The women’s Tour de France is quickly becoming a “must-attend” event not only for riders – who prepare for months while dreaming of success on the roads of France – and the media, who look forward to the completely insane 10 days of the Tour that include an unreasonable amount of time in a car, questionable meals, and even more questionable hotels, but also for fans who travel from all over the world to witness the magic that is the Tour.
Being a spectator at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift can be about so much more than the race. It is an opportunity to be immersed in a cycling-focused culture, to be a part of the epic community of women’s cycling fans, and to visit beautiful places along the way. The official Tour website provides a lot of information about each stage, the start and end towns, and the teams racing, but we’re here to fill in the gaps to get the most out of your trip to #watchthefemmes.
Your concierges on this journey: Abby Skujina Mickey, cycling journalist, and Dominique Powers, photographer. We have both covered the Tour de France Femmes on the ground and we’re here to help you be a better Tour tourist.
Interested in a guide to the men’s Tour as well? Caley Fretz has you covered.
Tips for being a (good) tourist at the Tour
The 2025 Tour will traverse France from the coast of Brittany in the northwest to the Alps in the east. That’s about 1,150 km/720 miles of driving, not including any wrong turns taken along the way. The race kicks off on July 26 in Vannes, on the southern end of Brittany, and then travels east/southeast across France almost in a straight line, through the Massif Central and ending in Châtel on August 3 on the border of Switzerland. There’s a reason Europeans opt for a campervan to follow the Tour from start to finish, but if you start early you can find some good hotels to relax at along the route. Not up for the whole 10 days? No problem – we’ve got two shorter itineraries for the start and finish.
Getting to the start of this Tour is a bit more complicated than the 2024 race that began in Rotterdam. There are three nearby airports: Lorient (LRT), Rennes (RNS), and Nantes (NTE). All are within 105 km but are quite small. Vannes itself also has an airport but it’s regional only. You can also take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Vannes, typically about three hours with one change at Rennes, or drive (about five hours from Paris CDG). In any case, renting a car is obviously a must, to get from stage to stage.
Whether you’ve already ventured to France to watch the women fight for glory and a yellow jersey, or you’ve seen it on TV and wished to be on the roadside, here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan a trip to the Tour next summer, plus sample itineraries for the Grand Depart and the Alpine finale.
Definitely get a crêpe
With the first two stages in Brittany, a crêpe is a must. The crêpe originated in Brittany in the 13th century. Originally made with buckwheat flour, the crêpe is a super-thin pancake that can be either savoury or sweet depending on the choice of filling. Jam and Nutella are common, as are ham and cheese. These delicious treats can be just that or a full meal – it’s all in what you order.
Don’t sleep on the starts
If you attend the start of the race you can expect to get up close and personal with your favourite riders. Because there are no restricted zones, you can walk through the “paddock” and stop by team buses to catch the riders warming up, talking with their soigneurs, or giving media interviews. It’s a delightful peek behind the curtain, one that doesn’t happen as much at the end of the stage when riders want to get changed and leave as quickly as possible. Both stages 1 and 2 are great for a quick pass through the buses before making your way to the finish. These stages require less driving than, say, stage 3.
Get your start trips in early in the race because by the final three stages, when there are more mountains, you’ll need more time to get to the climbs before the roads are either closed or too busy to navigate.
Document the experience, but don’t miss out on the fun
The whole Tour experience is so dynamic and there’s a ton to capture as a photographer, however, there are some key moments I wouldn’t want to miss by being behind a camera. One of my favourite parts is being out on course and the build-up that happens when you’re waiting for the peloton to come by.
First, you hear the TV helicopter far in the distance, alerting you that the racers are getting closer, then you can see it, flying low to the ground providing coverage of the race to those watching from far away. Then you can feel it, and know that the racers are coming just around the corner. Meanwhile, the gendarmes will be driving by on their motorcycles, and the pre-race cars will be coming by, alerting fans that the peloton is almost upon them.
Finally, the racers are there and it’s a cacophony of wheels whooshing, fans cheering, motion and colour, and the intensity of it all. If you make it to multiple stops I encourage you to leave the camera or phone in your pocket at least once and just be a part of it all, because for those fleeting moments, you are a part of the peloton – truly in the race, side-by-side with the athletes. It’s incredible.
Never count on a delicious meal
“France is known for its food.” That’s true, but not where you’re going. High-end restaurants are few and far between when following the Tour and the French may be known for their fancy meals, but anything below that is … not always something to save on Google Maps.
This year’s route stops in Clermont-Ferrand, where you can find a top-notch plate of ratatouille at Restaurant Agalyne. In Quimper refer to tip #1. The bigger the town obviously the greater the chance of finding a quality meal, but there is always one day that goes totally off the rails and you end up at Buffalo Grill.
One thing you can count on is many fun Haribo flavours. Honestly, as an American, the gas stations are pretty epic, from decent pre-made meals to plenty of pastries. I’ve even gotten a baguette at one. And Tour-branded Orangina! Also, no matter where you are in France you will always find good bread.
You’ll certainly find satisfying fare, but expectations need to be lowered if you’re expecting five-star meals every day.
Left: gas station classic. Right: farmers market finds in one of the start towns.
Find sunflowers!
They’re a classic of the French countryside in July. Here they are seen just outside of Clermont-Ferrand. I couldn’t help myself but hop in the mix!
Sunflowers grow all over France from early June to mid-August but they aren’t actually native to France. They originated from the Americas and were brought back to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Widespread cultivation of the giant yellow flower (which grows up to 12 feet / 3.7 meters tall!) gained popularity in the 1970s, not for its beauty but for oil. Sunflower oil proved an interesting substitute for butter. (In the end, they found croissants made with sunflower oil instead of butter didn’t have quite the same…flake)
Sunflowers are particularly prominent in Provence, and unfortunately, the race doesn’t dip that low into south-eastern France this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see some sprawling fields along the way.
Hit at least two climbs, preferably a major one
Not only will you get some epic views but also some swag! Traditionally the publicity caravan proceeding the race will hand out polka-dot hats, shirts, and even ponchos (if it’s raining!) along a categorized climb, as well as other goodies and trinkets, and you may well see some epic racing from the riders going for points. Nothing like watching a race-defining move happen in real life. You’ll also probably make some new friends since you’ll be hanging out on the mountainside for a few hours waiting for the race.
For this year’s Tour, the biggest climb of the race will be the Col de la Madeleine. The ascent will mark the end of the eighth and penultimate stage and be the fighting ground for the top climbers in the peloton to make their mark on the general classification.
The Col is located in the Alps, about 76 km west of the Italian border. The race approaches the climb from Chambéry, which is also the finish town for the seventh stage (hooray for no post-stage 7 transfer!). This means getting from the finish of the seventh stage to the mountainside is relatively easy. If you’re not camping on the side of the road it’s a ‘wake-up, have some coffee and a croissant, and roll up the mountain’ type of day. The drive from Chambéry to the top of the Col de la Madeleine is about one hour 20 minutes, without traffic, but plan for busy roads the day of the stage because there will be people riding their bikes up the climb long before the women have gotten out of bed.
The base of the 17 km ascent is the steepest, with four switchbacks perfect for crowds. However, the most dedicated cycling fans (and likely the party zone of ‘Dutch Corner’) will be found later in the climb once the road reaches the town of Sant-Francios-Longchamp. Through the small mountain town there are six tight switchbacks. By that point in the race the riders will be at their limit – with only 5 km to go the race will be blown to pieces with only the best remaining out front. That also means riders whose work came earlier in the stage and the race will have some fun riding towards the finish. You might see a wheelie or get some high fives, and if Alison Jackson passes you, make sure you have a donut or croissant on hand.
The last two kilometres of the road is basically straight, with only one switchback. The finish is a good 3.9 km past the boundaries of the town, up on the side of the mountain. There are no trees once you’re a few kilometres from the finish, no buildings; only barren landscape and stunning views. If your plan is to venture up this high, make sure to pack the necessary supplies: snacks, water/drinks, warm clothing, etc. (please refer to Caley’s guide for a mountainside backpack-packing list).
If a full 10 days is too much of a commitment, there are two easy options to see some of the race with limited running around France. The first block is the first three stages to the west of Paris and the second is the final three stages in the mountains. You could combine either of these three-day itineraries with a few days of riding for a perfect week.
Itinerary 1: The Grand Depart
Dates: Arrive Friday, July 25, leave Monday, July 28
Fly into: Paris or Nantes
Fly out of: Same
Why go to the Grand Depart? Well, the energy that surrounds the first stage of the Tour is something I couldn’t even describe to you accurately if I tried. Every rider will have been looking forward to the race for months, and the mix of nervousness, excitement, anxiety and raw joy is like nothing you’ll ever experience. You’ll be there for the first stage start and as the first yellow jersey is awarded.
Since the race has only just begun, riders are normally in high spirits, willing to sign autographs and take photos if you catch them at the right time. And if you’re going to take the trouble to travel out to the first stage from Vannes to Plumelec, you might as well stick around for stages two and three.
Unlike in 2024, the first two stages will likely not be bunch sprints and you might actually see some dynamic racing out there, rather than a peloton over a hundred strong whizzing by you at dizzying speeds. The race starts on Saturday, July 26 so we’ll have you arrive a day earlier.
The major downside to this itinerary is simply how difficult it is to get there. If you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll need to fly in to Paris, or possibly Nantes if you’re lucky. Both are hours away by car. But Brittany is beautiful and the Tour’s Grand Depart energy might make it worth it.
Day 1: Friday, July 25
The opening three stages criss-cross each other, so the best option is to pick a single, centrally-located town and stay there for the duration.
Vannes, the location of the first stage, would be our pick. It’s the start of the first stage and the likely home of the rider presentation on the day prior. Arrive Friday morning (if you’re flying in from the US, you’ll usually land early in the day), make your way to your accommodation, and then head to the team presentation. It’s a great way to kick things off.
Day 2: Saturday, July 26
Time to head to a start! These are the best opportunity to get up close to the riders you came to see. They’ll be milling about, signing on, likely a bit nervous but almost always up for a chat or signing a hat.
The finish of the first stage is a short distance way in Plumelec. In between are a pile of short, sharp climbs. We’d recommend heading to one of those after the riders roll out and posting up until they come past.
Day 3: Sunday, July 27
To cut down on the driving, skip the start of stage 2, which is all the way up in Brest. Head instead straight to the finish in Quimper, a lovely little town to spend an afternoon. Then about an hour before the race is scheduled to finish, make your way toward the finish line and team bus parking areas.
Day 4: Monday, July 28
For your final day on the race it’s back to a start. Pack up at your accommodation, you’re not going back. Then head to La Gacilly nice and early, grab a coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere before you head off.
Itinerary 2: Finale in the Alps
Dates: Arrive Friday, August 1, leave Monday, August 4
Fly into: Lyon or Geneva
Fly out of: Lyon or Geneva
The vibes for the final three stages are a little different to the first block of stages. By then, riders will have either achieved their dreams or have seen all their goals go up in smoke. Some riders who are there for support will be enjoying the fact the race is nearly over, which means they have more time for fans at the starts in particular. The circus that surrounds the race by the final stages is slower, calmer. There aren’t normally as many people as there are at the Grand Depart.
Since the final three stages are all hilly, that also makes for a better race-viewing experience. Where the start is all emotion, the final three stages mean being able to actually see the race unfold before your eyes. You could be standing on the very switchback where the decisive move happens, or stand at the finish when an unexpected rider steals a stage from under the noses of the GC favourites.
Lodging for this itinerary can be quite simple. Staying in Chambéry for the duration is an easy option, setting you up well to see a finish, the Madeleine stage, and then the final stage with a short drive.
Day 1: Friday, August 1
You’ll fly into either Geneva or Lyon and from there hop in the car and head to Chambery – the drive is an hour and change from either airport – in time for the day’s finish. Racers will drop off the Col du Granier and down into town at incredible speeds. Our suggestion is to stay in town, get settled, and then head to the finish to watch on the Jumbotrons. Make sure you stick around for the podium ceremony.
Day 2: Saturday, August 2
This is the big one. The Col de la Madeleine is likely to define the general classification for the whole week. You want (no: need!) to be on that climb.
The race route leaves Chambéry and heads north, toward Lac d’Annecy, and then comes back to the south over Col du Frène before heading up the valley to the Madeleine. This hilly opening loop buys you some time to get to the slopes of Madeleine, so going to the start and making it to the climb is theoretically possible. But to be honest we wouldn’t risk trying it. The climb is the priority. Your goal in the morning should be to get to La Chambre, the small town at the base of the final climb. If you drive there, ditch the car and hop on a bike to head up the mountain.
If you plan to head up the Madeleine, keep in mind that you’ll be out there all day and possibly well into the evening. Bring clothing for a wide range of temperatures and weather, and food for a whole day.
Day 3: Sunday, August 3
Once again, you’ll need to pick whether you hit the start or the finish. Given this is the final stage of the race, it only feels right to head to the finish. That means you have a decent drive from Chambéry to Chatel, roughly two hours with no traffic.
You’ll want to head out early because the final part of that route is on the race course, which will close to traffic mid-day. If you miss it, you’ll have to go all the way around via Switzerland.
The finish in Chatel will be thrilling – it’s a long drag up to town, and if the race is still close there’s another opportunity to gain time on the Joux Plane mid-stage.
Once the race is wrapped up, either stay in the mountains to ride for a few more days or head down to Geneva to head home.
Both blocks are isolated; neither is particularly easy to get to. It’s not like 2024 when you could just fly into Amsterdam and be there for three stages in two days. Next year’s Tour will involve a lot more planning and logistical gymnastics. Hopefully, with these pointers you’ve felt inspired to hop on Google Maps and start hunting for the best hotel, a rental camper, or flights to France.
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