Going to a Tour de France stage: a unique atmosphere

Dernière mise à jour de cet article le 15 July 2025

If I say July, what comes to mind? Summer? Vacation? Sales? For me, the month of July immediately brings me back to the Tour de France. Indeed, I used to watch all the stages on TV with my granny. My fondest memory? In 1997, during a rest day in Saint Etienne. My dad and I went to the hotel where the Festina riders were staying. I was able to get close to my idol: Richard Virenque. I got an autograph and even got to kiss him. A moment engraved forever in my memory! The next day, still in Saint Etienne, we witnessed an incredible time trial with Jan Ullrich, Bjarne Riis and Marco Pantani. An unforgettable Tour de France stage!

Since then, whenever the Tour de France passes near where I live, I go. I saw it several times in Saint Etienne, Roanne, Chalons en Champagne and Dijon during the Tour de France 2024.

So Kiki and I wanted to write an article to share with you the incomparable atmosphere of the Tour de France. In fact, he’ll give you his take on the Tour de France at the end of this article.

The history of the Tour de France

The Tour de France is the world’s most famous cycling competition. Created in 1903 by Henri Desgrange, over the years it has become an emblematic event of French sport and culture.

Every year, riders from all over the world embark on this epic adventure, covering thousands of kilometers across France and facing extraordinary physical and mental challenges. The Tour de France has a long history marked by iconic moments and legendary champions. Names like Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain still resonate today in the history of the competition. The Tour de France has also been the scene of many dramatic moments and unexpected twists and turns, making the race a breathtaking spectacle.

As well as being a sporting event, the Tour de France is also a major cultural event. Every year, millions of spectators gather along the roads to cheer on the riders, creating a unique and festive atmosphere.

It’s also an opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful places in France. The Tour de France has become a veritable institution in France.

Activities not to be missed during the Tour de France stage

Numerous events are organized along the way. You can enjoy dance shows, concerts and sports demonstrations.

The Tour de France publicity caravan

The Tour de France publicity caravan is an emblematic tradition, the cyclists passing through on each stage. Since its creation in 1930, it has attracted millions of spectators along the route.

The advertising caravan was introduced to finance the Tour de France during the Great Depression. Over the years, the caravan has grown and diversified, becoming an attraction in its own right.

The caravan is made up of vehicles decorated in the colors of the sponsoring brands. These vehicles distribute promotional items such as caps, key rings and product samples. A chance to fight for a bob, a Cochonou sausage, Haribo sweets or washing powder. And I’m not exaggerating!

The caravan creates a festive atmosphere before the cyclists pass by. This cheerful, dynamic atmosphere contributes to the general enthusiasm and excited anticipation of the spectators for the riders.

The caravan precedes the cyclists by about an hour, following the same roads as the race. A must-see during a stage of the Tour de France.

The Tour village

In the start and finish towns, you’ll find the Tour village, with exhibition stands, entertainment and demonstrations. You can even meet professional riders and numerous journalists. This is where I had the opportunity to see Richard Virenque again, and I still get the same thrill!

You can also see the Tour de France podium with the stage winner and the various jersey wearers.

You can also see the Vélo Club animators.

If you want to be on TV and say hello to your loved ones, this is the place to be!

The arrival of the racers

In 2022, Saint Etienne was one of the finishing towns for the Tour de France. We were positioned on the finish line of the stage. So honestly, the riders are going so fast that we didn’t see a thing.

Then we went to the nearby parking lots to see the cyclists joining their buses.

Pogajar even tried to give us his gourd by throwing it, but with the wind someone else caught it!

The start of the runners

The following day, Saint Etienne was a stage departure town. So we were able to watch the riders arrive for the team presentation before the start of the stage. The opportunity to see Romain Bardet, Pogajar and company. Very impressive to see the riders so close up.

Roanne was also a starting point. Unfortunately, the organization was a little less perfect than in Saint Etienne. We didn’t really see the runners arriving inside an auditorium. It was chaotic.

Afterwards, we watched the racers set off on a long run.

The time trial

The day after arriving in Dijon, we went to watch the start of a time-trial stage in Nuits Saint Georges.

We were able to see all the riders.

The Tour de France stage is also an opportunity to meet other cycling fans and share your passion for the race. Take advantage of these moments to chat with other spectators and discuss the riders’ performances.

How to prepare for a stage of the Tour de France

Attending a stage of the Tour de France requires a certain amount of preparation to get the most out of the experience. Here are a few tips to help you prepare.

Find out about the route of the Tour de France stage. Consult the maps provided by the organizers and look out for strategic locations. The stages of the Tour de France are usually presented in October. The official Tour de France website is a mine of information.

Also, to get the best spots along the course, arrive early. Some areas can be very busy, so it’s best to arrive early to choose your spot. After that, let’s face it, it’s a long, long wait for the caravan and the runners.

Anticipate traffic and access problems by planning your route in advance. If possible, use public transport or a bicycle to get to the stage site. If you’re coming by car, don’t forget that access to the towns is closed on the day of the stage.

In July, the sun can be intense. Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Also, during the stage, it can be difficult to find food or water, especially if you’re far from the big cities. Make sure you bring enough food and water to get you through the day.

Make sure you respect the safety rules in force along the course. Keep a safe distance from runners, don’t cross the road during the race, and follow the organizers’ instructions.

Finally, when you’re on the Tour de France, please respect the environment by not leaving any garbage behind. Use the garbage cans provided and avoid disturbing the local flora and fauna.

Where to stay during the Tour de France stage

If you’d like to attend a stage of the Tour de France that passes through a town other than your own, it’s important to book your accommodation in advance. Hotels are often fully booked during this period. You can also opt for a chambre d’hôte and stay with local people, discovering their way of life and benefiting from local advice to make the most of your stay. If you love the outdoors, campsites are an affordable and friendly option for staying during the Tour de France stage. Finally, if you’re traveling with a group or family, you can rent an apartment or house.

When booking your accommodation, be sure to take into account the proximity of the Tour de France stage route, to facilitate your travel and maximize your time on site.

Kiki and the Tour de France

There’s nothing more boring than watching the Tour de France on TV for hours on end. And for three weeks, it’s a real ordeal! If that’s what you think, Kiki will change your mind!

Kiki had the opportunity to experience the Tour de France live three times. And since the first time is unforgettable anyway – and not only in that respect – he’s going to recount what he experienced in Saint-Étienne in 2022.

Phase 1 – The caravan

The caravan that precedes the riders’ arrival is a gold mine of gifts, and if you position yourself skilfully on the side of the road, you’ll fill your bag! And what a feeling of satisfaction when you can snatch free souvenirs from under other people’s noses!

Phase 2 – The race

Get out your camera, wait and take a burst of photos at the right moment! The speed of the cyclists is incredible, so the best thing to do right away is to record a video in which you won’t recognize anyone either, but as all the other spectators are also making videos, you’ll do as they do, like a sheep in the herd.

Phase 3 – Buses

After the race, the adventure continues. Kiki stumbles across the team tour bus parking lot. It’s a chance to see the stars up close. Kiki is still blissful to think he got to see Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogacar up close. Since that magical moment, he keeps his fingers crossed for him every year.

What makes the Tour de France so unique? It’s more than just a bike race – it’s a unique spectacle with thousands of enthusiastic roadside spectators, the world’s best cycling stars and a spectacular caravan. You simply have to experience it! In any case, Kiki can’t wait to go live again and collect more unforgettable moments with Sophie.