Cycling fans and lovers of the Basque Country rejoice: after a twenty-year wait, the Tour de France returns to Bayonne! The first three stages of the Tour de France in the Basque Country. Where can you see the riders and the advertising caravan? We’ve got it all!
Bayonne, elected city of the Tour de France
The Tour de France is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting competitions. After a 20-year absence, the Grande Boucle returns to Bayonne. The choice of the Aquitaine roundabout as the finishing point is sure to excite spectators, who will be able to experience the electrifying atmosphere of the stage finish.
The Tour’s arrival in Bayonne is scheduled for Monday, July 3 at around 5:30pm. The finish line will be 200 meters before theAquitaine roundabout, above the Glain parking lot.
For the occasion, the Labourdine capital is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors, both tourists and cycling enthusiasts. Numerous events are planned throughout the day to entertain fans of the Tour de France. And let’s not forget the publicity caravan with all its free gifts distributed along the roads.
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What to see in Bayonne
Three stages in the Basque Country
A real people’s festival, the Tour de France attracts crowds both on the roadsides and in front of the screens with its beautiful images. This 110th edition of the Tour de France, with three stages in the
Basque Country
also promises to be a captivating event, as much for the sporting challenge as for the spectacular scenery offered by the Pyrenees mountains.
The grand departure will be from Bilbao, the largest city in Spain’s Basque region, on July 1, 2023. The second stage of the “Clasica San Sebastian” promises to be an eventful one, with the Jaizkibel climb in particular. After a hundred kilometers along the coast, the third stage will take in Amorebieta, Urrugne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, then on to Bayonne . In the meantime, the riders will have to tackle steep passes, winding roads and verdant valleys, putting their endurance and skill to the ultimate test.
The Tour de France caravan: our tips for bringing back gifts!
As eagerly awaited as the peloton, the passage of the Tour de France caravan draws crowds to the roadside. A long parade of colorful floats, music blaring, distribute thousands of advertising gadgets (caps, t-shirts, key-rings, pens, bracelets, pennants, samples, etc.). Here are a few tips to attract the attention of caravanners and try to walk away with a gift. Make a note of it – it might come in handy!
- Be on time: the caravan passes one hour before the riders, so don’t wait until the last minute to find the best position. Find out about race times and recommended routes.
- Stand out from the crowd: get noticed, come dressed as Santa Claus, dance, move, play a saucepan concert, hold up a sign. As you can see, the aim of the game is to attract the caravanner’s attention so that he targets you with his precious gift!
- Choose the right place: be strategic and choose an open area where the caravan will have to slow down, such as city entrances or near traffic circles. A remote spot, with fewer people, will increase your chances of being targeted.
- And above all, respect the safety instructions: don’t throw yourself on gifts that have fallen on the road, stay on the side of the road or behind the barriers, and don’t change location at the last minute.
photo© ASO/Bruno Bade