Sunday in Paris

[Captain_Cavman]

By some quirk of fate I'm going to be in Paris next weekend. Unfortunately fate has also decreed that I will be accompanied by the wife and two small Cavmen.

Is it worth trying to get a glimpse of the race? Or is there a better way of sampling the TdF experience?

 

[shunter]

You will get a good sample of the TdF experience, but won't see much racing, just good atmosphere and the back of peoples head, maybe a glimpse of the peloton once in a while. The best place to watch bike racing is on TV, but the best place to experience it is on the side of the road.

 

[timmers]

Hi I have been to the finish in Paris twice as well as many other stages. It is a really good experience. In contrast to other stages you do get to see the peloton and riders many times.

Have you thought about going to the start. It out in the SE but it would give you a good chance to see more than perhaps the hassle on the Champs. Start is at 12.50 and I looked at the stage map and you could also get a good view on the route into Paris depending where you are.

You could always go down see a couple of laps and then leave. Biggest difficulty will be getting a really good spot but perhaps Place de la Concorde which always seems to have less people.

Ciao

 

[L'arriviste]

I would say that it depends if you want the "Family Weekend in Paris" to become a "Cavman Sr's Tour de France Weekend in Paris".

If, and it sounds a bit like it, the rest of your family isn't as enthuso as you about the sport, you'll burn up a lot of harmony points trying to grab some peloton.

I was in beautiful and historic Blois on the day of Liège-Bastogne-Liège this year. I was grumpy and clock-watching and, manna from heaven, it started raining. I said to my other half, ooh this doesn't look like stopping (it really didn't), I think it's best that we find some shelter. And we did. In the first place I saw with the race on the telly.

 

[Archibald]

By some quirk of fate I'm going to be in Paris next weekend. Unfortunately fate has also decreed that I will be accompanied by the wife and two small Cavmen.

Is it worth trying to get a glimpse of the race? Or is there a better way of sampling the TdF experience?

I'll be in Paris too, on the advice of a mate who's done it before with a wife that isn't into cycling at all.

They pitched their spot on the Champs at around 8.30am with picnic bag and small folding stools. He said there was loads going on all day and the atmosphere was great. Obviously as the day goes on more people arrive, but they had a great day out with the folks around them. His wife thoroughly enjoyed herself and the day.

 

[Anonymous]

You will get a good sample of the TdF experience, but won't see much racing, just good atmosphere and the back of peoples head, maybe a glimpse of the peloton once in a while. The best place to watch bike racing is on TV, but the best place to experience it is on the side of the road.

strange that, ive been to paris nine times, everytime have seen loads of racing, and never once had to stare at the back of peoples heads.

Maybe we are going to a different paris?

 

[Anonymous]

I'll be in Paris too, on the advice of a mate who's done it before with a wife that isn't into cycling at all.

They pitched their spot on the Champs at around 8.30am with picnic bag and small folding stools. He said there was loads going on all day and the atmosphere was great. Obviously as the day goes on more people arrive, but they had a great day out with the folks around them. His wife thoroughly enjoyed herself and the day.

id advise, a little earlier, maybe 8am. road closes at 9, so by 8.30 the side of the road is already pretty full.

Oh, and take an umbrella (not for the rain, but for the sun), the champs elysees gets hot as hell.

 

[patterson_hood]

strange that, ive been to paris nine times, everytime have seen loads of racing, and never once had to stare at the back of peoples heads.

Maybe we are going to a different paris?

Maybe you're just taller?

 

[auscyclefan94]

strange that, ive been to paris nine times, everytime have seen loads of racing, and never once had to stare at the back of peoples heads.

Maybe we are going to a different paris?

Well it always looks that the crowds are 3 or 4 deep on television so maybe it depends on position and the height of yourself Dim.

Love to be there on sunday.

Are you going this year Dim?

 

[Anonymous]

Well it always looks that the crowds are 3 or 4 deep on television so maybe it depends on position and the height of yourself Dim.

Love to be there on sunday.

Are you going this year Dim?

no, its called getting there at 7.30 in the morning and bagging a spot on the barriers. Its the only way.

And erm, more like ten deap.

And no, first time in a long time we wont be in Paris. Needed a year off. The mellow johnnys crowd last year were too much, need a break.

 

[Anonymous]

Oh, if you are british or norwegian.

Brit/Sky corner and norwegian corner

 

[dsut4392]

id advise, a little earlier, maybe 8am. road closes at 9, so by 8.30 the side of the road is already pretty full.

Oh, and take an umbrella (not for the rain, but for the sun), the champs elysees gets hot as hell.

I've only been once ('08 tour) and pitched up on the Champs Elysees about two hours before the race arrived. My wife and I did a lap up and down on Velibs after the road had been closed, but I wouldn't recommend this as you won't find anywhere nearby to return the damn thing on race day - otherwise we would have got a place about an hour earlier!

Two hours was IMO plenty, pick a spot with nice atmosphere and politely ask if you can share some space, we found people very accommodating to anyone who was friendly and considerate (though those who tried to rudely push in were given short shrift!).

If you take a picnic, including drinks to share with your neighbours, you will have a ball. Dim's suggestion of an umbrella is a good one, we were lucky to get a spot under a tree, but you could get fried.

I think we were somewhere around Rue Galilee, on the Southern (downhill) side. If you go to the Northern side instead they will be riding uphill so a little slower, will make photos easier.

 

[Anonymous]

Two hours was IMO plenty, pick a spot with nice atmosphere and politely ask if you can share some space, we found people very accommodating to anyone who was friendly and considerate (though those who tried to rudely push in were given short shrift!).

You have been incredibly lucky, we have never got there later than 8.30am, complete with our two camping chairs (which are essential) and got front row seats.

It does depend of course on where you try to perch yourself.

To clarify, this is in no way racist, but based on the experience of 9 paris trips, and I appreciate for every nationality there are exceptions to the rule, but, in our experience.

The dutch are brilliant. Warm, Freindly, always happy to help, will share their food, space, drinks with you.

English/Australians/Norwegians - again polite, great to be around, will try and be helpful, but will lose their patience if you start barging.

Spanish - Do not like giving up space, rude, and take great pleasure in taking the mick out of you with their freinds in spanish. Also prone to turning up at 3pm and kicking you in the heels.

French - Considering their lack of interest in the tour, they seem to think they have a right to be at the front of any viewing area.

The Americans - in the 9 years we have visited paris we have met just 3 or 4 americans who were absolutely wonderful and we remained in touch with. The rest frankly have been rude as hell. We have on several occasions found entire areas that they have taped off and if you try and stand by the empty barrier you get greated with a torrent of abuse, and them telling you that they are saving the spot for a friend of theres that will turn up in about 2 hours.

Find yourself a patch of british, australian, norwegian or dutch flags and you will be just fine.

Like i say, that is based purely on our experience of paris, I have met some wonderful spaniards, french people, and americans in my life.

but yes, essentials

Plenty of water
Chairs
Umbrella
Lots of food
Marker Pen

 

[Archibald]

<cool advice>

seriously appreciate the advice! cheers to you!

is that sky/brit possie the location you'd recommend? Would I be correct to think that's roughly the area the riders pull up and mingle with the crowds the most?
are there other areas that are team specific? ie; places that you'd have a better chance of seeing certain riders from certain teams

 

[dsut4392]

You have been incredibly lucky, we have never got there later than 8.30am, complete with our two camping chairs (which are essential) and got front row seats.

It does depend of course on where you try to perch yourself.

To clarify, this is in no way racist, but based on the experience of 9 paris trips, and I appreciate for every nationality there are exceptions to the rule, but, in our experience.

The dutch are brilliant. Warm, Freindly, always happy to help, will share their food, space, drinks with you.

English/Australians/Norwegians - again polite, great to be around, will try and be helpful, but will lose their patience if you start barging.

Spanish - Do not like giving up space, rude, and take great pleasure in taking the mick out of you with their freinds in spanish. Also prone to turning up at 3pm and kicking you in the heels.

French - Considering their lack of interest in the tour, they seem to think they have a right to be at the front of any viewing area.

The Americans - in the 9 years we have visited paris we have met just 3 or 4 americans who were absolutely wonderful and we remained in touch with. The rest frankly have been rude as hell. We have on several occasions found entire areas that they have taped off and if you try and stand by the empty barrier you get greated with a torrent of abuse, and them telling you that they are saving the spot for a friend of theres that will turn up in about 2 hours.

Find yourself a patch of british, australian, norwegian or dutch flags and you will be just fine.

Like i say, that is based purely on our experience of paris, I have met some wonderful spaniards, french people, and americans in my life.

but yes, essentials

Plenty of water
Chairs
Umbrella
Lots of food
Marker Pen

Taking the mickey out of anyone (including other Spaniards) is a Spanish national pastime If you get offended, they'll laugh all the harder, but if you laugh along with them you'll make friends.

As a half-English, half-Spanish, nationalised-Aussie, the area where we stayed had a small Aussie contingent neighboured by Spaniards on one side and French all around. The beer and water bottles were passed in all directions, but it goes almost without saying that it was the Aussie contingent that went shopping for more beers to fill the esky.

We didn't take chairs, I agree if you want to take that much space you had better turn up early or you will be treading on other people's toes.

Yes, the French were the last to arrive, but seeing as they were the ones who provided the venue and laid on the show, I didn't begrudge them the space

 

[Anonymous]

we take folding chairs. yes you have to fold them up before the race comes through, but two chairs takes up more space than two people so its ideal for at least giving you some sense of space for the first 6 hours you are sat there.

Archibald. Thats the spot we have been for the last god knows how many years, we flit between that side and the other side, and yes, thats where the riders stop for photos.

The first of the brits will be there by about 8am. Bigbluedave who used to come on the forum from time to time (and now works for BC) will be there, easy to find because he will have a ruddy great huge Sky banner and two union jacks.

Sky will also be releasing that location info on friday and saturday for british fans heading over so it should be quite a crowd of brits.

The team as last year will make every effort to come over on the lap of honour for the usual hello's etc.

as far as where nationalities go, it tends to change, that top section of the champs was for years the aussie fans but they have faded a bit recently. The norwegians are always at the corner as you come out of the tunnel on Rue de Rivoli, the dutch tend to scatter themselves everywhere.

you may also find some people in the pub on saturday watching the time trial
Chambolle Caffe between 24 and 26 Rue Cambon opposite Chanel, nearest Metro is Concorde.

sadly not us, first year we are missing in a long long time.

 

[mewmewmew13]

we take folding chairs. yes you have to fold them up before the race comes through, but two chairs takes up more space than two people so its ideal for at least giving you some sense of space for the first 6 hours you are sat there.

Archibald. Thats the spot we have been for the last god knows how many years, we flit between that side and the other side, and yes, thats where the riders stop for photos.

The first of the brits will be there by about 8am. Bigbluedave who used to come on the forum from time to time (and now works for BC) will be there, easy to find because he will have a ruddy great huge Sky banner and two union jacks.

Sky will also be releasing that location info on friday and saturday for british fans heading over so it should be quite a crowd of brits.

The team as last year will make every effort to come over on the lap of honour for the usual hello's etc.

as far as where nationalities go, it tends to change, that top section of the champs was for years the aussie fans but they have faded a bit recently. The norwegians are always at the corner as you come out of the tunnel on Rue de Rivoli, the dutch tend to scatter themselves everywhere.

you may also find some people in the pub on saturday watching the time trial
Chambolle Caffe between 24 and 26 Rue Cambon opposite Chanel, nearest Metro is Concorde.

sadly not us, first year we are missing in a long long time.

Dim, thanks for posting some great info. Sorry for you that this year you won't be able to make it...hopefully next.

We also have two teenage mewmew guys and don't think we have the luxury of being able to do the Champs this year and dicey even for next, but it's a big agenda for both myself and mr mew.

I will head for your Brit corner or possibly one of the other nationalities as, even though we are American , I too cringe whenever a crowd of my compatriots gather and use the infamous 'taped off area'.
It happens even in small town parades here and it is something I can't tolerate.

 

[Anonymous]

our first run in with them was '99 when i did paris with my now thankfully ex.

We turned up on the champs at about 8am, the road was still open and that year there were large stretches with double layers of barriers. There was a nice big section with only single barriers which had yellow tape stretched around and between two bus stops. We checked with a policeman and he just shrugged and said we could stand there so we did.

two minutes later two screaming banshee american women came running from table outside a cafe screaming at us that we couldnt stand there. Apparently they had been there since 7am, had taped it all off for them and their freinds and then sat at the cafe drinking coffee.

They then proceeded to stress to us all that they were in Lances fanclub and we had to leave their cordoned off area. We ended up opposite them which was pretty unbearable. all dressed from head to toe in stars and stripes, shouting constantly, didnt shut up with their damn horns for about 9 hours.

The punchline was, on the lap of honour, lance just rode past them and didnt even stop.

I didnt realise the taped off thing was such a popular american custom. Us brits usually make do with handbags and jumpers to mark our spot. In fact, the easiest way to denote your space is to put your pint there.

Must say, we have met four or five absolutely lovely americans on our travels, who we have spent the whole day with and had a great time.

 

[StyrbjornSterki]

IMHO, Place de la Concorde is a very good location because it gives you multiple opportunities to see the riders as they turn to go up and then come back down the Champs. Plus there will be multiple jumbotrons in the area to help you keep up with the action when the racers are not in sight. And there are multiple metro stations nearby, so it's handy to reach.

The only hitch is you've got to stake out your spot at least 3 hours before the racers arrive. But it is an excellent view, provided you're not all the way in the back, and if you might never again get to see a stage, just get there early and save a spot. The fellow spectators always are more lenient where late-arriving women and children are concerned.

The red X at 4:30 o'clock marks a large plaza where I have stood to watch the race on several occasions. There are multiple trees there so there is even some shade.

 

[mewmewmew13]

our first run in with them was '99 when i did paris with my now thankfully ex.

We turned up on the champs at about 8am, the road was still open and that year there were large stretches with double layers of barriers. There was a nice big section with only single barriers which had yellow tape stretched around and between two bus stops. We checked with a policeman and he just shrugged and said we could stand there so we did.

two minutes later two screaming banshee american women came running from table outside a cafe screaming at us that we couldnt stand there. Apparently they had been there since 7am, had taped it all off for them and their freinds and then sat at the cafe drinking coffee.

They then proceeded to stress to us all that they were in Lances fanclub and we had to leave their cordoned off area. We ended up opposite them which was pretty unbearable. all dressed from head to toe in stars and stripes, shouting constantly, didnt shut up with their damn horns for about 9 hours.

The punchline was, on the lap of honour, lance just rode past them and didnt even stop.

I didnt realise the taped off thing was such a popular american custom. Us brits usually make do with handbags and jumpers to mark our spot. In fact, the easiest way to denote your space is to put your pint there.

Must say, we have met four or five absolutely lovely americans on our travels, who we have spent the whole day with and had a great time.

A most lovely custom.

Mr A has left many people hanging in the lurch...as is his preferred custom.

Thanks to you also SS for the Place dlC info as that sounds good.
Cheers

 

[shunter]

id advise, a little earlier, maybe 8am. road closes at 9, so by 8.30 the side of the road is already pretty full.

Oh, and take an umbrella (not for the rain, but for the sun), the champs elysees gets hot as hell.

Maybe your family was happiy to wait around from 8am and your kids had a ladder, or you were not with a family. I've also been to Paris and I'm tall. I was lucky enough to have a pass for the finish line, but if I left that area then it was difficult to see very much at all.

 

[shunter]

Maybe your family was happiy to wait around from 8am and your kids had a ladder, or you were not with a family. I've also been to Paris and I'm tall. I was lucky enough to have a pass for the finish line, but if I left that area then it was difficult to see very much at all.

Sorry, wrong quote, that was for team sky fans comment.

 

[Archibald]

Thanks again Dim. Great work.

what's the deal with flags and hanging them on the barriers?
or is it just not worth it?

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks again Dim. Great work.

what's the deal with flags and hanging them on the barriers?
or is it just not worth it?

hmm, the flag police..

We are fortunate, we have a 20metre telescopic flagpole that we hang ours from (seen several times on tv, and also on a rapha photo). Flags on barriers is another matter.

If you have flags, dont put them on the barriers too early, anything before 11am and you will just get told to take it down again. The marshalls are still out and about and they dont like their sponsorship being covered up, and if they think you are going to be a repeat offender they let the police know. Once the caravan comes through you can generally get them out without any problems, just make sure you tie them top and bottom so they dont flap in the breeze.

(cable ties and shoelaces are another paris essential). we have a tendancy to cable tie our luggage to the back of the barriers if we start getting invaded by undersirables.

The flag police do seem to have eased up over the last few years. When we first went they were removing everything (but they were still hanging out those studid cardboard hands), recently they seem a lot more relaxed although flags are still a nono within 400m of the finish line and on most of the place de concorde. Only problem ive had in recent years was an overenthusiastic tv cameran who objected to the size of my pole. Although one year i had a tv guy came over to me and asked me to drop it a little so they could get the flag in the shot on the next time around (millar was on a break on the front with jaja)

It is really just a game of cat and mouse now, hang your flag loosely over the barrier and then once its safe tie it quick.

weve had no problems for five years with flags etc, you just have to pick your moment. Theres also strength in numbers. the people who just dangle a single flag flapping in the breeze quickly get stopped. The norwegians who turn up with 40 metres worth of flags, cable tie them to the barriers all neat and tidy, and look organised have no problems at all.

 

[Anonymous]

Maybe your family was happiy to wait around from 8am and your kids had a ladder, or you were not with a family. I've also been to Paris and I'm tall. I was lucky enough to have a pass for the finish line, but if I left that area then it was difficult to see very much at all.

Yeh, we get there very early and dont have kids. BUt weve seen plenty of people with children. Like anything its just preparation. pick a spot close to toilets and refreshements. take chairs, shade etc and plenty to keep them amused. Theres so much going on for the kids to see that they always seem to be pretty occupied.