anyone gone to watch the tour

If you can, bring a bike.

When I went to Alpe d'Huez a few years ago the bus took 3 hours to get back to Grenoble while cyclists took about 45 minutes.

Bring a Camelbak or something to carry drinks if you are going to a mountain stage.

Also, try to get a a start or finish at least once.  There is a pretty cool carnival atmosphere in addition to the race.

I went to watch the Ventoux stage last year which was pretty amazing.

I rode the climb the day before and there were thousands of people that had already set themselfs up on the roadside and shouting encouragement.  It also means you can ride to wherever you want to watch the race from on the day, without getting stuck in hours of traffic.

I would aim to see one of the later mountain stages and if possible one that is a mountain top finish as they are generally more interesting as the contestants are fighting hard for the GC and not conserving energy as they tend to do earlier on in the race. 

Man!!!! I am jealous!

L'Alp D'Huez and Ventoux! you guys have seen some awesome stages!!!

One day I am going to watch the tour with my family. In about five years when the kids are older I plan to go with my family

I would say, try to learn some basic French, as most of the stages are in small towns with fewer English-speaking folks. It's one of our dream trips as well.

thanks everyone great tips