In short
Watching the Tour from the roadside is free. Pick a spot on a climb or near the finish, get there hours early because roads close well before the race, and stay as close to the route as you can so you can walk or ride to it.
Where to stand
Climbs are the best places to watch: the riders go slowly, the crowds are lively and you see the race split apart. Finishes give you the sprint or the winner's arrival, but the barriers fill early.
Starts are the best place to see the riders up close, as the teams sign on and warm up before the stage. Flat roads in the middle of a stage are the quietest, with space for a picnic.
When to get there
Roads on the route close to traffic hours before the riders pass, and on the big mountain climbs they can close the day before. For a finish or a climb, plan to be in place at least two to three hours early.
The organisers and the host towns publish exact timings and road closures in the weeks before the race. We add them to our stage guides as they come out.
The publicity caravan
About an hour and a half to two hours before the riders, the publicity caravan rolls through: a long parade of decorated vehicles throwing free goodies to the crowd. It is a big part of the day for families, so do not leave once it has passed.
What to bring
Water, food, sun cream, a hat, and a warm layer for the mountains, where it gets cold even in July. Something to sit on helps on a long wait. Toilets and shops are scarce on the climbs, so plan ahead.
A phone or radio to follow the race tells you when the riders are getting close.
Getting there on race day
Leave the car well away from the route and walk or cycle the last part. Many fans ride up the climbs before the roads close, and it is part of the fun. Some host towns add extra public transport on race days.
Where to stay
The closer you sleep to the route, the easier race day is: you can walk or ride to the roadside instead of sitting in traffic. Each of our stage guides lists base towns on or near the route, with live lodging maps for the right nights.
Questions about watching the Tour
Is it free to watch the Tour de France?
Yes. Watching from the roadside costs nothing. Only official hospitality packages are paid.
How long before the riders does the caravan pass?
Usually about an hour and a half to two hours before the riders. Check the official timetable for each stage closer to the race.
How early should I get to a mountain climb?
On the big climbs, many fans arrive the day before or early in the morning. Roads close to cars well before the race, so you will need to walk or ride up.
· Sources: letour.fr