Cycling has become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years, and perhaps the most famous race of all is the Tour De France. If you’re a cycling fan, or just someone who enjoys seeing large events and enjoying the restive atmosphere, then combining a holiday with following the Tour De France can let you see a whole different side to the French countryside.
The Grand Depart
In recent years, the Tour De France has started in various countries around Europe, including Yorkshire in 2014. Going to the start of the race allows you to fully immerse yourself in the carnival atmosphere and as the first stage of the route involves a shorter time trial, it’s a good chance to see some of the top cyclists too. 2017’s race will start in the German city of Dusseldorf, which is easy to get to from the UK either by a budget airline, or you could drive from the Channel ports. The race itself starts on 1st July. Be organised with accommodation booking as the world’s press and cycling enthusiasts will be out in force and hotel rooms could be hard to come by. Consider missing the first day of the Tour and instead picking up the race a few days later, as it winds its way through Belgium and France.
Overnight Stops
The route for the Tour De France is published online well in advance of the race, and if you’re thinking of catching some of the race, look into where the race will stop overnight when planning your accommodation. It’s far better to stand at the finish line and see the cyclists complete a stage, or seeing the large group set off in the morning than it is to see a line of cyclists’ whizz past on a rural road. The 2017 Tour will pass through some of the most famous French tourist areas such as the Riviera and Dordogne, so a holiday doesn’t have to be all about cycling, you can easily spend some time relaxing on beaches and seeing the sights too. If you’re on a budget, consider catching the Tour in Marseille or Clermont Ferrand rather than choosing the more expensive resort areas like Nice, Monaco or Lourdes.
Paris for the Finish
The route of the Tour De France changes every year, but one thing which is always the same is that the last stage ends on the Champs Elysees in central Paris. The Tour in 2017 will finish on 23rd July, and this is therefore a great time to plan a visit to the French capital. Eurostar is perhaps the most convenient way to get to Paris, but flights are another possibility. Driving is not the best idea at any times, and especially when roads are closed for the Tour and there is an increased number of visitors in the city. Another good option is staying outside of Paris and travelling into the city for the day of the race. Look at accommodation with good transport links by rail or metro into the city centre when planning your trip.