My husband is big into cycling and wants to see a bit of the Tour de France. We see that it goes through Troyes while we are there. We are planning to go there the day the bikers come in for the afternoon/evening. Is anyone familiar with this town and what there is to do there? I have found limited information.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I didn't go to Troyes my last trip (Burgundy, Alsace and Reims) in May. I considered it but it was a little too far out of the way on the loop itinerary I took. It looks like a great place to visit and I'll plan it as part of my next trip through the area.
I normally travel spring and fall. Hopefully some day I'll get to see a little of the Tour d'France in July. If I went, there are probably three venues I'd consider:
1. Near the top of a steep section of a climbing day. The riders will be spread out and moving slowly, so you have more than a couple seconds to watch.
2. The finish in Paris. Same reason, they're not riding full speed and they do several loops.
3. One of the overnight stops (night after finish/before start next day) because it would be a festival like experience.
It's an overnight stop, it will be great - but I'm not sure what that does to the availability of lodging?
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2261 posts
Per TdF official site this is a flat, fast stage. This will result in a fast sprint finish, so in my view the place to be is at or very near the finish in Troyes. If you mean that you are arriving on race day, get there as soon as possible! The site talks about the many half timbered structures there, a 13th century Cathedral-sounds like a nice place to hang out for a couple of days.
http://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2017/us/stage-6/finish-town.html