Whether you’re making a one-off trip to see the Tour de France for the first time or planning to follow several stages across the country, spectating this race is a unique experience. It’s free, un-ticketed, and constantly moving, there’s no assigned seat, no fan zone, and very little structure unless you create it yourself. But that’s also part of its charm.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting the most out of your visit to the Tour, based on years of roadside experience and hard-earned lessons from the road.
Plan ahead, and then plan a bit more
Start by checking the route map and identifying the kind of stage and terrain you want to see, mountain, sprint, or start village, then zoom in on the practical details. Road closures are often vague or last-minute, and apps like Google Maps can’t always be trusted once the Tour caravan rolls in.
Aim to arrive at your spot several hours before the race passes, and leave extra time for detours or roadblocks. Back roads and walking are part of the experience, and in mountainous areas, expect a full-day commitment if you want a prime view. Be aware that mobile service can vanish in rural or alpine areas, so download offline maps and key info before setting off.
Tip: If driving, park facing the way you want to leave, you’ll thank yourself later when traffic snarls begin after the stage ends.
Consider cycling to the course
If logistics allow, arriving by bike is one of the best ways to reach the route, especially in the mountains. Many roads are closed to vehicles but remain open to cyclists for longer, giving you access to higher or quieter vantage points without the stress of parking.
Plenty of fans hire bikes locally or bring their own, and riding part of the course, even slowly, is a memorable way to soak up the atmosphere.
Tip: Take extreme care on the descent after the stage. With crowds, team vehicles, and impatient drivers, it can be chaotic.
Photo Credit: A.S.O./Romain LaurentDon’t miss the publicity caravan
The Tour de France caravan is pure chaos and unmissable fun. Around 45 minutes before the peloton arrives, a long procession of sponsor vehicles barrels through, blasting music and throwing freebies to the crowd. Haribo and Cochonou are crowd favourites for edible giveaways, but you’ll see everything from hats to washing powder flying through the air.
Get into the spirit, but mind your manners, especially around children and elderly fans who’ve been attending the race for decades.
Tip: The polka-dot t-shirts are handed out by a separate van and are notoriously elusive. If you score one, wear it with pride.
Pack smart, and eat local
Food options near the route are never guaranteed, especially on climbs or in small towns. Bring a proper lunch, water, and snacks. A classic French option is a ham and cheese baguette still in its bakery wrapper, practical and authentic.
In the evening, restaurants in rural areas often close early or don’t open on Sundays and Mondays. Plan for that, and don’t expect a spontaneous sit-down dinner after 8pm without a reservation.
Photo Credit: A.S.O./Billy CeustersFill the time (you’ll have a lot of it)
Expect long stretches of waiting. Once you’ve staked out your spot, the caravan passes, and lunch is done, there might still be hours before the riders arrive. Bring a book, a game, or just enjoy the people around you. Making up chants, quizzes, or simply chatting with neighbouring fans is part of the day.
Tip: Mobile signal is patchy on climbs, so don’t rely on scrolling or streaming for entertainment or race updates.
Dress for all seasons
The Tour can swing from blistering sunshine to torrential rain within the same afternoon. In the mountains, the difference between valley heat and summit chill is particularly stark. Sun cream, water, a hat, layers, and a waterproof jacket are all essentials. If it looks like a calm day, still bring a layer, it only takes one thunderstorm to change everything.
Tip: Wear something distinctive if you want to be spotted on TV, a bold hat or a bright raincoat often does the trick.
Be part of the community
One of the best aspects of spectating the Tour is the camaraderie. The fans around you may have camped overnight, travelled from abroad, or followed the race for years. Say hello. Swap tips. Share snacks. You might find someone who can give you race updates when your data signal fails, or who knows the best spot to stand.
French fans, in particular, love to share stories, especially the older gents, who all seem to have ridden a stage of the Tour once upon a time, or claim a vague family link to a rising star.
Photo Credit: A.S.O./Charly LopezPark like a local (within reason)
On race days, normal parking rules go out the window. If you find a roadside verge or a spot behind a few other cars, you’ll probably be fine. The trick is to follow the local lead, if dozens of cars are squeezed onto a roundabout or a farm track, yours won’t be the odd one out.
Just be sure you’re not blocking anyone in, and again, park facing the way you want to leave.
Stay aware, and enjoy it properly
Cycling’s beauty is its intimacy. The peloton can brush past you within arm’s reach. But with that comes responsibility, stay back from the road, avoid sticking cameras or limbs out, and always give riders the space they need. Don’t lean in or try to get the perfect shot. It’s tempting, but potentially dangerous.
Instead, take in the moment. Watch it with your eyes, not through your phone. Unless you’re experienced with sports photography, your photos probably won’t capture what your memory will.
Vary your viewing spots
If you’re attending more than one stage, mix up your approach. Try a start for rider spotting, a flat sprint finish for speed and drama, a mountain stage for the atmosphere, and maybe even a quiet mid-stage village for a more relaxed day out. Each type of stage offers a different way to experience the race, and all are worth trying.
Photo Credit: A.S.O./Charly LopezExperience a French village party
Perhaps the most underrated way to enjoy the Tour is in a small village far from the finish line. These communities treat the Tour like a festival, with bunting, local food, drinks, and an infectious celebratory mood. You’ll often find screens showing the live broadcast, and everyone from grandparents to toddlers lining the roads.
If you want to experience the cultural side of the Tour, not just the race, this is where it truly comes alive.
The Tour de France is like no other sporting event. It’s sprawling, unpredictable, joyous, and chaotic in the best possible way. With a little planning, an open mind, and a sense of adventure, you’ll come away with memories that last far longer than the flash of the peloton.
