Professional Cycling For the Fans - watching the paris stage in person...

okay, we're thinking about trying to be in paris for the last stage. it may be tough to find a hotel in paris, so we're thinking of maybe coming in on the train from someplace and finding our way to the Champs-Élysées for viewing. i imagine we'll have to get there extremely early to get a good spot - how early? anyone have any tips?

If you book now you might be able to still get a hotel. How early? As early as you possibly can. 5, 6, 7 in the morning would probably be good, more in the 5 to 6 range to get the best ideal spot. By 9 or 10 all of the good spots will be gone.

it shouldn't be too hard to get a hotel room- if you care less about where you stay- try a hostel - I went last year- it was sweet- 9 would be an alright time to get a good spot- the French didn't wake up to early last year- o yea- and bring a chair-

Don't panic. Yes, it can be tricky to get to the front on the Ch'Ely, but you can still be three back with a good'ish view if you just turn up when the cycling starts. Having been to every tour for probably the last 10 years I can honestly say that standing in the same spot on the Ch, Ely would drive me mad. Vary your veiwpoint. For one of the routes stand on the 1st floor of Virgin records megastore and watch through their window (staff not as fussy last year as they used to be). Then pick a few different spots along the road or upstairs in Quick (a fast food joint). It's Paris - relax!

As for hotels - they aren't a problem. We've never struggled to find anything. I would recommend Le Meridien Montparnasse (4*). We usually pay about £120 a night. Montparnasse is by far our favourite area of Paris. Great shops nearby, easy tube connections etc, resteraunts and it's near a great cemetary. (Do some research for all the famous burials - although it pales into comparisson to the stunning Pere Lechaise cemetary.) Whatever you do, visit the Catacombes! Only 15 minutes walk away.

The best bit about Paris in the summertime is that all the Parisians have headed down south on their holidays which makes it an extra relaxing break. Paris is amazing.

If you book now you might be able to still get a hotel.
You would get a hotel on the day of the event if you wanted. Paris is HUGE. The Parisian metropolitan area has a population of 12 million, in comparison LA is 18 million and NY 19 million.

thanks everyone. i just wasn't sure how much of a drain the tour had on hotel resources. sounds like it shouldn't be much of a problem.

In 2004, I got there several hours before the race arrived, and it was already crowded. I'd recommend getting there pretty early on the day of the event. Also, wear regular shoes rather than sandals. The crowds got pretty packed, and my feet took a beating from people squeezing their way through the crowds. That night I drove out to Rambouillet, which was a nice location to use as a base for riding.

Try: http://www.0800paris-hotels.com (http://www.0800paris-hotels.com) , select Champs Elysees between 07/22 & 07/24 = 18 returns between Euro 75 and 300 (~$100 to $350). Three stars are usually decent, no luxury but I guess you're not going on your honeymoon (are you? :) ). If no luck with these, try another area, I think there is map on the site. Loads of small hotels in Paris.

Good luck, wish I could come too :D

okay, we're thinking about trying to be in paris for the last stage. it may be tough to find a hotel in paris, so we're thinking of maybe coming in on the train from someplace and finding our way to the Champs-Élysées for viewing. i imagine we'll have to get there extremely early to get a good spot - how early? anyone have any tips?


You'll love it.

I found it easy to get a decent hotel in Paris for the 2004 TdF between the Luxembourg and Latin Quarters, a stone throws away from Luxembourg Garden, which is a lovely way to eat an unhealthy breakfast and watch the girls go by, and feed the very friendly birds... :)

I got there about 8am, and could have had my pick of excellent places, but came back about 9:30am and it was a little tougher. Still got a good place though, as my pics prove! :-

http://www.belfast-biker.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=12

I wish I'd taken a small chair though - standing or crouching or sitting on ground all day was tough, but we'll learn!