The countdown begins for the Tour de France arrival in Nice 2024. Literally and figuratively. A counter has been installed at Rauba Capeu counting the days before the arrival of the Tour de France in Nice. The iconic “I Love Nice” sculpture has now been changed to the colors of the Tour de France.
The dates to keep in mind are July 20 and July 21 2024. On Saturday 20th July, the riders will set off from the Promenade des Anglais on a spectacular route up to the Col de la Couillole in Stage 20.The race will close with a time trial between Monaco and Nice, ending at Place Massena on Sunday July 21 in Stage 21. For the first time in the history of the famous bicycle race, the cyclists will arrive in a city other than Paris. And it ends with an exciting time trial rather than the traditional procession down the Champs Elysées.
The Olympic Games in Paris this year (26 July to 11 August) has forced a change of plans for the Tour de France. Since Paris will be embroiled in preparations for the Olympics, the Tour de France will completely bypass the City of Light. Instead, the prestigious cycling race will begin in Florence the 29 June and continue in central Italy before proceeding through France. Here is a map of the entire route:
The race consists of 21 individual stages, each offering its own unique characteristics and challenges. These stages vary in length, terrain, and difficulty, ranging from flat, sprinter-friendly routes to grueling mountain climbs.
Throughout the race, rest days are scheduled to allow riders to recuperate and recharge their energy levels. These rest days also provide an opportunity for teams to strategize and make any necessary adjustments for the remainder of the race.
In addition to individual stage victories, riders compete for the overall classification, symbolized by the iconic yellow jersey (maillot jaune). The rider with the lowest cumulative time across all stages wears the yellow jersey and leads the general classification. Other classifications include the green jersey (points classification), polka dot jersey (mountains classification), and white jersey (best young rider).
Riders must finish each stage within a specified time limit to remain in the race. Failure to do so may result in elimination from the Tour de France.
The fact that the race will conclude with a time trial this year means that there will be no winner until the finish line is crossed at Place Massena. Should be exciting!
In the above altitude chart, note that the cyclists ascend to an altitude of 1607m above sea level at the Col de Turini, descend to 568m at Roquebillière, climb to 1500m at the Col de Colmiane, descend again and reach the summit of Col de la Couillole at 1678m. The route is 133km.
In Stage 21 note in the above altitude chart that the highest point is La Turbie at 480m above sea level. The route is 34km.
Yes there will be crowds. Everywhere. But especially in Nice and Monaco. Some of the details are still being worked out but we do know that it will be free to watch the cyclists arrive in Nice at the end of the race. There will be barriers placed along the Promenade des Anglais as the racers speed down the Prom from the Quai Rauba Capeu to the Hotel Negresco where they will reverse course before finishing at the Place Massena. There will be grandstands around the Place Massena and along the Prom with tickets distributed to partners and associates of ASO, the company that runs the Tour de France. There will also be barriers along the entire route to the Place Massena behind which the public can gather to watch the exciting finish.
I don't need to remind you that the public viewing areas will be jammed. If you act fast though, you may be able to score a hotel room with a view of the race. Here are the hotels along the Promenade des Anglais with a view of the Tour de France:
Hyatt Regency Palais Méditerranée
Opera Promenade 4 (apartments)
Another option is to climb Castle Hill which gives you a view of the race. Bring binoculars!
Monaco hasn't yet released their plans for the Tour de France experience. Subscribe to my blog to get updates
Viewing the Tour de France from a country road or a mountain village can be a great way to explore the lesser known highlights of the region and also join in the Tour de France fun. The problem is getting there and finding parking if you go by car. In most cases it's preferable to arrive by public transport. Here are some possible vantage points:
Drap
Transport: train or bus
L'Escarene
Transport: train
Sospel
Transport: train
Lantosque
Transport: buses
Saint Martin de Vesubie
Transport: bus
Valdeblore
Transport: buses
Col de la Couillole
Transport: car only
Beausoleil
Transport: bus or on foot from Monaco
La Turbie
Transport: bus
Col d'Eze
Transport: car only
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Transport: bus or train
Another option for viewing the race is to head up to Isola 2000, a ski resort that's easily accessible by bus from Nice. Stage 19 will finish there on 19 July.
I must emphasize that the planning for viewing the Tour de France is in its preliminary stages. Do bookmark this page or subscribe to my blog as I will be updating as information arrives.
Hi! I'm Jeanne and I've been living on the Riviera for years. With my local insights your trip will be easy and fun. And, do check out my book Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City. More about me here.
