That said some of the summits have more than two routes, in which case you can park on a route not being used, but still close to the summit. We did this on Ventoux in 2013.
For the experience of seeing the riders the start town is amazing. You can walk right next to all the team buses, even speak to some of the riders. You won’t see anything of the stage but the logistics of it all, team cars/buses, signing on etc is fantastic. You can then drive to the stage after.
In 2017 (I think it was) we stayed in Le Puy en Velay. A stage finished there, the rest day was next, then the stage started from there the following day. The atmosphere in the town was superb. We stayed in a municipal campsite, about 1km from the town centre.
We’ve never booked a campsite, the towns/villages are geared up for it, you’ll not struggle finding somewhere to park the van, the only issue is getting close to the finish or summit. If you walk in just pack some food and drink.
In a one week period we managed to see three stage finishes, anything more than that is tough logistically in my opinion.
Enjoy the tour, without a doubt the best sporting experience (as a spectator) I’ve ever had. I will return in the next couple of years. I ride a lot, but I’ve always concentrated on spectating when at the tour.
Have a great time
Took my 12 year old son to see Froome win up Ventoux in 2013, he absolutely loved it.
I’m jealous!
