Provence Cycling...Le Tour de France 2009!

The 2009 Tour de France Cycle Race begins July 4, 2009 in Provence and hosts 7 stages across the south of France! This year's start is in Monaco, makes stops in Marseille, the Camargue, Montpellier, Le Cap d'Adge, Perpignan, and returns to Provence near the end with stops at Montelimar and the incredible climb at Mont Ventoux before ending in the streets of Paris on July 26! The route map is available on the race web site:http://www.letour.fr/2009/TDF/COURSE/us/le_parcours.html


This is a totally free event with fun for teens and young ones alike. The precise routings are available on the internet and in the Tourism Offices just prior to the race. With a picnic in a backpack it is really quite easy to park right on the race route in the countryside, sit atop your car or under roadside trees. If you prefer, the villages on the route are delightful centers for fun, meals, and smiling crowds.


In the hour(s) before the riders arrive, the route is filled with promotion cars of race sponsors who generously shower the crowds with treats and momentos of the day: cycling caps, key chains, visors, decals, food samples, and the like. The atmosphere is always fun!
But have your camera ready--the pelaton zips right past in a few blinks of an eye. You will want to capture that photo of the look on your son's face!