Grand Depart Lille

[Cathryn]

Hi. Has anyone seen a decent map of the Grand Depart in Lille this July? We are going and I'm trying to work out where is best to stay. I've found a social media post that implies it starts around Loos rather than Lille centre (which seems weird) but no more detail than that. Thanks.

 

[alicat]

I think that could be right. The flyover on the official site shows it starting in SW Lille, which is where Loos is.

 

[T4tomo]

?? Potentially from somewhere near the cemetery / sports stadium to the zoo / citadel?

 

[The Crofted Crest]

I like Lille. It's well worth staying for a couple of days to potter about if you have the time. The Grand Départ and the finish don't seem that far from the city centre. They are certainly within cycling distance (or a brisk walk from the main railway station).

 

[Cathryn]

I like Lille. It's well worth staying for a couple of days to potter about if you have the time. The Grand Départ and the finish don't seem that far from the city centre. They are certainly within cycling distance (or a brisk walk from the main railway station).

I like Lille too and have been before...I'm hoping to visit Bergues on the way home instead of more time in Lille, I really love the film Bienvenue chez les ch'tis.

 

[Spartak]

Another Lille fan here, visited a few years ago en route to Avignon.
Very nice city & hoping to visit for Grand depart this year ... 👍

 

[The Crofted Crest]

View: https://youtu.be/_6Mx3HZ4_tI?si=5VC7FuEfBRkyAwVv


SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO!!!

 

[steveindenmark]

If I were going, I would be looking for a village pub that does meals, that the route passes. Watching all the vehicles passing by all day is more entertaining than the 30 seconds it takes the peleton to pass by.

We had a great time when it came past our house in Denmark. Dozens of cars stopped to take photos. People knocked on the door and stood in the garden for photos. Even the TDF vehicles stopped to take photos. 😁

 

[T4tomo]

If I were going, I would be looking for a village pub that does meals, that the route passes. Watching all the vehicles passing by all day is more entertaining than the 30 seconds it takes the peleton to pass by.

YesBut

There is a lot going on in a start or finish town and lots more if its both as Lille is. I haven't been to a depart town, but have been to a finish - the caravan does come through the finish too you know , and you see all the set up and can have a walk up the last km etc.

The start you have all the sign on and presentation etc and chance to see stationery riders bikes and mechanics.

Watching the caravan and the race come thru is great too, especially if its past your front garden!

 

[The Crofted Crest]

I'm hoping to visit Bergues on the way home instead of more time in Lille, I really love the film Bienvenue chez les ch'tis

@Cathryn, we were in the neighbourhood so went for lunch. A pleasant little town.

 

[Cathryn]

Thank you @The Crofted Crest! I ended up booking our Airbnb in Bergues and I’m so excited to finally visit!

 

[The Crofted Crest]

Thank you @The Crofted Crest! I ended up booking our Airbnb in Bergues and I’m so excited to finally visit!

Please, call me "Crofty" or "Cresty". "The" is so formal. 😉

 

[Spartak]

@Cathryn, we were in the neighbourhood so went for lunch. A pleasant little town.
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Chti is a very nice beer ... 🍺 👍