Across France (and a different start region each year)
Tour de France
The world's most famous bike race, free to watch from the side of any road it passes.
The straight answer
The Tour de France runs for about three weeks every July, with 21 stages across France, and the route for each edition is announced the previous autumn.
The Tour de France is the world's most famous cycling race: roughly three weeks and 21 stages across France, raced every July since 1903 apart from the war years. It usually starts in the first days of July and finishes in the second half of the month, traditionally on the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
The route changes every year. The organizers announce it in the autumn before, including the Grand Depart, the opening stages, which often take place outside France. That announcement is your planning starting point; nothing else is fixed.
The best part for travelers: watching is free. There are no tickets for the roadside, and you can stand on the slopes of a famous mountain climb as the riders pass inches away. You can pick a single stage to see as part of a French summer trip, or follow the race for several days.
The event, explained
Stages alternate between flat days for the sprinters, hilly days, time trials, and the mountain stages in the Alps and Pyrenees that usually decide the race. Famous climbs such as Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux, and the Col du Tourmalet do not appear every year, but when they do, they draw the biggest roadside crowds.
The publicity caravan is a highlight in itself: a parade of decorated sponsor vehicles that passes an hour or two before the riders, throwing free hats, snacks, and trinkets to the crowds. Kids love it.
The riders themselves pass quickly on flat stages, often in a single blur. On a steep mountain climb, they are slower and spread out, which is why the mountains are the best places to watch.
The final stage has traditionally ended in Paris on the Champs-Elysees, with laps of the avenue. That tradition can change: the 2024 edition finished in Nice because of the Paris Olympics.
How to play it right
- 01Wait for the route announcement in the autumn, then pick your stages. Book lodging in start and finish towns as early as possible, since they sell out quickly.
- 02For mountain stages, arrive the day before or very early on the day. Roads to the climbs close to vehicles hours before the riders arrive, and many fans camp on the mountainside overnight.
- 03Watching a start town is a different experience: you can see the team buses, the riders signing on, and the atmosphere before the stage. Finish towns have big screens and the podium ceremonies.
- 04Bring food, water, sun protection, and a folding chair. You might wait several hours in the sun or in mountain weather, which can switch quickly.
- 05Watch the race live on TV or a phone before and after the riders pass. Roadside, you see only a brief moment of a long day.
- 06July is peak French holiday season, so roads, trains, and holiday regions are busy beyond the race. Book cars and trains ahead.
With kids in tow
- The publicity caravan and free giveaways make the Tour great for children, especially on a flat stage near a village where the crowds are manageable.
- Mountain stages involve long waits, heat or cold, and big crowds. With young children, choose a lower slope or a village on the route rather than the famous summits.
- Many start and finish towns run family activities around the race. Check the local tourist office for events on stage days.
Book your stay for Tour de France.
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- Hotels for July
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Tour de FranceOpens a hotel search for Tour de France in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Tour de FranceWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Tour de FranceTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Tour de France for July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tour de France, quick answers
When is the Tour de France?
Every July, for about three weeks. It usually starts in the first days of July, occasionally the last days of June, and finishes in the second half of the month. The exact route and dates are announced the previous autumn.
Do you need tickets to watch the Tour de France?
No. Watching from the roadside is free. Some finish areas and hospitality packages are paid, but most fans watch along the route for free.
Where is the best place to watch the Tour de France?
A mountain climb, where riders are slower and spread out. Famous climbs such as Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux, and the Tourmalet are spectacular but crowded; less famous climbs offer a similar view with more space.
Does the Tour de France always finish in Paris?
Traditionally, yes, on the Champs-Elysees. But it can change: the 2024 edition finished in Nice because of the Paris Olympics.
What is the publicity caravan?
A parade of sponsor vehicles that passes an hour or two before the riders, handing out free goodies. For many families it is the highlight of the day.
Also in July
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Serengeti, Tanzania and Masai Mara, Kenya
Year-round, with calving in the southern Serengeti from roughly late January to March and river crossings from about July to October
Wimbledon
London, United Kingdom
Two weeks from late June into mid July, finishing with the finals on the second weekend
Running of the Bulls (San Fermin)
Pamplona, Spain
July 6 to 14 every year, with a bull run each morning from July 7 through July 14
Calgary Stampede
Calgary, Alberta
Ten days in early-to-mid July, opening with a parade on the first Friday
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