Tour de France 2019

Tour de France 2019

One of the greatest sporting events of them all, the Tour de France has been running (or rather cycling) since 1903, except for during both World Wars, and attracts millions of people to watch the many stages of the race as it goes across the country. But while other major sporting events tend to place in one city and are easy to follow, there’s more to be aware of when it comes to attending the Tour de France, so here’s our guide to the 2019 race.

Brussels

Despite its name, the Tour de France isn’t always confined just to France. This year it starts in the Belgian city of Brussels as tribute to local cycling king Eddy Merckx and the 50th anniversary of his first Tour de France win (he won five in total). There’s so much to do in the heart of the European Union including visiting the Grand Place, seeing the iconic Manneken Pis statue and visiting Mini-Europe if you want to take it all in (in miniature) in one go.

Reims

Stage 4 of the 2019 Tour de France starts off in Reims, the gateway to the Champagne region and a great place to visit if you want to learn more about (and taste) famous French wines. There’s also the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims where French kings used to be crowned, while fine dining is available at restaurants like Racine and L’Assiette Champenoise.

Toulouse

By Stage 12, it’s all uphill for the cyclists as they enter the Pyrenees, but it’s an easy city to visit for spectators with lots of transport links across Europe and La Ville Rose has plenty to see and do there after the race. There’s stunning architecture on offer like the Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse or the Capitole de Toulouse, while you can sample some local delicacies at Le Restaurant or Les Complices.

Nimes

Towards the end of the race, Nimes is a good place to pick as a base as there’s a Rest Day there in between Stage 15 and 16 and there’s also lots to see and do including the famous Pont du Gard aqueduct, which dates back to Roman times and will be crossed by the riders. The Roman Amphitheater Arena of Nimes is another must-see along with the Maison Carree.

Paris

With the famous finale on the Champs Elysees, Paris is an obvious choice for watching some Tour de France action and the French capital of course has more than enough to recommend it on its own. If you’re looking for fine dining, there’s few better places to visit, with Guy Savoy’s restaurant on the Left Bank an obvious choice along with Septime, Astrance and L’Arpege, all of which offer unique and delicious dining experiences.