"2004 Tour de France" France by Hopkid

France Travel Guide: 57,842 reviews and 156,461 photos

The Posties Celebrate Lance's 6th Straight Victory

Lance Goes for Six!

My wife, Rita, and I fulfilled a life-long dream by going to see the Tour de France in person. We even brought our bikes and did a bit of riding in the Alps. We booked our trip through Graham Baxter Sporting Tours and also added a couple of days in Paris on either end of the trip. And what a trip!

All of the tips here will be specific to the Tour de France in hopes that it will help others who are thinking of watching this amazing event in person. You can also get a more detailed do-it-yourself guide on the Tour from Ted Arnold

Allez!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Seeing the pros up close; meeting folks from all over the world
Cons:Waiting, waiting, waiting
In a nutshell:An experience like no other!

Last visit to France: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Mar 17, 2005
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Reviews (10)

Graham Baxter Sporting Tours Sports & Outdoors (1)

We signed on with Sporting Tours for our TdF holiday in 2004. We chose the week-long Quality level tour that followed... more travel advice

Richard Virenque focuses before L'Alpe d'Huez - France

Hang out in the staging area behind a TT... Things to Do (3)

A good spot to see the riders up close is in the area just behind the start ramp during a time trial stage. The ride... more travel advice

Take Home a Free Souvenir Things to Do (3)

On each day's stage there are many directional signs telling fans where the start (Depart) and finsh (Arrivee) lines... more travel advice

Sponsor's Caravan Local Customs (1)

The caravan is made up of vehicles advertising the products/stores of the various Tour sponsors. They cover the entire... more travel advice

Favorites (3)
See All If you ride, bring your bike
Transportation (1)
Blue Vans

What to Pack (1)
Things for the Tour de France Viewer
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Travelogues (5)

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Comments (9)

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cnango Mar 11, 2008 at 9:39 PM

I Andy,Interesting info about Tour de France. We are going to France this Spring, sounds like we should rent some bikes when we are there ! Nancy : )
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Nemorino Jul 26, 2007 at 4:38 AM

The news from the Tour de France is pretty depressing this year, what with all the doping scandals, so I find it refreshing to read about your view of it in 2004. Great that you brought your own bikes along and did some cycling yourselves.
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mvtouring Feb 2, 2007 at 3:33 AM

I think you are the envy of many people who would love to share in the events of the Tour de France ;-)
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matcrazy1 Oct 28, 2006 at 3:44 PM

Unique page made with great passion! One of the best travelogues on Vt as well. My congratulations! Great reportage, an exciting reading.
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Small_World Jun 24, 2006 at 6:27 PM

I'm so glad you told me about these pages--what an awesome time you must have had! I'm so jealous!
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tessy May 5, 2006 at 1:17 PM

It was very exciting to read your report! It must have been a wonderful experience to bike and to watch!
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rexvaughan Aug 13, 2005 at 1:18 PM

Nice page here. Did you get to see Lance? Thanks for comments on my Galway page. The Zetland had a grand dining room - I plan to do a couple ot travelogues and include it there.
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IceBear7 May 5, 2005 at 12:20 AM

what a brilliant page! some of the best TL's on VT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Sobe-A-Rush Mar 14, 2005 at 1:31 AM

Hey, sweet Tour De France page, you take all those pics?