Fancy the tour de france?

[clobo]

The Tour de France kicks off on the 1st of July, I fancy heading over to watch a few stages, especially in the high mountains, watched it for years on the tva nd always see motorhomes in volume at the side of the road. My question, has anyone been, is it worth doing, or is it a pain in the a** due to the road closures?

 

[John H]

The Tour de France kicks off on the 1st of July, I fancy heading over to watch a few stages, especially in the high mountains, watched it for years on the tva nd always see motorhomes in volume at the side of the road. My question, has anyone been, is it worth doing, or is it a pain in the a** due to the road closures?

Done it twice and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are choosing a spot that is likely to be popular (especially in the mountains) then it is best to turn up at least a day in advance (probably more). The build-up can be great fun (a French two-day long party is a great thing to be involved in!) and, if you choose your spot well (higher category climbs, for example) then there is a lot of action. On the other hand, if you choose a flat section the whole thing can be over with in less than a minute. But basically, if you want to do it, then do it - I doubt you'll be disappointed, if only for the atmosphere.

 

[Deleted member 20892]

Done this a few times myself, done the Etape ride 3 times as well in the past few years (cyclist will know what the Etape is). i would say as above, get ya sen parked up on a tough mountain stage, pref in the Alps, and get there a few days earlier to join in the ambiance, it's brill.
I took my o/half on a tour of the Pyrennees and the Alps last year on a motorbike, she was amazed at all the painted names on the roads in the mountains, as i was explaining whats what in the tour, we have decided to go and watch the tour in the mountains ourselfs. Just unsure as to when we're going, as we want to go to see the Isle of man tt next year.!!! Decisions Decisions..................

jt

 

[Leltel]

We done a few stages last year and are going again this year. The atmosphere is electric. You can be the only ones parked on the side of the road one minute, the next there will be loads of MHs around you. It does go by fast, but worth the experience.

 

[shortcircuit]

Came upon this last year and just parked up on a large grass area below the castle at Falaise. The bikes zoom past in a whiz but preceding them is "the caravan" which is colourful floats by the sponsors handing out hats , balloons etc and lasts about 20min, well worth the experience. Very friendly beside the numerous French who park beside you although I had words with a Belgium as he was about to depart leaving his rubbish at the side of the road. I pointed to a nearby bin and he complied

 

[clobo]

Thanks for the replies guys, looks like you have twisted my arm:dance:
Being meaning to go for years, just a shame the big boys are still not around, will have to make do with Contador and Bradders

 

[landydriver]

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[vindiboy]

As someone who dislikes all forms of sport my first reaction to this was why would anyone want to go to France to watch a lot of sweaty people riding bikes, I can see that near my local University.
Further watching the post has shown me that there is more to it than the bikes, sounds as though the atmosphere will be good and maybe worth a visit to France if only to get away from all the Olympic hype here.