UK and Europe · Public discussion

Tour de France spectating advice needed

Started by Mike Causer · · Last activity · 2 posts · 762 views

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UK and Europe
Published
18 June 2004
Last activity
19 June 2004
Original author
Mike Causer
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Topics
Tour de France

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  1. Original post
    Mike Causer
    Archived post
    #1

    Well, we have the outward ferry booked (nearly), the stages
    we're going to watch decided (Nos 9, 10 and 11), and return
    flight booked. (Yeah, ferry/flight, don't ask.) We even have
    both the English and French language versions of the
    Programme Officiel already.

    Just a couple of questions for experienced TdF spectators.
    In a rural area with no big towns nearby, how long in
    advance of the Caravanne Publicitare do you need to be at
    the roadside to get a decent spot?

    And, is it worth trying to watch at the top of a 1st Cat
    climb or better to stay on the slopes? For seeing anything
    that is, crowd-wise.

    Sadly this trip won't allow us to take any bikes, it's going
    to be stink-pot only :-(

    Mike

    Report
  2. Howard
    Archived post
    #2

    To be honest there is a lot of roadside on a stage of the
    Tour and finding a good spot is not usually a problem if you
    are on foot or a bike. That said places in the shade often
    go early! The final few km of a mountain top finish can be
    hectic but on the Alpe d' Huez last year we could have got a
    place by the barriers with 3 km to go right up to the race
    coming through.

    The real premium places are those where you can park, pitch
    a tent or park a motor home. These can go days in advance.
    Having a car with you can be a total liability and the roads
    are often shut several hours in advance of the publicity
    caravan. The locals seem to regard walking halfway up a
    climb such as the Alpe d' Huez as being part of the
    adventure.

    If you have a car with you there is usually ample parking at
    a summit finish. However, if you hope to view the race the
    next day be prepared to spend much of the evening getting
    off the mountain (i.e. you may well still be looking for
    somewhere to park and pitch a tent at 2am the next day!).

    Report

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