your wristband and we'll exchange it for an undamaged one.
Cancellation and refund
For cancellation and refund terms and conditions, please refer to the general terms and conditions.