Not sure that “Pro Racing” is necessarily the best place to put this topic, but here goes…
Some of my riding buddies and I are wanting to go to France this July to catch a bit of the Tour - in particular, hoping to catch the two stages on Alpe d’Huez, and then scrambling up to Paris to watch either the climbs up the Montmartre or be on the Champs for the finish. Do any of you have any hints and tips to share about watching the Tour in person, particularly on an Alpine climb stage or in Paris on the final day? We’ll be either bringing or renting bikes with the intent of getting to the French Alps a few days ahead and riding some of the classic climbs like the Glandon and Galibier before the stages on the Alpe. Must do’s when watching the Tours, and things that are just impossible? Are there things not to forget to bring and things to leave home? Hoping that some of you EC writers who cover the Tour in person can offer up your years of experience too!
Be prepared for variable conditions….when we were on Ventoux in 2009, it was pretty damn cold and very windy most of the day. We spent the majority of time hunkered down against a guardrail, keeping out of the wind as best we could.
by the time the caravan started arriving, things warmed up and we were down to a t-shirt when the actual race arrived.
Having a fleece top and a GoreTex jacket saved the day.
We also brought those camping-style chairs that provide back support when you sit on the base. Easily packed and rolled up for when you are going up / down the mountain.
Somehow I missed Caley’s article back in October - great stuff - thanks!
Would still love additional thoughts, especially real specific, nitty gritty details. For example, while I would not think I could leave a bike without a really high security U-lock anywhere in Paris (and sounds like using a Lime bike is the way to go in the city), what about out riding in the Alps - is a lightweight Ottolock sufficient for a cafe or lunch stop? Do you end up locking your bike on the side of the course somewhere while you’re watching the race?
Beware of thieves - anything unattended might get pinched, for instance cycling shoes bungeed to a rear rack <1 metre away in Pau. Lightweight locks will be okay almost always - except when they’re not; I had a bike stolen in Stratford on Avon after zero problems elsewhere in Europe.
Last year I went to watch the final stage in person for the first time and loved it. I splurged and payed for the vip bleacher seats at the finish line. It was a great first experience however I would not pay to sit there again. I would recommend watching from somewhere on the side of the road. If you choose the Montmontre neighborhood you will need to get to get there well in advance to get a good spot. I had been told as early as 6hours beforehand.
Strongly recommend viewing in person. My wife and I went in 2024 and have vowed to return again in the not too distant future. It was an epic vacation. Pla d’Adet 2024.
My tips: Bring a decent sized backpack. We used a 35L Aer backpack for example. This can hold a change of clothes, plenty of water and food, and a blanket to sit on. You will basically be doing your own picnic on the side of the mountain. Expect weak cell signal that won’t allow streaming the race. Plan to wake up early and be to “your spot” at least 6 hours before the riders arrive. Bring layers. Plan for a very slow mountain descent with much stopping after the stage is over.
A friend and I stayed near Col d’Aspin last summer for the tour and had a lovely time spectating and riding in the area. I will second bringing a way to carry lots of stuff for an enjoyable picnic since you will be hanging out on the side of the road for a long time, especially if you want to summit and then drop down to spectate.
My typical huge backpack I use on my city bike made my aggressive road fit feel funny, so I just used a small burrito bag and loaded up the jersey pockets and brought huge water bottles. If I had been sensible enough to test ride earlier, I would have bought proper bikepacking bags.
Each year there is a ride guide that publishes the approximate time the racers and caravan go by. Worth studying.
Lastly, portable restrooms were overflowing so I recommend knowing your bathroom habits or bringing something like a WAG bag for waste just in case.
I guess the main thing to take into account is that around Bourg d’Oisans / Alpe d’Huez, it will be absolutely packed with people, so don’t stay too far from there (or plan for a lengthy ride home), there’ll be traffic, pedestrians, cyclists etc. everywhere.
Thanks all for the suggestions to date - a bit of an update - getting super stoked for this July. My group managed to reserve a chalet in Alpe d’Huez village for the week+ before and during the 2 stages which will finish there, and the stay includes the prior weekend when the L’Etape amateur event takes place riding the same route as Stage 20. I’m assuming driving up and down from the village will be challenging if not impossible both weekends (roads are definitely closed for L’Etape). We’re not part of the 15,000 registered for the L’Etape ride the weekend before, but we are bringing or have rent bike rentals already lined up for the duration.
First - anyone with L’Etape experience or knowledge? We’re not planning to do the whole route, but how are things organized for that event. With roads closed, without a bib, are we going to be able to still jump on the route and ride up the Glandon and then “backward” on the course, or ride “backward” on the course to the base of the Col d’Sarenne and back up to Alpe d’Huez village (likely hours ahead of the event riders)?
Next - which rides would you do during the week, either riding from the village knowing you’ll need to climb back up at the end, or driving with the bikes somewhere to ride?
Finally - watching the race itself - any specific thoughts and suggestions based on prior experience of staying on and watching on the Alpe - e.g. where would you watch the race if you were already at the top of the mountain in the village? Bike to a spot or just walk (since we’re already at the top)? Specific restaurants you like where we should be snagging reservations now?
We’re also planning to scoot from the Alpe back to Paris via Geneva on Sunday morning, hopefully in time to catch the last stage on Montmartre or the Champs. Other specific thoughts and suggestions based on experience ?
Getting on the Etape route without a bib is a big NO when the roads are closed. Riding backwards even less. If you’ve never done it you can’t imagine how long it takes to get everyone through from the fastest amateurs / retired pros, to the untrained slowest people just learning the hard way they shouldn’t have registered
From Huez you can just ride the Marmotte route the day before or after l’Étape, and rest on the sportive day, you’ll need it
On that day and on race day, just don’t consider driving, esp. from / to the top. It will just be impossible. I’d just choose one of the last corners and walk there.
Last stage of the Tour I wouldn’t spectate in Paris (but I live there and dislike crowds too much), I’d just choose on spot I jnow along the route, and ride back home in time to watch the finish on TV
But I definitely understand wanting to ride the Galibier, Glandon, Croix-de-Fer, Madeleine, Iseran, Izoard, Alpe d’Huez climbs 
