Tour de France 2024 edition. Advice.

[fatboy47]

I'm finalising plans to follow this year's tour with my lad... well from around stage 4 through till the penultimate stage.

We've converted a camper van for the trip and are fixing up a tandem with which we can sample some of the climbs, descents and other notable scenery.

I know plenty on here have spent time on the tour...we've basically got bugger-all idea of the best ways to do things so anything anyone can offer in the way of advice will be well received.

Btw, I've been given an ostrich costume (with reins) and a claret and blue mankini to pack for the journey if anyone tries to spot me cheering the leaders on up the climbs

[dougcollins]

Leave the mankini in the bag mate -that would be my advice.

[TsarBomba]

I plan and doing similar to FatBoy when my 2 boys are bit older, so I would be keen to know the do’s and don’ts.

[fatboy47]

I plan and doing similar to FatBoy when my 2 boys are bit older, so I would be keen to know the do’s and don’ts.

Will be sure to post my findings TB

[winsomeyen]

Be in your chosen position at least two hours before the riders arrive, loads of vans precede the tour throwing hats and teeshirts into the spectators

Unfortunately the tour is not coming near us this year otherwise I could of given more help.

[TsarBomba]

Will be sure to post my findings TB

Thanks my friend. Have a great time, I’m very envious, but I’ll be looking out for you!

[Malvern claret]

We have not watched the tour live but have toured the Alps and Pyrenees in our motorhome and cycled many of the cols that feature in the tour.

Some suggestions


1. It is possible to spend a night or nights at Col du Lauteret either by the roadside or behind the cafes on the southern side (we were there when England beat Wales in the 2016 Euros). From there you can cycle up towards Galibier, a fabulous ride. Alternatively you could stop at the Pantani monument just over the top of the col on the way down to Valloire, the riders will be descending very quickly here.

2. About 6 or 7 km north of Col de la Bonette is what we consider to be the best motor home overnight stop in the world, it is over 8000 ft above sea level, at lac des eissaupres. You could watch from there or cycle up towards the col and/or the cim.

These are both in the Alps, when I have researched the route in the Pyrenees I will be able to offer suggestion(s) for that region.

[Tricky Trevor]

We did a summit finish on the Hautacamp, above Lourdes, in 2000. We were advised to get up there the night before as the road up could be closed very early on race day. Still don’t know if there was any truth to it but we had a grand night with live bands for entertainment and great company.
We ended up parked above the finish line but were moved off road to allow the race caravan full width. Rule 1; don’t argue with race police.
Have a great 3 weeks.

[Tricky Trevor]

Following on from winsomeyens two hour tip if you are souvenir hunters you could park up at a refuse zone, approx. a km after the feed zone, and collect their bidon waste.

[fatboy47]

Brilliant...thanks all..exactly the kind of stuff im looking for.

[TheFamilyCat]

My advice is ditch the tandem. The last thing you need pedalling up an Alp is the Mrs sat at tue back with her feet up reading a magazine.

[fatboy47]

My advice is ditch the tandem. The last thing you need pedalling up an Alp is the Mrs sat at tue back with her feet up reading a magazine.

thanks TFC!...it'll be me stoking and the lad piloting these days

[Inchy]

I have zero advise as I’ve never been to watch the tour but what a fantastic thing to do with your lad.

I love cycling (and fell running) and I’ve got my son into cycling early. He could ride a bike aged 3 and never had stabilisers. I took him on a 25 mile bike ride on the canal aged 5 and he loved it.

I’d love to do what you’re doing with your lad in a few years (he’s only 8 so will be a good few years). Keep us updated with how it goes

[Buzzard]

I'm currently in Saint Jean de Maurienne - the start town for stage 5 - riding up a few of the high Cols now they are open (and hoping the top of the Galibier reopens before Tuesday following an avalanche so I can tick that off fully).

Saint Jean will be busy during the Tour but has loads of bars and restaurants and is by far the largest town in the Maurienne valley. Could be a good place to see a stage start.

For stage 4, if you're happy to ride up the Galibier, it might be worth parking up in Valloire (or Saint Michel de Maurienne if you fancy doing the Telegraphe too). This would make it easy to get to the Maurienne after stage 4 finishes.

More generally, roads tend to stay open for bikes far longer than they do for cars so you'll get some good use of the tandem when you can't park at your preferred viewing point. Campervan spaces towards the top of the high passes tend to start filling up a few days in advance if the Tour arriving so you may want to settle for a spot lower down / at the bottom and ride up.

Finally, the official Roadbook (used by teams, media etc) usually leaks into the public domain and there's already a reddit thread asking about this years version. It has loads of detailed information which might help with planning and will hopefully be available soon.

Have a great time - I'm very jealous!

[Buzzard]

Link to that Reddit thread I mentioned:

https://www.reddit.com/r/tourdefrance/c ... _roadbook/

[Tricky Trevor]

One more. Our Summit had a cafe on it. Race day -1 it was fine but when they closed there was little else. On race day all was fine with many outlets. Advise is to go prepared for all eventualities.

[DCWat]

I'm finalising plans to follow this year's tour with my lad... well from around stage 4 through till the penultimate stage.

We've converted a camper van for the trip and are fixing up a tandem with which we can sample some of the climbs, descents and other notable scenery.

I know plenty on here have spent time on the tour...we've basically got bugger-all idea of the best ways to do things so anything anyone can offer in the way of advice will be well received.

Btw, I've been given an ostrich costume (with reins) and a claret and blue mankini to pack for the journey if anyone tries to spot me cheering the leaders on up the climbs

I’ve no advice to offer, but that sounds like a fantastic trip and some time away ‘Dad and Son’ making more great memories. Hope you get all the advice you need to make it the perfect trip.

[claret wizard]

I’ve done a few stages in the past. None back to back though, and certainly not 2 weeks worth! I presume you’ll be going for finish / start then move to next day finish? That way you won’t be travelling every evening? Route planning will be essential and I’d spot the climbs, finishes, locations that you want to experience and plan a route around that. As people mention the caravan comes through around 90 minutes before the cyclists. I still have a pile of green skoda bucket hats somewhere. The stuff is tat though! The main reason to get there 2 hours beforehand is that you’ll struggle to get a decent spot if you are later. As you mention wanting to do some cycling skipping days and getting to the places you want to go to a day early would make that easier.

Sounds like a great trip, enjoy .

[fatboy47]

Thanks again for the brilliant responses. BHE at its very best.

[Marney&Mee]

Leave the mankini in the bag mate -that would be my advice.

Or just wear it back to front…

[jdrobbo]

I'm finalising plans to follow this year's tour with my lad... well from around stage 4 through till the penultimate stage.

We've converted a camper van for the trip and are fixing up a tandem with which we can sample some of the climbs, descents and other notable scenery.

I know plenty on here have spent time on the tour...we've basically got bugger-all idea of the best ways to do things so anything anyone can offer in the way of advice will be well received.

Btw, I've been given an ostrich costume (with reins) and a claret and blue mankini to pack for the journey if anyone tries to spot me cheering the leaders on up the climbs

Beyond jealous!! Have a wonderful time. I’ll be glued to the tv but being there will be incredible!

[AfloatinClaret]

If you are thinking of holding up a sign for grandma to read on the TV, do still keep a look out behind for fast approaching bicycles and if you blag a free hat, don't throw it at a racing cyclist.

[Cooclaret]

Walk the buses everyday, you’ll be surprised who you’ll meet and chat with.

The TT day is a brilliant day to be around and about. Find a spot just after a corner and you’ll get the most amazing photos and see the watts/power in motion.

Most of the carnival stuff thrown is absolutely TAT and it’s fun for about two minutes.

In and around GAP is a great place to ‘base’ yourself.

Always order the chocolate mousse, never order the Coq au Vin.

Always, and I mean always find the Welsh and the Dutch to talk to.

[IrkthePurists]

I’ve done quite a few trips to watch the TDF, did 5 stages last year, the first two and then three in the Pyrenees. This year we are having 5 nights in Nice and catching the last two stages, just staying in an Airbnb and not taking bikes this time.

I’ve never done the camper van thing but if you are planning on driving it up any of the mountains I would suggest you need a great deal of patience, on the Tourmalet people are starting to take positions 3/4 days in advance and once the race has passed through the queue to get off the mountain is unreal.

That said, the craic on the mountains is pretty insane. Met some amazing people from all over the world who are united by a live of cycling.

We always cycle into where we want to watch which is much more flexible. With a van I’d maybe recommend not trying to see every stage but skip an odd day and get ahead of the race so you can find a good place to park up and enjoy the rest of what France has to over whilst watching bits in a bar.

Our base in the Pyrenees (Bagneres-de-Bigorre) has an ace bike shop with a bar and massive screen. Last year we could ride out and see three stages and then ride back to the shop for a few beers to watch the last hour of racing, superb atmosphere.

Sounds like an ace trip. I’m sure we’ll be sporting some Burnley colours if you are in Nice.

[Roosterbooster]

Just realised. Doesn't finish in Paris this year
Still, very excited
What a summer of sport we have in store

[Tricky Trevor]

Just realised. Doesn't finish in Paris this year
Still, very excited
What a summer of sport we have in store

Yea, Nice this year because of the Olympic preparations.
Final stage an individual TT from Monaco.

Best app, for anybody interested. Search”tour de france by skoda”

[Garnerssoap]

Pick a good mountain with a ski village up it. They clear fields for camping . Get there 1 or 2 days early . Enjoy the party .

[Cooclaret]

If we could all collectively pray for Cav to win one more stage…

[fatboy47]

If we could all collectively pray for Cav to win one more stage…

Word has it that hes really giving it a real go cc....some of these younger sprinters are a bit tasty but who knows?

[Inchy]

I pay very little to competitive cycling, even though I love cycling. I did 160 miles last week on my road bike and MTB (mainly because I’m injured so can’t run).

It’s more of a participation sport to me however I like to see the brits doing well.

How good is Pidcock? Does he have it in his locker to ever win a major?

[fatboy47]

He's clearly a massive talent inchy...and i guess only 24ish..so much depends on politics in the ineos camp..i hear he's a wee bit headstrong atm but maybe interesting to look at his progress in the big mountain stages this year...we may have a better idea by the end of july.

I dont think he's a great bet for a place right now or even a stage win...but who really knows?

[Inchy]

He's clearly a massive talent inchy...and i guess only 24ish..so much depends on politics in the ineos camp..i hear he's a wee bit headstrong atm but maybe interesting to look at his progress in the big mountain stages this year...we may have a better idea by the end of july.

I dont think he's a great bet for a place right now or even a stage win...but who really knows?

I’ve heard he’s headstrong as well. I like him, he comes across very well. A but like Norris in F1. I’ve no interest in F1 because he comes across as a good lad.


I’ve very jealous of Pidcocks descending skills. I used to be fearless on the descents but after coming off going too fast (about 35mph) around a corner a few years ago I’m now a right chicken. I’m a good climber and regular overtake blokes on the hills only to be over taken on a scary descent.

I’m going to try and get into the tour this year and properly follow it

[Cooclaret]

I pay very little to competitive cycling, even though I love cycling. I did 160 miles last week on my road bike and MTB (mainly because I’m injured so can’t run).

It’s more of a participation sport to me however I like to see the brits doing well.

How good is Pidcock? Does he have it in his locker to ever win a major?

No

[Cooclaret]

I’ve heard he’s headstrong as well. I like him, he comes across very well. A but like Norris in F1. I’ve no interest in F1 because he comes across as a good lad.


I’ve very jealous of Pidcocks descending skills. I used to be fearless on the descents but after coming off going too fast (about 35mph) around a corner a few years ago I’m now a right chicken. I’m a good climber and regular overtake blokes on the hills only to be over taken on a scary descent.

I’m going to try and get into the tour this year and properly follow it

Read Lance Armstrongs books. Tyler Hamilton, and David Millars.

You’ll get a real insight into the politics of the peloton and appreciate how intricate it is

[Tricky Trevor]

Pidcock is making his season about defending his Olympic mtb title. His TT might deny him ever winning a GT but he’s a class act.

[Cooclaret]

He’s a super dom that just hasn’t realised it yet.

He’s super unlucky to be in a generation with MvP WvA

[Stevie2112]

I’ve heard he’s headstrong as well. I like him, he comes across very well. A but like Norris in F1. I’ve no interest in F1 because he comes across as a good lad.


I’ve very jealous of Pidcocks descending skills. I used to be fearless on the descents but after coming off going too fast (about 35mph) around a corner a few years ago I’m now a right chicken. I’m a good climber and regular overtake blokes on the hills only to be over taken on a scary descent.

I’m going to try and get into the tour this year and properly follow it

There is a very good documentary on Netflix about the tour.Goes into great detail about the politics in teams etc. A very good watch. Season 2 coming soon

[Inchy]

There is a very good documentary on Netflix about the tour.Goes into great detail about the politics in teams etc. A very good watch. Season 2 coming soon

Yes I’ve watched it, very good

There’s also one on Amazon about a chef who works with a team at the TDF but it’s a lot more than that and shows a real incite into the carnival and madness of the tour

[IrkthePurists]

There is a very good documentary on Netflix about the tour.Goes into great detail about the politics in teams etc. A very good watch. Season 2 coming soon

Season Two now on Netflix. Just watched the first episode last night, very good watch as per the first series

[Inchy]

I’m off work today so il watch a couple of episodes this morning to inspire a ride this afternoon

[Woodleyclaret]

I used to watch the Tour religiously but since doping and Armstrongs ban I've lost all interest
Winning Indurain style on ability is now a thing of the past .I wonder if Brailsford is going to have responsibility for overseeing testing at Manure

[Tricky Trevor]

Winning Indurain style on ability is now a thing of the past .

WHAT!!!, open your eyes.
The current crop are different class, you are missing a treat.

[Kebsclaret]

Not sure I could pick an era when it was clean. I think it’s probably as clean now as ever, but I’m not sure big Mig would pass scrutiny in the modern age.

[Inchy]

Il never get doping in the modern era of cycling. The vast majority of riders don’t come from abject poverty so there no need to cheat for money. I’d never feel like a winner knowing I’d done it cheating.


There recently been a Kenyan middle distance runner done for epo but at least he can justify it by dragging himself and his family out of poverty. Cyclist don’t have that excuse

[deanothedino]

I used to watch the Tour religiously but since doping and Armstrongs ban I've lost all interest
Winning Indurain style on ability is now a thing of the past .I wonder if Brailsford is going to have responsibility for overseeing testing at Manure

Indurain was doped to the gills.

[Cooclaret]

Il never get doping in the modern era of cycling. The vast majority of riders don’t come from abject poverty so there no need to cheat for money. I’d never feel like a winner knowing I’d done it cheating.


There recently been a Kenyan middle distance runner done for epo but at least he can justify it by dragging himself and his family out of poverty. Cyclist don’t have that excuse

Read Lance and Hamilton books…

[Garnerssoap]

Can recommend the Hamilton book . Think it won a sports book award. Am I a bit weird I still love lance . The indurain comment made me laugh.

[Tricky Trevor]

Can recommend the Hamilton book . Think it won a sports book award. Am I a bit weird I still love lance . The indurain comment made me laugh.

Have you read the Ahole is suing the TdF for banning performance enhancing drugs?
Time he was put in a box and never heard from again.

[Malvern claret]

Back to the original question, I have now received my annual Father’s Day present, “the official UK race guide”. It contains detailed maps of every stage with expected arrival times at various points on route. Available in shops and well worth having. I know some people have recommended apps but at nearly 80 I prefer paper! As you are in a motorhome the other publication I would recommend is “all the aires, France”. While motorhomes will be parked almost everywhere along the route, aires are overnight stops where you can fill up with water and empty waste water and toilets, they are usually free.

As I posted earlier I have not watched the tour but have travelled by motorhome and cycled many of the cols, although I have cycled less of this years cols than is usually the case.

My 3 musts for this year would be
Stage 4. Spend the night at Lauteret and cycle up Galibier

Stage 14. Spend the night at a very large car park 12 km before Tourmalet and cycle up OR possibly better, later on the route spend night at the fabulous aire at Payolle, from there it is a lovely ride up to Horquette d ancizan (10 km). A ride through meadows surrounded by snow covered mountains. There are cafes/bars close by and the local baker visits daily with bread and superb cakes. If you arrive here early you could cycle up Col d Aspin the day before.

Stage 19 I mentioned the spot shortly before Bonette earlier but a more accessible spot is the aire at Vars les Claux, some 6 km before Col de vars, this would be another pleasant ride to the col.

Time to watch the football now, if this sort of info is useful, add a post and I should be able to add more.

[fatboy47]

Brilliant stuff Malvern...really appreciated...think I will get a copy of the race guide.