Arrival of the tour de France in Paris, capital of the bicycle

Paris is a bicycle capital! The Tour de France is a major sporting event which inspires both new and lapsed cyclists to take their wheels onto the streets. In fact, in Paris even tourism is two-wheeled and pedal-powered, as the Paris Bike Tour demonstrates.

Cheer on the competitors during their arrival in Paris

This year, the final stage of the Tour de France begins in Sèvre on Sunday, July 26th. Competitors will race around the route on the Right Bank for over a hundred kilometres before reaching the traditional finish line on the Champs Elysees. During each stage of the race, thousands of supporters from throughout France will support these fine athletes, and nowhere will this be more enthusiastic than during the grand finale.

The city of Paris will be in an excited turmoil. A large part of the city will be closed to cars and Parisians and visitors alike will cry out in unison for the best man to win! The Paris ambience will be a little different at this time, since many Parisians go on vacation around this time of year, leaving the city to the visitors. If you want to participate in this unique sporting occasion, your best bet is to take a room at the Grand Hotel du Bel Air from the night before. Then, on the big day, you can simply follow the hordes of supporters and join the happy crowds on the Champs Elysees. Close to the Arc de Triomphe, you can watch the finishing cyclists until the final courageous competitor crosses the line. In the late afternoon, you might like to return to the hotel to relax and discuss the event with your fellow guests.

Continue your Parisian bike holiday

It could well be that the thrills and excitement of the Tour de France inspire you to continue your holiday in Paris on a bicycle. If so, the Paris Bike Tour company offers a number of tempting possibilities. Firstly, they provide comfortable, lightweight and regularly renewed bikes. They will also add any accessories you require, whether it’s a basket, helmet, rain-poncho or map. The company are located in the Beaubourg complex in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, and will happily deliver your bikes to the Bel Air hotel. Just book 24 hours in advance by phone or directly via the company’s website. This way, you can explore the byways of the capital and discover unusual places.

However, if you prefer to have a guide with you, Paris Bike Tour also offers cycling routes conducted by professionals. All being multilingual and passionate about Paris, Paris Bike Tour guides will take you to the most beautiful and extraordinary corners of Paris, while entertaining and informing you with history and anecdotes about the places you visit.

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Get all the information you need at:
• Final stage of the Tour de France
• Guided bike tours of Paris by Paris Bike Tour

~oOo~

Picture copyright holder : Tourist Office Paris - Photographer Amélie Dupont

Grand Hotel du Bel Air, in the heart of the lively Nation area in Paris