7 reasons to watch the Tour de France (even if you have no interest in cycling)
la Grand Boucle
– the large loop – will be raced exclusively in France, after previous years saw starts in Florence, Bilbao and Copenhagen.
Spread out over 21 stages, the route is characterised by multiple days of relentless climbing. The last hill to take on will be Montmartre in Paris, a new addition to the Tour's traditional ending in Paris that has sparked some controversy.
Since 2020, there are no more podium girls to kiss the winner of the day on the cheek. The reason for abandoning this tradition was a mix of sexism concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic. Surprisingly enough, there have been multiple cases of Tour cyclists marrying podium girls.
Another change from the glory days of the Tour is no more 'drinking raids' - where cyclists would stop at cafés along the route to grab any alcohol they could find and bike off without paying.
These days support staff give the cyclists drinks, which tend to more sports drinks than Champagne.
But even without kisses and alcohol, there is still plenty to interest a casual viewer in the Tour.
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Unless you're a die-hard fan, watching four hours of cycling a day might be an overkill. Instead, we recommend you tune in for the final 30–60 minutes of a stage, and you'll get most of the action, including incredible scenery and sharp commentary.
In France, the Tour will be broadcast by France Télévisions on France 2 and France 3 and by Eurosport.
1 It's the most French thing you can watch
Watching the Tour de France is like taking a crash course on France: from helicopter shots of hilltop châteaux to villages decorated in Tour de France yellow, it's an immersive ride through French culture, identity, and pride.
Over three weeks, the race brings out the best of local traditions, quirky customs, and national spirit. Even if you know nothing about the sport, the Tour gives you a better sense of France than any travel guide ever could.
In the lulls between cycling action, the TV commentators will bring you segments of local colour and fund facts about the French region the
peloton
is passing through.
2 July 14th will be celebrated on two wheels
This year, organisers have moved the usual rest day forward so that France's national holiday (aka Bastille Day) can be celebrated on the road.
Expect flags, fireworks, and a uniquely French atmosphere as riders race through some of the country's most iconic backdrops on its most symbolic day.
3 A return to Paris with Montmartre as final hurdle
After 2024's one-off finish in Nice due to the Olympics, the 2025 Tour de France returns to its classic Paris finale on the Champs-Élysées.
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However, this year, riders will also climb the Montmartre hill a total of three times before reaching the finish line, as a way of celebrating the 50th anniversary of Parisian finishes.
This brings some welcome jeopardy to the final day (although not all cyclists like the idea) and was inspired by last summer's Olympic cycle races which took in Montmartre, accompanied by huge crowds.
4 The roadside atmosphere is half the fun
If you ever get the chance to see the Tour de France in person, go.
The crowds, costumes, and chaos are just as exciting (maybe more?) than the cyclists racing by. Fans line the route hours in advance, waving flags and cheering on every team, while the
caravane publicitaire
, a parade of sponsor vehicles, distributes toys and snacks.
Whether you're in a packed village or at a hairpin turn in the Alps, watching the Tour live is one of the best and most characteristic experiences France has to offer.
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5 It doubles as a summer travel planner
The 2025 route criss-crosses the country in a beautiful itinerary offering some of France's prettiest places, ranging from the Jura wine region to sun-drenched Provençal villages and dramatic Alpine climbs.
While watching the race, you're also exploring the rich diversity of French landscapes. Every day will offer new inspiration for your next vacation in France.
6 You'll see the 'penis eraser'
The Tour has a huge cast of people working behind the scenes, including Patrick Dancoisne, the
effaceur de zizis
(willy eraser).
His job is to go ahead of the peloton and check for any obscene graffiti on the route (the classic 'cock and balls' drawings are usually popular) and erase it by turning the drawing into a cute owl, butterfly or rabbit.
We're not joking about this - Patrick is actually quite famous due to this role, find out more about him
here
.
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7 It will teach you some very French phrases
Apart from offering cultural and historical insights, listening to the French commentary will also be very good for your French, even though a chunk of what you'll hear will be jargon. To give you a head start, here are some key phrases to know:
Le peloton
– The main group of riders in the race.
Une échappée
– A breakaway; riders who go ahead of the peloton.
Le maillot jaune
– The yellow jersey, worn by the overall race leader.
Le col
– A mountain pass (where the toughest battles happen).
Un grimpeur
– A climber; a rider who excels on steep ascents.
Une chute
– A crash. Unfortunately common in the race.
La caravane publicitaire
– The sponsor parade that passes before the riders, tossing out free goodies.
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