Home > Stories > Guides

The Best Spots to Watch the Tour de France | How to Get There on Your Brompton!

The Tour de France! Just hearing those words conjures images of brightly clad cyclists whizzing through stunning landscapes, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds. It's one of the most exciting sporting events in the world, and being there in person to witness the spectacle is an unforgettable experience. But with a route that changes every year and covers vast distances, how do you choose the best place to watch? And what if you fancy adding your own two-wheeled adventure to the mix by travelling there on your trusty Brompton folding bike?

Fear not, sports fans! This guide will steer you towards some prime Tour de France viewing spots and explain how your compact Brompton can be your perfect travel companion.

Finding Your Perfect Vantage Point

The beauty of the Tour de France is its variety. From flat sprints to grueling mountain climbs, each stage offers a different kind of excitement. To pick the best spot for you, think about what kind of action you want to see:

1. The Thrill of the Sprint Finish:

• What to expect: A chaotic and exhilarating dash to the finish line, with riders jostling for position at incredible speeds. The atmosphere is electric, with roaring crowds and a palpable sense of anticipation.

• Best locations: Look for towns hosting the end of a flat stage. These are often larger towns or cities with wide avenues leading to the finish line. Get there early to secure a spot close to the barriers.

• Brompton advantage: Your Brompton's portability is a huge plus here. You can easily take it on public transport to reach the town centre and then unfold it to navigate the crowds and find the perfect viewing location. After the excitement, simply unfold it for a quick getaway.

2. The Majesty of the Mountain Stages:

• What to expect: A test of endurance and climbing prowess. Watch as the general classification contenders battle it out on steep gradients, often with breathtaking mountain scenery as a backdrop. The atmosphere can be more spread out but equally passionate, with dedicated fans camping out days in advance.

• Best locations: Iconic climbs like Alpe d'Huez, Col du Tourmalet, or Mont Ventoux are legendary. Smaller, lesser-known climbs can also offer fantastic viewing without the massive crowds. Consider villages nestled along the route up a mountain pass.

• Brompton considerations: Mountains are where the electric Bromptons come into their own. That said, a 12-speed Brompton is ideal for getting to the base of the climb and perhaps a little further up, too. You can take both electric and non-electric Bromptons on trains or buses to reach the region and then cycle to a viewing spot a few kilometres up the ascent. Remember that mountain roads can be narrow and busy on race day, so be cautious.

3. The Tactics of a Time Trial:

• What to expect: A different kind of intensity as individual riders battle against the clock one-by-one. You can witness the power and precision of these athletes as they ride their time trial bikes.

• Best locations: The start and finish towns of a time trial are great places to see the riders up close. Sections of the course that feature technical corners or challenging terrain can also be interesting viewing points.

• Brompton suitability: Your Brompton is perfect for navigating between different viewing points along the time trial course in the start or finish town. You can easily hop on and off as riders pass.

4. The Energy of the Start Village:

• What to expect: A unique opportunity to see the riders and team personnel up close before the stage begins. You might even spot some of your cycling heroes! The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation.

• Best locations: The designated "village depart" is usually located in the host town for the start of the stage.

• Brompton bonus: Riding your Brompton to the start village allows you to soak in the pre-race atmosphere and easily move around to catch glimpses of different teams and riders. Bonus: Brompton will be in Lille and Montpellier with the new Tour de France Brompton bikes on display, so come and say hi! Find out more here.

5. Unexpected Gems Along the Route:

• What to expect: Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from stumbling upon a great viewing spot in a smaller town or along a quieter stretch of road. The atmosphere can be more local and intimate.

• How to find them: Look at the stage maps and identify interesting landmarks, charming villages, or slightly elevated sections of road that might offer good views.

• Brompton's versatility: Your Brompton gives you the freedom to explore these less crowded areas. You can cycle along the route a day or two before the race to scout out potential viewing spots and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Brompton: Your Two-Wheeled Ticket to the Tour

A Brompton folding bike is an ideal companion for a Tour de France adventure. Here's why:

• Portability: Its compact fold means you can easily take it on trains, buses, and even planes, making it simple to travel between different stages or reach specific viewing locations.

• Manoeuvrability: Its nimble handling is perfect for navigating crowded towns and weaving through spectators.

• Convenience: Once you arrive at your chosen spot, unfold your Brompton and you have instant personal transport to explore the area, grab food, or find the perfect vantage point.

• Security: When folded, you can often take your Brompton inside cafes, shops, or even your accommodation, reducing the risk of theft.

Planning Your Brompton Tour de France Trip

Here are some tips for combining your Brompton with watching the Tour:

• Research the route: Study the stage maps carefully to identify the locations you want to visit.

• Plan your travel: Book train or bus tickets in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak season. Check the luggage policies for bikes - sometimes a protective travel case is required.

• Accommodation: Book your accommodation early, especially in popular viewing areas. Consider staying in towns a little further away from the main crowds and cycling in on your Brompton.

• Pack light: Remember you'll be carrying your luggage along with your folded bike. Our range of Brompton luggage offers many ways to carry your essentials (and more!) around France.

• Be prepared for crowds: Tour de France viewing spots can get very busy. Arrive early to secure a good location.

• Bring essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes are a must.

• Check the weather: Be prepared for all types of weather, from hot sunshine to rain.

• Respect the riders and the environment: Stay behind the barriers and dispose of any litter responsibly.

Enjoy the Ride!

Combining the excitement of the Tour de France with the freedom of exploring on your Brompton is a fantastic way to experience this iconic event. With a little planning, you can find the perfect spot to witness the peloton fly by and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, unfold your Brompton, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the ride!

---

FAQs: Watching the Tour de France

1. Is it free to watch the Tour de France from the roadside?
   Yes! Spectating from the roadside is completely free. You can position yourself anywhere along the route (within the designated spectator areas and behind barriers) without needing a ticket.
    
2. How early should I arrive at a good viewing spot?
   It depends on the stage and the location. For sprint finishes in popular towns or iconic mountain climbs, it's advisable to arrive several hours in advance, or even the day before for prime mountain locations. For less crowded areas, arriving a couple of hours before the riders are expected to pass might be sufficient.
    
3. What are the best things to bring with me when watching the Tour?
   Essentials include water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a portable chair or blanket if you plan on waiting for a while. A small first-aid kit and a raincoat are also useful. Don't forget a camera or your phone to capture the memories!
    
4. Are there any specific rules or etiquette for spectators?
   Yes, it's important to be respectful of the riders and the race. Always stay behind the barriers, do not run alongside the riders, and keep children and pets under close supervision. Avoid throwing anything onto the road and dispose of your litter responsibly. Follow the instructions of the race marshals and local authorities.
    
5. Can I cycle on the Tour de France route before the race comes through?
   In many cases, yes, you can cycle on the roads before the race arrives. However, be aware that roads will start to close to traffic several hours before the peloton is due. Pay attention to signage and instructions from the police and race organisers. Your Brompton is perfect for exploring the route in the hours leading up to the race!