Watching The Tour in Paris

[Priscilla Parsley]

Hello all, I'm very excited as I have just booked flights to Paris, I'm arriving on the friday so I'm keen to watch the Ventoux stage on sat, do they have a big screen in Paris for this or can anyone recommend any fun Tour crazy places to watch it?

I have been to Paris quite a bit so I'm not bothered about the tourist side and also wondered if anyone recommended an out of town place to stay as the Euro is killing me. Our French is decent and we are confident on public transport and the like..

Also on Finale day, what do I need to do and how can a bag a good view? what's it like? I'm very excited and I want to get the best out of the trip

merci x

Priscilla

 

[Cathryn]

Not out of town (thus ignoring your question) but stay anywhere near Rue Cler and it's idyllic!! In the 5e next to the Eiffel Tower.

I'm very jealous, it sounds wonderful!!

 

[TVC]

We did the final day last year, (just a day trip on the train). There are smaller crowds around the Tuileries, but we set up camp on the Champs near the top to see them round the corner then dashed down the bottom just in time to catch the presentations, (from about 100m away, but we were there).

The only advice is pick your spot early and wait.

 

[Noodley]

The only advice is pick your spot early and wait.

Very early if you want at the front. Or a first floor view from McDonalds...

But a good view or several good views can be had even if you arrive later. Shinning onto window ledges and ignoring the gerdarmes is a good one. Half way up a lamp post....or if you are aged under 10 just move to the front and everyone lets you through I did the former, Noodlette Jnr the latter - she was in with a crowd of Americans there to see Armstrong win no. 7 and they took great care of her. Didn't invite me to bloody join them though!

 

[Ludwig]

Some of the bridges along the Seine make excellent viewing places. Also you might like to check out the Anquetil velodrome at the Bois Vicennes in this beautiful area of Paris. Those of you watching the Tour - have a great time.

 

[Priscilla Parsley]

Rue Clare, yes beautiful but v pricey for me, ill have just got back from big hol in la la laAmerica so I absolutley need to be frugal on this one.

I think i'll deffo have to get there early becuase i want to be at the front and see them up close,

Thank you Ludwig for the tip on the velodrome, had a look on the map and it seems a good area to stay and much cheaper than central, is it the kind of velodrome where you can hire bikes and get on it? on second thought maybe my velodrome French isnt up to it actually.

ta x

any other tips on cycling sights, hidden gems are hugely appreciated.

 

[Oddjob62]

My folks live very close to Ventoux so i will probably pop over for the weekend to take in the atmosphere.

 

[Priscilla Parsley]

niiiiiiiice!

 

[Steve Austin]

I saw this earlier, and it is just like that!!

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV22vkMvE8U&feature=related

 

[Priscilla Parsley]

ha ha Brilliant! been watching hell on wheels and overcoming to get in the mood, quite fancy becoming a cycling groupie and getting pimped out by elvis

 

[Steve Austin]

Its really good on the last day. I've been twice, and had two thoroughly brilliant days. I'll go again in the future, but i'll wait till there is less likelihood of Paris being full of american tourists.

 

[Cathryn]

My folks live very close to Ventoux so i will probably pop over for the weekend to take in the atmosphere.

Can we come and stay with your parents too?

 

[Priscilla Parsley]

yeah me too, a cycle chat home stay!