TDF Travel

A lot depends on your budget and preferences.

You can choose to go with a complete package offered by a tour operator like Trek Travel or smaller independent companies, you can rent an RV like many who follow the tour do, or book your own accommodations along the tour route (not all that difficult).

You're definitely going to want to see the mountain stages, as those are the most fun and exciting-- the atmosphere is like a big party as you await the caravan and peloton to arrive. The ascents also give you the best view of the racers and action. Next year, the route will feature the Pyrenees first, and then the Alps, so if you want to see the finish in Paris as well you'll be looking at accommodations in the Alps (unless you're planning an extended vacation.) The official tour route is released sometime in late October or early November, so join the Official TdF Facebook page or some similar source to be notified. Prime accommodations fill up quickly, so plan accordingly.

With good planning you can select a nearby "base" hotel that allows you to drive to two or three stages on successive days without having to change accommodations. However, you'll want to arrive at mountain stage loactions plenty early (six or seven hours prior to expected peloton arrival.) Roads are often shut down well ahead of time to motorized traffic and expect a loooooong walk uphill to prime viewing spots. Bring plenty of food and liquids, depending on what you can carry. It's just as important to have a good exit plan to avoid long delays, as there are few roads for traffic and it will be JAMMED.

In Paris, you don't have to book hotels along the Champs (which will be outrageously pricey), but you do have to book a room early as they fill up quickly.

That's a start. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer them.

Thank you very much for the great info. I thought I saw an unofficial schedule that had a mountain stage about 3 days before Paris. That would be ideal since we could probably have one night in the mountains and 3 in Paris. Are there any types of shuttles that depart from neighboring towns to view mountain stages? I might have other questions as we progress in the planning. Thanks again!

I'm not aware of any spectator shuttles and don't remember seeing any, but that doesn't mean they don't exist-- you can try some online research. For the most part, it's really not difficult to drive or bike right up to the route (don't plan to drive ON the route but look for roads that will intersect the route) and parking isn't all that much of a hassle. Of course, if you stay overnight, you can park beside the route and sleep in your vehicle. If you arrive the morning of the race, expect a long but fun walk to get high on the mountain. The crowd is very friendly and you can take breaks as you need them. With a 7-year-old along, you may have to make compromises as to where you view the race, no question.

Thanks a lot. The friendliness factor was another concern I had knowing the attitude of many Parisians I have encountered. It does seem like a big party on those steep ascents.

I have never encountered attitude outside of Paris. And in my experience, having a young child with you will only increase the friendliness and helpfulness of the people you meet. In fact, I would rent a child if I had to when traveling through France in order to bring out the best in the people you meet.

Very true. Normandy/Honfleur had some of the most accommodating people outside of Paris, and didn't turn their nose at my lack of Parisienne accent. I guess the kid would be a good icebreaker. 

Here is my experience with shuttles.  In 2003 we stayed in Lyon as it was the nearest we could get to Alpe d' Huez.

I had planned on a rental car but our train ran late and the rental car company had just closed.

Our hotel was near the bus station and they were running a shuttle to the race.  I was told they may not pick us up for the return.  Fortunately, they did end up picking us up.

What took cyclists 45 minutes of riding back to Lyon took us 3 hours in a bus.  It added to the adventure.

If you are going to a mountain stage, plan to get there several hours before the start (at least 6).  Also, pack food and plenty of drink.  Waitign for the stage with hundreds of fans from various countries was almost as much fun as when the race past by.

Paris has a decent subway system and getting to and from the Prologue was easy.  Hotel location is not all that important in Paris.

In 2003 we in the US were at the height of considering changing the name french fries to freedom fries. I found the French to be friendly people, even in Paris. I think it depends on how you present yourself. I speak no French but I was polite.

Edited by Hugh in TX 2012-07-13 7:59 AM

Thanks again. It looks like viewing a mountain stage will be quite an adventure. We'll consider it if we can find a hotel somewhere nearby. Or possibly train it from Paris and then return for the prologue. I know the crowds will be crazy being the 100th anniversary but we're willing to tough it out.