The Tour de France is a major French sport event that has been running every summer since its introduction in 1903. For the first time, in 1954, the Tour\'s first stage took place out of France, in Amsterdam. From then on, 600 media from 190 countries have covered the event each year, making it a ►
The Tour de France is a major French sport event that has been running every summer since its introduction in 1903. For the first time, in 1954, the Tour\'s first stage took place out of France, in Amsterdam. From then on, 600 media from 190 countries have covered the event each year, making it a worldwide attraction. Many different nations have worn the yellow jersey, almost from all continents. Nevertheless, the old continent still dominates this race, with 71% of yellow jerseys from Europe.
Yet, this is more than a sport. The competition is a moving picture postcard of France. Passing by many different regions, the Tour shows lovely towns and landscapes.
Put on your cycling helmet and get ready for a pretty long ride around France\'s most stunning places.
La Planche des Belles Filles is a station in the Vosges Mountains in eastern France. It has been one of the most challenging mountain stages on the Tour. Some cyclists even called it the toughest. The station name means Plank of Beautiful Girls. It comes from the story that young women from Plancher-les-Mines had to climb to the col to wash themselves and the laundry.
Morzine is usually when the riders get their first rest day. It\'s a commune situated in the Haute-Savoie department, which is also a ski station with thrilling landscapes of mountains and lakes. Nature lovers come every year to ski during winter and to hike during summertime.
The Briançon - Alpe d\'Huez mountain stage has been dazzling over the years and is a must-see. Briançon, known as the highest town in Europe, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that displays sumptuous ramparts and fortifications surrounding the city. This Savoie Site is a hiking, biking and trailing destination during summer days. During winter and more specifically in February, the town and the ski slopes are packed. The resort offers restaurants, winter sports rental shops, and many other things for you to feel comfortable. Strolling around the hilly old town named Cité Vauban, is unmissable. Learn more about the rich past of Briançon by taking a guided tour.
Besides skiing which is the main attraction, the Alp d\'Huez offers many activities. If there were only one to remember, it would be dog sledding. Meet the graceful huskies for a moment you won\'t ever forget.
Let\'s head to Carcassonne, another town classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Tour de France cyclists are used to cross. This famous medieval city draws tourists coming from all around the planet. Passing by this Occitanian city, the Château Comtal and the Saint-Nazaire Basilica are highly recommended attractions. You have the possibility to book a guided tour of this Count\'s Castle, overflowing with history.
Let\'s keep pedaling until getting to Lourdes, another city associated with the Tour. Still in Occitania, Lourdes is a catholic pilgrimage town situated at the foot of the Pyrenees. Millions of pilgrims come every year to contemplate the legendary Massabielle cave and to drink its holy water. Besides being a sanctuary, Lourdes is charming and has traditional architecture. Plenty of shops and restaurants with delicious local food will receive you with open arms. Furthermore, being hidden in the mountains makes it a popular destination for hikers and skiers.
The Col du Tourmalet is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Pyrenees. Situated just a few km away from Lourdes, it is a summit the cyclists usually must climb.
Many amateurs reproduce this Tour stage. Are you up for it or not? Besides, this station is in the Pyrenees National Park, offering opportunities to catch sight of eagles, marmots and chamois, just to mention a few of this diversified flora.
Our last stop before the final stage is Rocamadour. Situated in the Dordogne Valley, it is considered one of the most lovely stages of the Tour. This village displays a unique scenery with its perched basilica and multiple fortified gates. Mainly known for its religious sanctuary, the town also has impressive medieval architecture, highlighted by the Rocamadour Castle. Culinary specialties are no shortage in this region. Tasting the Rocamadour goat cheese and the Cahors Wine is essential.
The Tour is coming to an end, but we saved the best for the last. Introducing Paris is not needed. World-famous for its cultural, historical and culinary wealth, every nook and cranny of the capital will really blow you away. This one magical moment has arrived. When the frenzied crowd welcomes the cyclists heading straight for the final push on the Champs-Elysées. Join the mob cheering the final seconds of the Tour of France, which has lasted nearly a month and crossed a plurality of typical regions.
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