Tour de France finale brings excitement to Paris' Montmartre with a climb to Sacré-Coeur
Hours before the peloton was due to arrive, spectators had already packed the Parisian neighbourhood — once bohemian, now bustling with tourists — eager to secure a prime spot to watch riders climb the iconic hill during the final stage of the race.
When the peloton finally neared the steep and cobbled Rue Lepic, the area erupted into a deafening roar.
The Tour broke with tradition this year as organisers looked to build on the popular success of the Paris Olympic road race. During last year's Olympics, massive crowds lined the streets of Montmartre — the area in northern Paris famous for its artistic heritage and sweeping city views — to cheer on riders.
Inspired by the frenetic atmosphere, Tour organisers decided to include the Montmartre climb in this summer's route.
And it paid off.
Spectators began arriving early Sunday on the Rue Lepic, well before Tadej Pogačar — who won his fourth Tour title on Sunday — and his rivals were expected to tackle the steep ascent. Fans also filled the stairs beneath the Sacré-Coeur to ensure they didn't miss a moment of the action.
The festive atmosphere echoed with clapping and songs from enthusiastic fans.
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