News

The Tour de France: A camping adventure on two wheels

The Tour de France, one of the world's most iconic sporting events, returns in 2025 for a new edition that promises even more thrilling moments. From 5 July to 27 July, cycling fans and fans of the Grande Boucle will have the chance to follow the riders through the magnificent landscapes of France. To make this experience even more memorable, combine the excitement of cycling with the pleasure of the great outdoors. Whether you're a camping enthusiast or want to experience the event in an immersive way, here are some suggestions for campsites near the stages of the Tour de France 2025.

The Tour de France 2025: A challenge for cyclists and a celebration for spectators

The Tour de France is not just a cycling competition; it's a real human and sporting adventure. Every year, the riders face challenges of exceptional intensity, from long flat stages, to dizzying climbs over legendary mountain passes, to time trials where every second counts. In 2025, the race will include new features and new challenges for the cyclists, including a route with diverse landscapes ranging from the plains of the north to the mountains of the south. The Tour is also an opportunity to discover the French territories from a unique angle, as spectators can experience the event live, on the spot, in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. It is this combination of high-level competition, sublime scenery and a festive atmosphere that makes the Tour de France an unforgettable experience for riders and fans alike.

Tour de France 2024 - Etape 18 - Gap Barcelonnette
Tour de France 2024 - Etape 18 - Gap Barcelonnette © A.S.O. / Charly Lopez

The Tour de France 2025: A start in Lille

The Tour de France 2025 will start on 5 July in Lille, in the Lille Metropolis. This first 185-kilometre flat stage is the perfect opportunity to see the best cyclists battle it out from the start. The Tour de France, created in 1903 by Henri Desgrange, has gone from strength to strength, attracting the best riders in the world. Spectators will be able to follow the riders throughout the first day and experience the unique atmosphere of the Grande Boucle right from the start.

How many stages in the 2025 Tour de France?

The 2025 Tour de France will traditionally feature 21 stages spread over 23 days of racing. This includes mountain stages, flat stages for sprinters, as well as individual and team time trials. The route is designed to test each rider's endurance, strategy and ability, with stages ranging from 130 to over 200 kilometres. In addition to the classic stages, the 2025 Tour de France will feature variations in terrain, mountain challenges in the Alps and Pyrenees, as well as more accessible stages for sprinters and puncheurs. Each day's racing usually ends with a thrilling moment when we discover the new leaders of the overall classification, while we await the great battles of the mountain stages and the finale on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

The competitors in the Tour de France 2025: familiar faces and new challenges

Every year, the Tour de France attracts some of the best cyclists in the world. The 2025 favourites are likely to include some of the peloton's best-known names, such as defending champion Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar , who has been one of the main rivals in recent years. But the Tour de France is also a launching pad for new talent. Although many of the riders from the previous edition will be present, there are always surprises, with ambitious young cyclists ready to upset the odds. The route of the 2025 Tour de France, with its varied challenges, will no doubt attract new strategies and fresh faces to the peloton, promising an intense and unpredictable race.

Tour de France 2024 - Étape 18 - Gap / Bercelonnette (179,5 km) - POGACAR Tadej (UAE TEAM EMIRATES)
Tour de France 2024 - Étape 18 - Gap / Bercelonnette (179,5 km) - POGACAR Tadej (UAE TEAM EMIRATES)© A.S.O./Billy Ceusters

The riders and the yellow jersey: An unforgettable quest

Wearing the yellow jersey, the symbol of the leader of the Tour de France, is one of the most coveted roles in cycling. Every rider dreams of donning this jersey at the end of one of the most difficult stages of the Grande Boucle. The mountain stages, time trials and sprints will be decisive moments when each rider will have the opportunity to take the lead. As the days go by, the strategies will take shape, and each rider will have one eye on the wearer of the yellow jersey. But who will wear it on the Champs-Élysées in the grand finale in Paris?

The finish of the Tour de France: An exceptional moment on the Champs-Élysées

The finish of the Tour de France is one of the most emblematic moments of the race, and every year all eyes turn to Paris, where the adventure ends. The last stage, traditionally on the famous Champs-Élysées, is a spectacle in itself. The riders, tired but determined, take to the world's most famous avenue in a final effort to the applause of the spectators. The sprinters battle it out in a final battle for stage victory, while the yellow jersey, symbolising the overall leader, is worn by the rider who has dominated the race throughout the three weeks. This moment of glory, in front of thousands of spectators, is a mixture of intense emotions: the joy of the winner, the recognition of the efforts made, and the celebration of the sporting achievement.

Campsites near stages of the Tour de France

Campsite La Licorne - Dunkerque

To kick off your Tour de France 2025 adventure, Camping La Licorne in Dunkerque is an ideal choice. Located just a few kilometres from the sea, this campsite offers a tranquil setting, perfect for relaxing after a day following the riders. You'll also be right next to the first stages of the race, so you'll be able to immerse yourself right from the start of the event.

La Licorne, Dunkerque (59)
© La Licorne, Dunkerque (59)

Camping municipal des Bords de L'Aure - Bayeux

Continuing along the route, the Camping Municipal des Bords de l'Aure in Bayeux is an excellent base for following the stages in Normandy. This quiet, leafy campsite is also a good starting point for discovering the region's historical treasures, while remaining close to the routes taken by the riders.

Loustic Citadel - Hermanville-sur-Mer

If you want to enjoy a seaside atmosphere while following the Tour de France, Camping Citadelle de Loustic in Hermanville-sur-Mer is the perfect choice. Nestling close to the Normandy beaches , this campsite combines relaxation with following the coastal stages of the race, while offering a magnificent view of the sea.

Citadelle de Loustic, Hermanville-sur-Mer (14)
© Citadelle de Loustic, Hermanville-sur-Mer (14)

Domaine de la Ville Huchet - Saint-Malo

As the Breton stages approach, the Domaine de la Ville Huchet in Saint-Malo is an ideal option for those looking to combine a passion for cycling with discovering Brittany. In addition to its proximity to the Tour routes, this campsite offers a natural and relaxing setting.

Le Ranch des Volcans - Châtel-Guyon

When the race enters the mountains, Ranch des Volcans in Châtel-Guyon is an excellent base from which to experience the challenging stages of the Tour de France. Set against a spectacular backdrop of volcanic landscapes, this campsite offers an ideal place to rest after following the riders up the mountain climbs.

Plein Air Des Chênes - Clapiers

Camping Plein Air des Chênes in Clapiers, in the Occitanie region, is perfectly situated for exploring the region's magnificent landscapes while following the Grande Boucle. Just a short distance from the stages of the Tour, this campsite will give you the chance to enjoy a beautiful stopover in a natural and peaceful environment.

Plein Air des Chênes, Clapiers (34)
© Plein Air des Chênes, Clapiers (34)

L'Oursière - Villard-de-Lans

Camping L'Oursière in Villard-de-Lans, in the heart of the Chartreuse massif, is the ideal place for those who want to follow the alpine stages of the Tour de France. This campsite offers you an exceptional mountain setting, while being close to the legendary cols and climbs of the race.

Camping de Paris - Paris

For the final stage of the Tour de France, Camping de Paris in the 16th arrondissement is an excellent choice for watching the finish on the Champs-Élysées. Ideally located, this campsite allows you to watch the final stage of the race, with the riders crossing the legendary avenue and the yellow jersey being handed over to the champion.

Camping de Paris, Paris (16)
© Camping de Paris, Paris (16)

Why camping during the Tour de France?

Camping is an ideal option for getting the full Tour de France experience. Not only will you be able to follow the stages of the race in a more intimate way, but you'll also be able to enjoy the magnificent landscapes and natural environments that each region through which the race passes has to offer.

The campsite allows you to remain flexible, choose the pitch that suits you and meet other Tour enthusiasts. You can also enjoy moments of relaxation away from the excitement of the race, while being immersed in nature and local traditions.

Accueil Vélo" campsites: An ideal option for cyclists

Accueil Vélo" campsites are specially designed to welcome cyclists, offering facilities such as repair areas, secure pitches for bikes and practical services such as recharging points for electric bikes. These campsites, which can be found all along the Tour de France route, offer cycling enthusiasts an ideal place to rest after a hard day's work. Whether you're following the Grande Boucle or embarking on a cycling adventure, these campsites allow you to make the most of your cycling experience in optimum conditions.

Conclusion

The Tour de France 2025 will start in Lille and promises to be a thrilling race across the whole of France. By choosing to stay at a campsite close to the stages, you can enjoy this sporting experience in a unique way. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or simply a lover of nature and discovery, camping is the ideal solution for making the most of the event and the scenery along its route.

So pack your tent, your rucksack and your enthusiasm, and set off to discover the Tour de France 2025, while living to the rhythm of the race and the magnificent French countryside!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See all my campsites consulted