The authentic flavour of the Tour De France

The amazing spectacle of the Tour de France makes an exciting start in central London this year. However, the tour is far more than a cycle race: it is part of French culture. Small towns hold fêtes promoting their local produce and partying from early morning until well after the riders have vanished over the horizon.

So after watching the start in London, why not taste its real flavour and experience some of the later stages of the marathon competition as it winds its way through the heart of France. That’s where you can use a coach yourself.

Eurolines, part of National Express Group, has ultra-low cost, hassle-free and comfortable coach services to many of the best locations on this year’s tour, including the challenging mountain section and the grand finale in Paris.

It is offering journeys to locations that are short, easy-to-reach vantage points (such as Ghent in Belgium), as well as to locations for the celebrated alpine mountain stages (Chambery and Annecy) and to the huge party on the crowd-filled streets of central Paris on the last day.

Here are the three top locations for the real Tour de France experience:

GHENT

Just over the border in Belgium, but close to the Channel, making it the perfect place to hop over and see a stage finale in the streets of this ancient medieval town. (9th July)

THE MOUNTAINS

Eurolines services to Chambery and Annecy take you to the heart of the mountain stages and make perfect stopover bases for anyone planning to see some of the toughest parts of the tour. (14th/15th July)

PARIS

There is simply no more spectacular event in sport than the final stage of the entire cycling challenge. Paris goes crazy to welcome the new champion and the leading riders as they parade through the streets to the finish at the Champs Elysees. (29th July)

“Our fares to all these destinations are excellent value too. In particular our Fun Fare to Paris is only £15 single and £30 return” says managing director John Gilbert.

“You really don’t need to be a cycling fan to enjoy this event. Because we have services to so many destinations en route, it’s a perfect chance to join in the amazing atmosphere in some of the most beautiful parts of France.”

Fares:

Paris from £15 single and £30 return (Fun Fare available online)
Ghent from £41 return
Chambery/Annecy from £84 return

Booking is easy, go online at Eurolines.co.uk, or in store at any National Express travel agent.