Traveler's Guide
Event Package
Travel documents
TWO WEEKS before the eventyou have registered for, you will receive the following documents by mail:
- The hiking guide, which includes daily route maps and a link to a website where you can find all the latest information about the event;
- Two numbered wristbands: one marked "MEAL," the other "LUGGAGE";
- A green wristband for participants who requested vegetarian meals;
- A white wristband for participants who have requested a gluten-free meal;
- If you have rented a tent, you will receive a luggage tag with the number of the tent assigned to you;
ONE WEEK before the event begins, you will receive an email containing:
- The GPX data for your route and last-minute details;
- The link to the newspaper *Le déchaîné* or *Le petit déchainé*, featuring all the details about the event.
If you have booked the "Sous la couette" package at Le Grand Tour, you will receive the following items on the FIRST DAY of the event:
- A numbered wristband bearing the inscription "REPAS";
- A luggage tag listing the hotels where you will be staying;
- The contact information for the hotels where you will be staying;
- Up-to-date information.
If you’ve booked the Grand Tour Day Trip, you’ll receive directions to the starting point via email one week before the event. On the morning of the event, please go to the INFO booth to pick up your wristband for the day.
Daily Routine
Your wristband: your vacation pass
To access all services provided as part of Vélo Québec’s event tours, each participant must wear their wristband at all times and ensure that the tag on their luggage is securely attached. No wristband, no services.
A typical day
With the Petite Aventure the Grand Tour, you're on vacation and can make the most of your day.
The support team hits the road at 6:30 a.m., and you can set out at your own pace and at a time that suits you. Please note, however, that if you set out outside the suggested times, we cannot guarantee assistance in the event of a problem.
Meals are planned based on the number of registered participants, and meal times are sufficiently spread out to manage the flow of people. Don’t worry—you’ll always find something to eat, whether you arrive at the lunch stop at 1:30 p.m. or want to have dinner at 8:00 p.m.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.: Breakfast
- 7:00–10:00 a.m.: Departure
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Lunch at the roadside diner
- 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Arrival at the stage town (until 6:00 p.m. during the Grand Tour)
- 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Dinner at the Village
- 1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.: Bistro, activities, and entertainment at the Village
Luggage
Information and weight limits
During our cycling tours, Vélo Québec Voyages handles luggage transport from one stopover town to the next. We accept only one piece of luggage per person, including camping gear. We recommend using a waterproof bag to protect your personal belongings from rain, as luggage is stored outdoors. For the sake of both your back and that of our porters, please ensure your luggage weight complies with the following guidelines:
- 22 kg for the "Under the Stars" package
- 15 kg for the "Sous la couette" package (for the Grand Tour only)
On the Grand Tour, you must have your luggage weighed at departure, before loading it onto the trucks. Any excess weight must be returned to your vehicle. This weight limit must be adhered to throughout the trip.
At La Petite Aventure, it is just as important to adhere to this limit, although we will not be weighing luggage systematically at the time of departure. However, we reserve the right to refuse any luggage that exceeds acceptable limits. At La Petite Aventure, it is important to note that everyone enrolled in the family package, including children of all ages, is entitled to one piece of luggage. This allows for the distribution of gear and the balancing of the weight of each bag.
We invite you to check out the Practical Informationsection ↓for tips and advice on planning your trip and packing.
Luggage Handling Schedule
We’ll transport your luggage from one stopover city to the next. You can pick up your belongings upon arrival at the Village every day starting at 1:00 p.m.
Starting at 6 a.m. on mornings when we move to a new campsite, after you’ve taken down your tent and packed up your belongings, you must drop off your bag at one of the numbered trucks.
Valet service (subject to change)
To transport your bag from the parking lots to the start/finish area or from the campgrounds to the baggage trucks, sports teams and local organizations offer a valet service for $2 per bag. The money raised helps fund their activities.
Meal
Most meals are included in the “Sous les étoiles” packages for our themed tours. Please refer to the package you purchased for details on what’s included. While lunch is served at the rest stop, breakfast and dinner are always served at the Village.
Lunch Stop
Unless otherwise noted, lunch is served only at the lunch stop, which is clearly marked and indicated on the route maps. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until the last cyclists arrive). Please note that cyclists who arrive before the lunch stop opens will not be able to receive their lunch upon arrival at their lodging under any circumstances.
At the rest stop, you’ll find restrooms, first aid services, water, and roadside assistance. Access to the rest stop and the services offered there is reserved exclusively for registered event participants.
Massage Therapy
After a great day of cycling, treat yourself to some relaxation by booking a 30- or 55-minute massage. You can book your appointment at the starting point or directly at the massage therapy room in each of the Villages. Fees apply.
Bicycle and Property Security
Although the Village is under surveillance all night, we strongly recommend that you lock your bicycle at all times. Lock two or three bikes together near your tent or to a fence if one is available. For obvious reasons of peace and quiet, we prohibit the use of bike alarms in the Village. Please remember that you are always responsible for your belongings during the event.
Visitors and recreational vehicles
Visitors—whether driving or cycling—are not permitted to follow you on the road or to the rest stop. However, you may welcome them for a few hours at the Village, where they may accompany you to the Bistro only. Please note that we cannot allow them to camp on the grounds or provide them with dinner, as these services are reserved exclusively for registered event participants.
The Village
La Petite Aventure Le Grand Tour are essentially a village on wheels, which we set up and take down every day (except when we stay in the same place for two nights). The Village serves as your campground, your starting point, and your base camp. At the Village, you have access to a wide range of services: bike repairs, first aid, massage therapy (for a fee), and more.
Among the various activities offered at the Village are a movie theater, yoga sessions, local specialties, and snacks. Every day, you can also enjoy a wide range of activities. Petite Aventure to La Petite Aventure a variety of entertainment and activities for children of all ages. To view the schedule, check out the digital newsletter *Le déchaîné*.
Tourist Information Booth
For information about the daily schedule, activities offered at the Village, and services available to you, visit the information kiosk located in each Village.
At the tourist kiosk, you can get information about the stopover town and its attractions (beaches, parks, restaurants, museums, historic sites, outdoor activities, etc.). Be sure to stop by to find out about all the surprises and little touches our hosts have in store for you, and to sign up for any activities on offer.
Mechanical kiosk
During events, we work alongside a team of experienced mechanics. Every day at the Village, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. (7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at La Petite Aventure) and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., they can fix minor problems (free of charge, except for parts) or major problems (charges for labor and parts). It is also possible to inflate your tires at the mechanical kiosk.
The Unchained
Le Déchaîné is the official digital newspaper of the Grand Tour, while Le Petit Déchaîné is published during the Petite Aventure. Published one week before your event and updated until departure, it includes the latest news about the route (changes or places not to be missed), activities, and the evening menu at the Village.
Bistro and wine bar
From 1 p.m. onwards, the Bistro becomes the meeting place for travelers. Here, they discuss the day's adventures and relax with a drink. The scene also comes alive in the evening to the sound of bands or DJs. In the dining room, you can enjoy the carefully selected products on offer at the wine counter every day.
Camping
There are clearly marked sections for early risers (before 7 a.m.) and late risers (after 7 a.m.). La Petite Aventure also has a "family" section. Regardless of which section you camp in, quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Rental tents are set up and grouped together in one area of the campground.
We also reserve a small section of the campground for our employees, cycling coaches, and volunteers. Most of them go to bed late and get up at the crack of dawn. Finally, please note that recreational vehicles are not allowed on Village grounds.
Toilets and showers
You have access to showers and toilets at the establishments where the Village is located, as well as two Festidouches—shower trailers available every day on the Village site. Portable toilets are added to the camping areas.
On the road
You are driving on the road network and the roads are not closed to traffic. So, be careful!
Highway Safety Code
As a road user, you are subject to the Highway Safety Code. You must:
- Obey traffic signs (traffic lights, stop signs, etc.)
- Drive on the right side of the road, in the direction of traffic.
- Drive in single file
- Equip your bike with the mandatory reflectors
- Have an active lighting system (white light at the front, red at the rear) if you plan to ride at night.
We have noticed that some cyclists take up a lot of space on the road, riding three or four abreast. This makes it difficult for our support vehicles to do their job and compromises everyone's safety. Not to mention that it does not put the police on our side. Please keep this in mind. Also, be careful of cyclists who are riding slower than you.
If you bring your children to La Petite Aventure, teach them the basics of bicycle safety and insist that they ride close to you.
Signage and optional routes
Traffic signs
The route is marked so that you can easily find your way. Our signs indicate where you can stop for lunch. Some signs indicate where you can find restrooms and water sources. It is also worth mentioning that all support vehicles on the route always have water on board. Please feel free to flag them down if you need anything.
Last-minute detours may occur, particularly due to unexpected roadworks or poor road conditions. If this happens, we will inform you using signs marked DETOUR.
Optional courses
Every day, you have the opportunity to do more by following optional routes. These routes allow you to see magnificent sites or panoramas, but they involve a longer journey or a higher level of effort. They are therefore intended for cyclists who really want more. Please note that they are only marked at turns and that patrols are less frequent on these routes. However, using the maps in your hiking logbook or your route on theRide with GPS app, you should be able to find your way easily.
Civility and courtesy on the road
Every year, several municipalities and their residents welcome us along our routes with warmth and enthusiasm. To leave a good impression, we ask that you always be courteous and respectful on the road. A beautiful apple tree, a shady flower bed, or a garden hose may be tempting, but they undoubtedly belong to someone. Please respect private property.
Need help?
Need help? Thumb down!
If you need assistance, give us a clear thumbs-down signal as we pass by. Vehicles identified with the organization and certified cycling marshals—recognizable by the red flag attached to their bikes—are present throughout the course. Our vehicles are connected by communication systems, and we can respond promptly to provide assistance.
If you are unable to finish the day, you can ride in a support vehicle with your bike. Don't hesitate to use this option in case of serious problems.
Children who give up along the way
In the event of abandonment on the course, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent in the support vehicle.
Vélo Québec certified cycling instructors
Vélo Québec's certified cycling guides are travelers selected for their recognized skills in first aid, bicycle mechanics, and road cycling guidance. Through their commitment, cycling guides combine a sense of mutual aid with the pleasure of traveling.
IMPORTANT: Insurance Coverage
It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance coverage for your luggage, your bicycle, and cancellation insurance. Vélo Québec Voyages assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to your luggage and personal belongings (including your bicycle) during your trip, including the transportation of your bicycle by our services, if applicable. Please note that many home insurance companies cover property damaged or stolen outside the home. Check with your insurance company.
Practical information
Properly preparing for your bike trip will maximize your chances of having an enjoyable experience. Vélo Québec offers some tips to help you get the most out of your vacation!
Luggage
Select your baggage item
Keep in mind that the ideal piece of luggage is lightweight and easy to handle, both for you and for our baggage handlers.
Tip: When choosing your luggage, weigh it to ensure you select the lightest models.
If you are staying in a tent, opt for a sports bag without wheels or a rigid frame, with a capacity of around 100 liters, equipped with sturdy handles that can support a maximum weight of 22 kg when full.
If you are staying at a hotel, choose a piece of luggage with wheels, weighing no more than 15 kg when full.
Identify and personalize your luggage
Please write your name, address, and phone number on it. And don't forget: we will only transport it if it has the "baggage" tag attached.
Keep your luggage dry
Due to the large volume of luggage and the space required to store it when we arrive at a stopover town, luggage is always stored outside, rain or shine. This is why it is important to place your clothes, personal belongings, sleeping bag, and tent in several waterproof plastic bags before putting them in your luggage.
Cycling tourism toolkit
Vélo Québec shares more tips and tricks in its Cycling Tourism Toolbox.
You will find:
Additional services
Tent rental services
Tent number and baggage identification
Two weeks before the event, you will receive a luggage tag bearing the number of the tent assigned to you for the duration of your stay. Only luggage bearing this tag will be transported in the trucks assigned to the tent rental service.
Tent availability and luggage delivery
On each day of travel, tents are available at 1:00 PM. Your luggage will be placed inside your tent. On each day of travel to a new stopover city, you must vacate your tent by 9:30 AM at the latest. It will be available again from 1:00 PM, and your luggage will be inside. The rental tents are set up and grouped together in the same area of the campground. Please note that the tents are not designed to store your bike. Please lock it outside.
Daily luggage transport
At the departure site, drop off your luggage at one of the two cube trucks assigned to and identified by the tent rental service. On each day of travel, the tent rental service team is on site from 6:30 a.m. On days with good weather, you must leave your luggage outside your tent, in front of the door. Luggage is collected on site by the tent rental service team. On rainy days, you must leave your luggage inside the tent (door and mosquito net closed) and notify the tent rental service team on site when your luggage is ready to be picked up (mention your tent number).
Package deal under the duvet at the Grand Tour
(Package not available at La Petite Aventure)
When you check in on the first day of the event, you will receive a list and contact details for the hotels, as well as a personalized label with your name on it, indicating your hotel assignment for the week. This same label will be affixed to your luggage tag.
You will also receive full details about shuttle services to hotels, breakfasts, and bike storage at the Village, if applicable. All hotels booked by the Grand Tour will be indicated on the route maps included in the tour booklet you will receive two weeks before the event.
Accommodation
The Grand Tour Sous la Couette package offers accommodation, usually in a motel, hotel, inn, or guesthouse, which varies from one stopover town to another, depending on the regions visited. You will generally be staying a few kilometers from the Village. You can easily locate your hotel on the route maps in the hiking booklet and follow the signs that lead you there.
What about your bike? Your bike can be stored overnight in your room or in a secure area provided for this purpose. It is strongly recommended that you lock it at all times.
Luggage transport
We transport your luggage from one hotel to another. Your bag will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel. On mornings when we change cities, you leave it at the location indicated to you on site. Only luggage marked appropriately will be transported from one site or hotel to another.
Arrival at the hotel and departure
Rooms are generally available from 3 p.m., sometimes 4 p.m. Please check in at the hotel before 10 p.m., as some hotels do not offer reception or key delivery services after this time. When leaving the hotel, you must return your key to the reception desk and settle any charges for products and services purchased at the hotel (e.g., telephone calls, minibar, etc.).
Breakfast
When a hotel does not offer restaurant service, breakfast is served in a nearby restaurant and, in some cases, at the Village du Grand Tour. You will find the appropriate coupons in the envelope given to you at check-in. Breakfasts
taken at the hotel restaurant are usually served between 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Information board
An information board displayed at your hotel reception provides the following information:
- The place where you can collect your luggage;
- The place where you can leave your luggage when you depart;
- Where to store your bike;
- The place and time of breakfast;
- The schedule and details of the shuttles for the Grand Tour Village;
- Activities at the Grand Tour Village;
- Messages from the organization, if applicable.
Shuttle between the village and the hotel
Shuttles run daily between your hotel and the Village. In some cases, due to the distance between certain hotels and the Grand Tour Village, a bike storage facility may also be set up in the Village. You will be provided with further details when you check in. The complete schedule will also be posted on the information board at your hotel. Each municipality also has a taxi service, whose contact information is available at the information kiosk and at the hotel.