Watching Alpine Stages of the Tour

[skelly]

I am planning to watch some of the Alpine stages of the Tour de France next year but have never been before.

Can anyone offer any advice?

What time do the roads shut for cars? Is it best to watch on the mountains or at the finishes?

Also where are good places to watch the Final stage in Paris?

Thanks

Simon

 

[Kevin Greene]

skelly- avoid the starts and finishes- too many people and no room to move- unless you have special acsess they are overated- in 2002 we were able to take car withinn last 4-5 k- no such luck this year- race was much closer and we ended up doing some nice hiking- which is not a bad thing- but remember you are going to be there for a while so whatever you need you bring w/ you for the day- there are always places to buy soda,water and food- but taking your own is best- meanwhile it is the best of times...enjoyOriginally posted by skelly
I am planning to watch some of the Alpine stages of the Tour de France next year but have never been before.

Can anyone offer any advice?

What time do the roads shut for cars? Is it best to watch on the mountains or at the finishes?

Also where are good places to watch the Final stage in Paris?

Thanks

Simon

 

[Kevin Greene]

as far as paris is concerned- it is a mob scene- it is nice to be there at the end- but after you have been so close to the riders and the course it will seem strange to be kept back by the police- you have much less control in paris- best place to watch??- the race comes by the river...paris turns the river into a beach in the summer- if you cannot see the race- you have other options there