Luxury Real Estate Property Galleries

Tour de France: 5 Homes in Bike-Friendly Locations

Inspired by the Tour de France, Luxury Defined tours a collection of homes on or near grand cycling routes

The Tour de France, the gleaming crown jewel of world cycling’s Grand Tours, starts July 1 and finishes, as is tradition, in Paris on July 23.

The Grand Depart of this 110th edition of the race is in Bilbao, Spain’s foremost cycling heartland, the Basque Country. 

Herewith, in honor of the Tour de France, Luxury Defined spotlights five homes on or near grand cycling routes.

Consider Amsterdam, the bicycle capital of the world; Aspen, Colorado, and its Rio Grande Trail; Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way; Mallorca, Spain’s “The Big Daddy Challenge”; and, for the grand finale, a sprint to Paris, and the last stretch of the final (and 21st) stage of the Tour itself: Arrival on the Champs-Élysées.  

Amsterdam, Netherlands 

With around 35,000 km (22,000 miles) of cycle paths, cycling is very much a way of life in the picturesque Dutch capital of Amsterdam—look both ways, tourist!—and, indeed, across the Netherlands. While there is no official bike count, it’s estimated that the ratio of bikes to residents is 1:1.  

1. Keizersgracht Canal House in Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Luxury home in AmsterdamLuxury home in AmsterdamLuxury home in Amsterdam

This classic canal house is on the regal Keizersgracht (“King’s Canal”) in the historic center of Amsterdam. The four-story property underwent an extensive restoration, preserving ornate period details while updating contemporary creature comforts. 

The 1,438-square-meter (15,478-square-foot) floor plan accommodates 21 beautifully appointed rooms with canal or garden views. At the rear are nearly a third-acre of leafy gardens. 

The city’s world-class cultural attractions, such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Royal Palace Amsterdam, are all within 5 minutes by bike, as are the charming cafes and boutiques of 9 Straatjes canal district (the “Nine Little Streets”). For a more leisurely ride, Het Amsterdamse Bos, a wooded wonderland three times the size of New York’s Central Park, is just 20 minutes away. 

Aspen, Colorado 

Aspen? “Come for the winter, stay for the summer.” Or so they say. The glamorous mountain town isn’t just a mecca for snow sports, but for all manner of outdoor activities, especially the two-wheel kind.

In 2020, the Roaring Fork Valley (Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Glenwood Springs) won its Gold-Level Ride Center designation from the IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association).

The Rio Grande Trail is a highlight. The former Aspen Branch of the historic Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, the 67.5 km (42-mile) trail runs from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. Motorized vehicles are prohibited, and all but 6.5 km (4 miles) are paved—ideal for road racers. 

2. Luxury Log Home at Starwood, Aspen, Colorado 

Luxury home in ColoradoLuxury home in ColoradoLuxury home in Colorado

Starwood, Aspen’s premier gated community, is the setting for this 1.26-hectare (3.11-acre) Rocky Mountain haven. The 892-square-meter (9,600-square-foot) contemporary residence sits on a level lot with a 102-square-meter (1,100-square-foot) detached barn and garage. 

Inside, stone walls, flagstone floors, wood-burning fireplaces, and large picture windows capture the breathtaking mountain and valley views. 

Appointments include a great room, fully equipped chef’s kitchen, game room, and triangular indoor pool facing the mountains. There are six bedrooms, including the lavish primary suite (with dual en suite bathrooms and closets) and a self-contained caretaker’s apartment.  

Situated on a high mesa just under 5 km (3 miles) northwest of Aspen, Starwood encompasses 388 hectares (960 acres) of private ranchland with views of Mount Daly and Elk Mountain Range, from Independence Pass to the east all the way to Mount Sopris. 

Donegal, Ireland 

According to Sport Ireland, an estimated 510,000 people enjoy cycling as a regular form of exercise.

One popular route is the Wild Atlantic Way, a beautiful, 2,500 km (1,500-mile) stretch along Ireland’s west coast, starting on the Inishowen Peninsula, Co. Donegal, and ending in the idyllic seaside town of Kinsale, Co. Cork.

The first leg, through Donegal, offers a glimpse of one of Ireland’s natural wonders, the Slieve League Coast—the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The charming villages of Ardara and Glencolumbkille are an ideal rest stop along the way. 

3. Claragh House in Ramelton, Co. Donegal, Ireland 

Luxury home in IrelandLuxury home in IrelandLuxury home in Ireland

This magnificent country house on the Leannan River lies in the gently rolling countryside of County Donegal.

Its glorious private grounds, extending to nearly 9 hectares (21.5 acres), are a 3.7-kilometer (2.3-mile) bike ride from the charming, historic town of Ramelton. 

Built circa 1890, the stately main house, constructed from stacked limestone, provides reception rooms, light-filled and well-proportioned with parquet floors, a marble fireplace and a handcrafted timber staircase. The drawing room has a tall ceiling with intricate cornicing and an open Adams fireplace. 

The fully kitted country kitchen/breakfast space, and the formal dining room have French doors opening to patio spaces. A billiards room with fireplace and a wine cellar are further highlights. 

 There are nine vast bedrooms, two of which are currently configured as art studios. Several original stone outbuildings offer potential for ancillary accommodation.

A courtyard, accessed via a three-arch stone bridge, formal gardens, and verdant parkland complete the picture. 

Mallorca, Spain 

For many pro cyclists, the island of Mallorca is a favorite training ground for the Vuelta a España, “Tour of Spain,” another elite race on the international calendar. Smooth roads, tough climbs, spectacular scenery, and beautiful beaches (after all, one must unwind after training) make it a paradise for road racing.

One of the island’s most challenging routes is Andratx to Pollensa, dubbed “The Big Daddy Challenge.” The 162 km (100-mile) route with an unrelenting 4,100-meter (1,3450-foot) climb up Port des Canonge, Port Valldemossa, and Port Sa Calobra, lives up to its name.   

4. Palatial Bay-View Villa in Port Andratx in Mallorca, Spain 

Luxury estate in SpainLuxury estate in SpainLuxury estate in Spain

This grand hillside villa is on one of the largest plots in Mallorca’s exclusive Port Andratx. Perched on a plateau overlooking the harbor and the Balearic Sea, the property comprises the main villa, two outbuildings, and a pool house. 

The southern orientation ensures ample natural light and panoramic sea views. The main house has a palatial entrance hall, living room, formal dining room, a chef’s kitchen and a catering kitchen. 

There are three bedrooms, three full and two half bathrooms. All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and sea views. 

The lower level houses a lavish indoor pool, sauna, and a hammam. A car collector’s garage, also on this level, has room for 10 vehicles and opens to a motor court at the rear. 

The front of the home is dedicated to a vast terrace with a half-Olympic-sized pool with in-pool sun loungers. Landscaped gardens and two outbuildings, ideal as offices, studios, or guest/staff quarters, round out the amenities. 

Paris, France 

Paris, France

On July 23, all eyes will be on Paris, the final and 21st stage of the Tour de France. This year, the route is a 115-kilometer (71.5-mile) flat stage beginning in the town of Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, in Paris’s southwestern suburbs. As is tradition, it ends in a sprint finish up the world’s most beautiful boulevard: the Champs-Élysées.  

5. 19th-Century Residence in Paris, France 

Luxury apartment in ParisLuxury apartment in ParisLuxury apartment in Paris

This airy, light-filled apartment in Paris’s 1st arrondissement occupies the fourth floor of a fine mid-19th century freestone building facing the Louvre and Saint Germain de l’Auxerrois Church.  

The residence, served by elevator, has a 172-square-meter (1,851-square-foot) floor plan with an expansive, contemporary reception room, stylish south-facing study, three bedrooms, and two opulent bathrooms. Building amenities include a parking space and cellar storage. 

Inspired by the Tour de France? Tour our collection of luxury homes on bike trails.