I'm interested in doing a post-TdF bike tour focused on some of the classic climbs (e.g., Alpe d'Huez, Galibier) in the Rhone-Alpes region of France and am interested in suggestions regarding specific tour companies or types of tour companies best suited for this trip. I was initially inclined to opt for a self-guided type tour (where the company arranges your lodging, gives you route information, que sheets and emergency contact information, but does not furnish a riding guide or SAG vehicle), but have been cautioned by one seemingly knowledgeable source that current French attitudes toward Americans (ranging from antipathy to indifference) might make it inadvisable to be cycling alone in circumstances where you might need some help unless you speak fluent French or are in the company of a French speaker. I was surprised to hear that, based on my uninformed sense is that this area would be a hospitable environment for all cyclists, given the relatively high respect for cycling over there and amount international cyclist and tourist traffic in general (and associated revenue) that tourism brings to the area. If anyone has any insights on any of these issues that they are willing to share, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

If you enjoy climbing....
http://www.customgetaways.com/GrandesAlpes.htm

Don't get excited. They may not be as friendly as us Dutch but expect no serious antipathy over there. If you still feel uncomfortable got to Italy (Dolemites) or Austria. The Alps are even more beautiful over there.

http://www.bikestyletours.com/index.php/213

Thanks for the info. I went on my trip last fall, and am looking forward to doing another sometime in the future. Happy cycling.