I’m not a cycling nut. It’s been ages since I’ve been on a bicycle, myself (unless you count a stationary bike and even then, it’s been a while). Truth be told, I have no immediate desire to get on one any time soon.
But I do have an annual ritual. I watch the final stage of the Tour de France. Not for the fit men dressed in spandex shorts (believe it or not) but to see Paris. It’s fun to watch the race and see places I’ve been on my trips to the beautiful city.
Opening lap was the only time they rode near the Eiffel Tour.
Later on the same lap, they rode past our favourite eatery in Paris, La Frégate, at the corner of Quai Voltaire and Rue du Bac before crossing the river to continue the circuit.
Over the Pont du Carrousel and through the archways at the Louvre.
Over to Rue de Rivoli and another left turn, riding by the Jardins de Tuileries following through Place de la Concorde and up the Champs-Élysées, circling the Arc de Triomphe and returning to Place de la Concorde.
The riders stayed on the this side of the river for the remainder of the race. Back through Place de la Concorde and a left turn onto Quai des Tuileries followed by a left turn at the tunnel entrance to the Louvre.
They emerged at the other end on Rue de Rivoli under the watchful eye of Joan of Arc.
Prior to watching the last stage of the men’s race, we saw the women race on this same circuit. When they raced, it was pouring rain making the cobbles and asphalt treacherous to say the least. There were a number of multi-rider crashes.
I’ve seen more of Paris than just these few photos but during my two trips to this beautiful city, I spent a great deal of time in this area.
Do you watch the Tour de France? If so, what’s your favourite part?