group tours to france

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Refined culture and deep history

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

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Destination Must-Sees

This French capital is one of the world's greatest cities and certainly one of its most beautiful. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Orsay Museums, the Champs Elysees, Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur, and many others are all iconic symbols of the "City of Light." Renowned for fabulous dining, high fashion and the French savoir faire, one can keep returning to Paris over a lifetime and still not see everything it has to offer.

Sitting on the French Riviera, north of Cannes, is a town that is an olfactory oasis. Set in the hills, Grasse is considered the perfume capital of the world. The town’s fields of jasmine, lavender, and other fragrant flowers are harvested to create essential oils for perfume production. Perfumers (known as a nez, or nose) in Grasse can teach you how to recognize different scents and how top notes, mid notes and the lingering base of a fragrance come together to create a magical aroma.

At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Discover a place that is just as you imagined with opulent architecture, stunning coastal panoramas, chic boutiques and ritzy cars. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.

A perfectly preserved medieval enclave of Roman origins, Avignon is set in the heart of France's Provence region on the banks of the Rhone River. For 68 years in the 14th century, Avignon was the capital of Christianity, the seat of 10 Popes before the papacy was brought back to Rome in 1377. Avignon has always been a center for art and culture, a designation that continues with its annual Arts Festival, hosting numerous stage productions, film showings, exhibitions, poetry readings, concerts, mime performances, ballets, and more.

Destination Must-Dos

Small-town touring:

Take a break from the City of Light and get a taste of old world France when spending time in countryside villages that look like they are plucked from a storybook. With many unique villages, each region has its own special qualities for you to experience. Travel through hilltops, rocky coasts and remarkable views while learning about the locals and their lifestyles.

Omaha Beach:

This was one of the beach sectors assigned to the American landing forces during the invasion of June 6, 1944. It was here that the U.S. First Division fought the bloodiest engagement on D-Day. Go through the towns that make up the sector: St-Laurent, Colleville and Vierville. Set foot on the beach and reflect on that fateful day and cherish the present peace. The American Military Cemetery stands up on the bluff as a testament to the greatest sacrifice that these Americans have made in the name of freedom.

Dinner at Eiffel Tower:

Put yourself in a scene from a movie; the lights of Paris glitter beneath you as you dine inside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889 as part of the World's Fair by the architecture team of Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris today. Located on the first level is 58 Tour Eiffel, a gourmet restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Paris. Since food is another big part of Parisian culture, the meal is several courses, beautifully displayed and accompanied with wine, coffee and tea.

Cabaret Theatre performance:

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic side of Parisian culture when taking your seat at a traditional cabaret show. Colorful, crazy, glamourous and intriguing are all used when describing the excitement that is Parisian cabarets. Enjoy your meal while being entertained with a show or play in this festive atmosphere.

Expert Advice

In many places in France, wine costs less than water. Stay hydrated of course but this is also an affordable chance to try many different varieties of the best wine in the world.

Dinner at the Paradis Latin requires business casual attire; shorts are not allowed. This is your chance to get into the spirit of this exciting night.

The French eat lunch between noon and 2:30p.m. and dinner between 8-11p.m. Many restaurants close after lunch and do not open again until dinner time.

Featured Tours to France

France Magnifique

Essence of France Paris, Provence & the French Riviera

Spotlight on Paris

Spotlight on the French Riviera

Spotlight on the French Riviera featuring Nice's Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival

Memorials of World War II featuring the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing

London & Paris

London & Paris Holiday

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France Tours & Trips

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Southern France

250+ France tour packages with 1,889 reviews

Paris and Versailles

"Everything scheduled went off without a hitch. I fully recommend this tour." Patricia, traveled in November 2022

French Dream ( 6 days )

"Tour had great content and did experience a lot of new things." Peter, traveled in May 2024

The Treasures of France including Normandy (8 Days)

"Her communication was excellent, always giving us 'heads up' before the action took place." BridgetteandRobertStartz, traveled in May 2019

• €100 deposit on some dates

French Ring ( 11 days )

Best of France Tour

"Everything ran smoothly. Overall it was well organized." Ron, traveled in August 2022

Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley (Classic, 8 Days)

"Everything was wonderful. Shantell went above and beyond." kathleenLevy, traveled in August 2019

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2024)

"Staff on the boat were always polite, helpful and accommodating. Excusions were fun." Marta, traveled in October 2023

Looking for tours beyond just France?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including France.

Paris and Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera) - Paris, Marseille & Nice in 8 Days

Paris Explorer (8 Days)

"The tour was an incredible experience. Breathtaking scenery and fascinating history." Mary, traveled in May 2024

Paris and the Best of Southern France - Paris, Avignon & Nice in 8 Days

What people love about france tours.

It was a really good experience. This is my second trip with Eskapas. The first one was a small group tour fully escorted in Italy and it was wonderful. This trip is independent and you are joining at the meeting point to daily group ours. If you have send of orientation, it may be difficult so I recommend yo to take a taxi to reach out to the meeting points. Usually it costs 15-20Euro. The company upgraded our hotel to New Hotel Le Voltaire 4* ,, located in 11th Arrondissement, close to Bastille. It is a correct one, decent breakfast. Don't miss Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise which is close proximity.

Well organized. Bruno was a little difficult to understand at times. However he was well versed, patient and very approachable. Driver, Jojo, was excellent!

Brilliant tour guide Leila and amazing driver Brein, together with extraordinary sights and very good accommodation, made for an excellent experience on the 3 day bus tour. I also appreciated the priority entry for all the visits included.

Most popular destinations in France

Northern France

Climb the Eiffel Tower for sweeping views of romantic Paris, tour a marvelous château, admire Romanesque and Gothic architecture in Rouen, and explore the poignant beaches of Normandy. A trip through the north of France promises a memorable experience.

Stroll through the lavender fields of Provence, savor some of the world's finest wines in Bordeaux, and explore the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don't forget to hit the glamorous beaches of Cannes, Nice, and Saint-Tropez!

From blooming strolling through lavender fields to exploring ancient architectural masterpieces like the Roman Amphitheatre in Arles to relaxing in cozy towns and sampling fine wines, Provence offers something for everyone.

Taste the finest wines in Burgundy, experience the charming lavender fields of Provence, and wander through ancient Roman ruins in Arles. A Rhone River cruise provides a unique glimpse into France's diverse heritage and beauty.

More exciting destinations:

Travel France your way

Join a group to discover your favorite tours in France at an affordable price. Choose from over 480 group tours and enjoy memorable experiences and make life long friends while enjoying your France tour.

Find the perfect tour for your family, catering to all ages with over 442 family tours available in France.

Fully Guided

Select from our extensive range of 414 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through France with our expert guides leading the way.

River Cruise

See France from a unique perspective with one of our top-rated river cruise tours, brought to you by internationally acclaimed cruise companies. Experience iconic cities like Paris, the castle-dotted natural Loire Valley, and heavenly food and wine.

More travel styles:

Top operators in France

"The trip from Lisboa to Rome was an amazing trip for our family of four. It's a first trip we booked with Tourrada despite the negative reviews from other travelers. The overall tour organization was very neat. The bus always kept nice and clean. The tour leaders were very friendly, courteously, and professionally. The various hotels select were above average in the safe, nice, and within a walkable environment.

Europamundo is an expert in:

• In-depth Cultural

"Sometimes tour guide walked too fast. Difficult for elderly tourists to keep up.

Trafalgar is an expert in:

"Wonderful guided hikes, all different and amazing views. Tourradar really surpassed all my expectations. From a wonderful hotel - stayed at Richemond Hotel, in the centre of town to the amazing prepared lunches and restaurant dinners to our wonderful and knowledgeable guide Nichole. Thank you Nicole for your energy, patience, calmness, and expertise both up and down each mountain adventure. You made our trip a wonderful

Intrepid Travel is an expert in:

Best time to visit France

• March 2025 100 tours
• April 2025 172 tours
• May 2025 popular 175 tours
• July 2024 219 tours
• August 2024 popular 272 tours
• September 2024 popular 296 tours
• October 2024 282 tours
• November 2024 116 tours
• December 2024 popular 77 tours
• January 2025 61 tours
• February 2025 59 tours

Contact our France travel experts

Expert in France at TourRadar

Christina is one of our seasoned France Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about France tours answered!

• Choose from 582+ France tours
• 1,889 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Travel Styles

• Small Group (114)
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France Tours starting in

• Starting in Paris (171)
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• France Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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Travel France Like A Local

on one of our

Unique Cultural Small Group Tours

Family Story

The family tour operator was created to allow English-speaking travelers to discover France as a local since 2016

Local Guides

Julia, Stéphane, Peter and their team of awesome local tour guides will share with you their culture, traditions & knowledge

Small Groups

14-16 travelers per tour allows us to take part in exclusive experiences that large groups can't normally access

Cultural Experience

Carefully crafted tours with top destination, off-the-beaten-path gems & fun activities for a memorable vacation

Travel as a local with TripUSAFrance

New Way of Travel

"Bonjour, my name is Julia, I am the founder of TripUSAFrance. Born and raised in Southern France, I started this company to help people who are interested in France to have a cultural trip where they can experience the country as temporary locals, not the average tourists bouncing around in a crowd or waiting in long lines and getting stuck in tourist traps. We will help you make a deeper connection with the country and understand what it is like to live there, while fulfilling the desire to see amazing sites and make lasting memories.

Past Traveler's Words

Linda F. (Normandy Tour)

"I was impressed with the knowledge of our guide, Jonathan, in all aspects of the tour, not just his wide historical knowledge, but also his eagerness to familiarize us with the towns we visited as well as recommendations for dining on our free evenings. Our group was a great size and everyone was amenable making for a great atmosphere for learning and fun! Christophe was also impressive with his extensive D-Day knowledge. I enjoyed the personal references to people."

Dickie C. (South France Tour)

"It was a wonderful experience and felt like we were traveling with our best friends! We got to see so much and most of it at a local level which is the best. We can’t wait to do another tour with this group! Thanks for the best vacation in memory."

Rena B. (South France Tour)

"Not your typical trip - this was a really fun adventure! Our delightful guides Isabelle and Stephane took us to places such as the Camargue ranch and the wonderful picnic with (really fun!) French locals! That we'd never have found on our own - and watching the water jousting competition was an unexpected (and funny) bonus. Our hosts at the hotel were also wonderful :). The meals at each of the uniquely French rustic and refined restaurants were also delicious - and really good wines! This tour was beyond my expectations!"

Joan B. (Bordeaux & Dordogne)

"An unforgettable trip—perfect in every way: fabulous sites, activities and meals. The wine-tasting and education was terrific! Bordeaux is a gem—not to be missed. As a guide, Julia is a meticulous planner and a whirlwind. She is attentive to the needs and preferences of the participants and creates a fun atmosphere, as well."

Sandra S. (South France Tour)

"Julia was an excellent guide and we were made to feel like family. All of the details were taken care of so we could thoroughly enjoy and be immersed in the experience. All of the meals and accommodations were local and top notch. Highly recommend this tour company."

Lynne W. (Normandy)

"With Peter's experience in France, we learned the complex history of the Normandy Invasion, met Claude Monet the gardener and artist, heard the bells and chants at Saint-Mount Michel, the ancient and incredible tapestry of the Battle of Hastings, and lovely Normandie countryside. Wow what a week! BravoTripUSAFrance!"

David W. (South France Tour)

"This was a fantastic time, even better than we imagined! Julia had everything planned to the minute. She was on top of things so we just enjoyed the wonderful food, the sights and camaraderie. Her slogan of travel like a local is so true. We did not feel like we were tourists. We felt like we belonged because everyone was so helpful and friendly. The picnic prepared by Julia’s mom was delicious and we always had fun with Stephan, Julia’s dad when he drove. We highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience the food, the wine , the culture and the people of Provence!"

Gary B. (South of France Tour)

"This was terrific! We looked forward to each day, as it was different from the day before. It was wonderful to be able to see so much of the South of France and not have to unpack and repack every single day. The small group experience was fantastic. We highly recommend."

4 Memorable Journeys

From the purple lavender fields of Provence to the infinite vineyard of Bordeaux to the rough cliffs of the Normandy coast we have put together 4 distinct tours each filled with rich history, breathtaking sites and singular adventures!

9 Day Signature Southern France Tour 9 Day Southern France Tour - Special Lavender 8 Day Bordeaux & Dordogne Tour 7 Day Normandy Tour

Read more about these 4 tours below.

Pictures are worth a thousand words

9 Day Tour of Southern France

From Provence to the coast to the off-the-beaten-path gems!

UNIQUE INSIDER TOUR

Medieval villages of Provence , grand castles, city squares with cafes & markets , narrow streets for exploring and shopping, beautiful wineries , excellent food, warm beaches on the Mediterranean, the South has it all! Come with us for a more intimate experience of France and see what the French have kept secret all these years! Variant available in July to see the lavender fields of Provence. Join our small group tour today.

7 Day Normandy Tour

Enduring WW2 sites and historical monuments of Northern France that should be on everyone's bucket list!

REGION FULL OF HISTORY AND SECRETS

Explore the beautiful and famous region of Normandy to walk in the footsteps that the greatest generation left as they landed on the beaches during WW2. Our itinerary is full of must-see sites and off-the-beaten path gems! From the incredible Mont-Saint-Michel to the powerful sites of D-Day , Normandy should be on your bucket list.  Come discover the secrets of Normandy with us!

8 Day Tour of Bordeaux & Dordogne

Cliff villages, Castles, Prehistoric Sites, and more with a few wineries

BREATHTAKING, MAGICAL, AUTHENTIC FRANCE

Discover the incredible beauty of the Dordogne , also called Périgord, with its castles guarding the valley , its enchanted small medieval villages such as Sarlat or La Roque-Gageac and its heritage still very present today in the everyday life and cuisine . Unveil the secrets of the picturesque village of St Emilion and learn all about its world famous wine . Finally you will fall in love with elegant Bordeaux , its architecture, history and vibes. Join this carefully crafted small group tour and learn about the French way of life! 

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RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

OVER 500 VERIFIED FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON TRUSTPILOT

The trip of a lifetime awaits… join an award-winning tour today.

Join France Off the Beaten Path Tours for an Award-Winning, Small Group Tour To Experience & Discover Authentic France! Recommended by Frommer’s France, France Off the Beaten Path Tours small group walking tour travel itineraries to Provence, southern France, Loire Valley, Bordeaux wine region, Champagne, and Normandy, France, have been voted among the BEST small group tours in France! Our company is your France tour travel destination specialist operating in France for 30 years! France Off the Beaten Path tours are small group tours—maximum 12-16 travelers per tour date—designed for couples, singles, women, friends, and family traveling together.

Our specialty and focus is small group tour travel in France. Travelers and travel publications, including Frommer’s France, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, and Forbes Traveler, rate France Off the Beaten Path Tours as one of the BEST tour companies in France for a small group, gourmet food and walking tour travel in France.

Best-selling travel author PJ Adams endorses France Off the Beaten Path Tours for its Best Adventures in Provence Tour, Best Adventures in Loire Valley Tour, and Best Adventures in Bordeaux Tour! The company is proud to be featured and recommended as PJ Adams’ “TOUR COMPANY OF CHOICE” for tour travel in France to discover the magical moments she writes about in her travel books…. READ MORE »

Loire Valley

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A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded our expectations.

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

• Saint-Émilion
• Sarlat-la-Canéda

French Riviera

Hauts de france, île-de-france.

• Carcassonne
• Montpellier

Loire Valley

• Aix-en-Provence

Rhône-Alpes

Christmas Markets

Multi-regional

Food & Wine

Exclusive Travel

Arts & Crafts

Shore Excursions

Sightseeing

Battlefields

Walking Tours

Special Offers

• Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

Atlantic Coast

• La Rochelle
• Le Verdon-sur-Mer

Mediterranean

• Port-Vendres
• Sanary-sur-Mer
• Saint-Tropez
• Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Shared Tours
• Private Tours
• Multi-Day Tours
• Shore excursions

Group Tours & Travel in France

Travel throughout france - paris & other regions.

Experience the best of France with our unique group tours. From the romance of Paris to the charm of the French countryside, our expert guides will take you on a journey of a lifetime. Our tours offer personalized service, insider access, and unforgettable experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Immerse yourself in the world of French wine with our Bordeaux or Burgundy wine tours. Visit some of the world's most prestigious vineyards and sample some of the finest wines. Or indulge in the luxurious world of Champagne with our day tours and tastings from Reims.

Explore the historic battlefields and WWII sites with our Normandy and D-Day tours. Follow in the footsteps of soldiers and learn about the events that shaped modern history. Or discover the beauty of the Loire Valley, with its stunning chateaux and picturesque villages.

For foodies, our culinary tours offer a unique opportunity to discover the flavors of France. Visit local markets, sample regional delicacies, and learn from expert chefs. Or if you're looking for adventure, our cycling and hiking tours take you off the beaten path to discover the natural beauty of France.

No matter what your interests are, our unique group tours offer something for everyone. With personalized service, expert guides, and unforgettable experiences, book your tour now and discover the magic of France.

Ophorus Group travel in France

Ophorus tour company is the new standard of quality when it comes to group tours in France. If you’re travelling to France with a group of 9 persons or more, then this section is for you. As fully licensed tour operator member of Atout France and registered ETOA (European Tourism Association) member, you are in good hands for any France travel.

From the moment you request a tour with us to the moment you return home, we will be there to guarantee that everything runs smoothly during your stay. For both small and large group tours, we offer all the services that you will need to make your France tour the most enjoyable experience.

Our service begins by creating a personalised itinerary for you and your party. If you already have a program or an idea of what you want to do, just let us handle the rest — we’ll make sure that you have everything you need and do everything you want to during your European vacation. Upon arrival from London to Paris or from further away, we can take care of your transfers as well as book your accommodation in any area of the country from boutique hotels to chain hotels.

For your days, we’ll find the most expert guides that will be with you in Paris or in the other regions of France. Days full of touring require several activities. We can provide walking guided tours in all the major French cities, culinary tours, french wine tours, historical and cultural tours, or tours including the most emblematic landmarks or the best restaurants in town. We have a large selection of great activities that can be offered in both Paris and the regions.

Need some insight while in France on your European vacation? Let us take you to the most beautiful regions and discover France, including the French Riviera, the Loire Valley, Provence, or Alsace and Burgundy. Of course, not to mention some of the bucket list monuments of France, such as the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Unesco listed Mont Saint Michel, and so many more.

We can handle  any group size  ranging from small groups to large groups of hundreds of people. Transportation options include private vehicles, minivans, minibuses, and large buses.

Our Small Groups Destinations in France for 2024

Small Group Tours - Alsace 2024

Below you will find examples of the type of group tours that we can design, suggest or customize just for you and your party. In the  Alsace  region, our small group tours will take you along the wine route, on WWII memorial sites, to neighbouring Freiburg & the Black Forest and on unique wine tasting tours. We have also designed two or five day travel packages that include transfers, hotels, transportation and the services of expert local guides that speak impeccable English.

Another option is to combine the Alsace region with nearby Burgundy, Champagne and even Bordeaux. Our 8 day small group travel package includes arrival and departure transfers, 2 or 3 regions depending on your choice, accommodation in centrally located hotels and the services of expert local guides that speak impeccable English. Other languages, on request.

Small Group Tours - Bordeaux 2024

Wholly revitalized since its so-called “Sleeping Beauty” days,  Bordeaux (La Belle endormie) is now one of France’s liveliest cities. A capital of art and architecture, culture and wine in France, the city is located at just over 2 hours from Paris by high speed train. Classified UNESCO world heritage site in 2007, Bordeaux France is separated by the Garonne river into right and left bank and today there are endless ways to discover all that Bordeaux has to offer.

Our Group Tours definitely include the famous wine regions of Medoc and Saint Emilion, but not only. We also organize escorted tours to the Dordogne region and the French Basque Country and Lourdes. Choose from a large selection of day trips from Bordeaux and customize your itinerary on our 2 day or 5 day travel package. These pre designed group tours based in Bordeaux include return transfers, accommodation, half day or full day tours and the services of expert local guides that speak impeccable English. Other languages, on request.

Small Group Tours - Dordogne 2024

The  Dordogne  region of France offers a microcosm of the best France has to offer. Boasting enchanting medieval villages, scenic rolling countryside, and incredible prehistoric landmarks, the Dordogne department offers travelers an authentic French experience somewhat removed from the typical tourist path. Our Dordogne small group tours include all the best visits that one can imagine include Prehistoric Cave Art with Lascaux IV and Font de Gaume, Villages of the Dordogne, Rocamadour and an exclusive Gourmet walking tour in Sarlat.

Our luxury group tours of the Dordogne include all transfers, accommodation in carefully selected hotels of the area, you can build your own itinerary with our unique half day or full day options and the tours are conducted by expert local guides that speak impeccable English. Other languages, on request. Another great option, is to combine the Dordogne with one of our Loire Valley, Bordeaux and even Burgundy travel packages. You choose the regions and we take care of the rest.

Small Group Tours - Burgundy 2024

The centuries-old tradition of  Burgundy  winemaking is evident in the bountiful vineyards stretching across the landscape. Burgundy boasts some of the most acclaimed and luxurious wines in the world. The capital, Dijon, is a flourishing cultural hub, where visitors can step back into the past with its mix of gothic and art deco architecture. Whether you´re eager to sample Burgundy wines and discover what makes them some of the world´s most famous, wander the medieval streets and uncover Burgundy´s historical secrets, or a combination of both, Ophorus provides unique small group tours to meet every traveler´s need.

Most of our group tours & trips to France include wine tours and Burgundy is certainly no exception. Visit stunning Abbeys, taste delicious wines in Cotes de Nuits or Côtes de Beaune, follow our expert locals guides on informative guided walking tours in Beaune or Dijon, these are just a few features of our group tour travel packages in Burgundy. For 2 or 5 days, we will include all transfers, accommodation, let you build your itinerary and organise all travel services. It is also possible to combine your Burgundy group tour with other regions such as Champagne, the Rhône Valley and even Provence.

Small Group Tours - Champagne 2024

Delve into “champagne country” and explore Epernay, home to some of the most celebrated champagne producers, such as Moët & Chandon or Perrier-Jouët, and when you’ve had your fill of  Champagne  why not wander the streets of the gothic villages dotted around the otherwise pristine countryside? Champagne is a region that should be on every wine lover’s itinerary. Join us on one of our tours to explore this rural idyll with cellar visits and taste the bubbly wine that gave this region its fame.

Visit Reims and Epernay, discover the village where Dom Perignon is buried, experience the Montagne de Reims and Marne valley Champagne producing areas with one of our local expert guides. Our Champagne group tours travel packages include transfers, carefully selected accommodation in Reims, transportation and the services of a guide. If you have a bit more time, why not combine the Champagne region with Paris or Burgundy and even with the Loire Valley? You choose the regions and we take care of the rest.

Small Group Tours - Loire Valley 2024

Loire valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers everything from castles, historical towns and stunning landscapes. Its location alongside the river Loire gives the land its fertility and ensures the productivity and success of the vineyards. Loire also boasts world famous Renaissance Châteaux, such as Châteaux d’Amboise, deVillandry and Chenonceau.

On our small group tours of the  Loire Valley , visit the most fascinating Chateaus & gardens that this regions has to offer. We will also have you taste some of the local wines that offer a large range including red, whites, rosés, sparkling and sweet. Our exclusive group tours include all transfers, accommodation, and 2 or 5 days of touring the region. You can also combine these tours with other French regions such as Bordeaux, the Dordogne or even Burgundy.

Small Group Tours - Normandy 2024

Normandy is blessed with its location, and along the Alabaster coast visitors can enjoy a multitude of sights; striking chalk cliffs, D-Day beaches and picturesque villages dotted along the coast. Once you have tired of strolling the beaches, why not treat yourself to the array of fresh seafood dishes on offer or try a refreshing drink of cider?

Day trip options are numerous in  Normandy  but the highlights certainly include a visit to Mont Saint Michel and one or two days dedicated to the Normandy D-DAY landing beaches. Ophorus group tours in Normandy include transfers, accommodation, the possibility to build your own itinerary and the services of an expert guide that speaks impeccable English. Other languages on request.

Small Group Tours - Provence 2024

Perhaps most renowned for the impressively picturesque lavender bloom that occurs each spring, the Provence region of France offers incredible scenery and so much more. From the coast of Marseille inland, Provence melds nature with amazing feats of engineering and architecture. Here, you’ll find towering hilltop villages, colorful port towns, rolling plains of olive groves and lavender fields.

Our group tours in Provence are based in Avignon, Aix en Provence or Marseille that all make for perfect departure destinations. Our essentials in Provence for all our small group tours include arrival and departure transfers, accommodation from 3* to 5* hotels, fully customized tour adapted to your wishes – you can choose from a large number of full day or half day trip options. Most important visits include Pont du Gard, lavender fields, Pope’s Palace, the Luberon as well as Provence Wine Tours.

Other small group tours - France 2024

The above luxury small group tours in France that we have designed are just a few examples of what our talented team of travel designers can offer. The other regions where we provide group tours include Paris , the Languedoc and the French Riviera .

Discovery of sample programs

BORDEAUX GRANDS CRUS CHÂTEAUX WINE TOUR

WINES OF CHAMPAGNE, ALSACE & BURGUNDY GROUP TOUR

WINE TOUR IN SOUTHERN RHÔNE GROUP TOUR

PARIS & NORMANDY GROUP TOUR

TEXTILE TOUR OF FRANCE GROUP TOUR

PARIS GROUP TOUR

BORDEAUX TO SAN SEBASTIAN GROUP TOUR

BORDEAUX TO BARCELONA GROUP TOUR

ALSACE GROUP TOUR

BORDEAUX GROUP TOUR

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France tours

Discovering the icons in Paris, soaking up the sun on the French Riviera, visiting the châteaux of the Loire Valley—see every side of this France on one of our escorted tours.

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What travelers say about their trips to France

Travel tips for france trips.

While it's a relatively temperate country, France's weather ranges significantly from region to region. Many consider the best times to travel to France to be spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate. In Paris for example, spring and fall temperatures are in the 50s, 60s, and 70s F, perfect for walking around sites like the Tuileries, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and Versailles. The comfortable weather paired with smaller crowds, more relaxed locals, and seasonal festivals and flavors make these in-between seasons particularly lovely times for a trip to France.

In the warmer summer months, parks, picnics, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals are especially lively. In winter, the weather gets colder and wetter (though there's not much snow in major cities like Paris), but there's still lots to do! You'll find festive holiday decorations, great museums, and more.

France is a diverse country, from the historic beaches in Normandy and Brittany on the northern coast, to the foodie-favored wine regions of Champagne and Burgundy, to the lavish châteaux of the Loire Valley. Plus, as you travel east, the influence of Switzerland and Germany can be felt in the food, architecture, and history in Alsace.

When picking which of our France guided tours is right for you, let your interests help drive your destination selection.

• Want to experience art, romance, and culture? Paris should be on your itinerary, so you can take in the icons like Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens, and more.
• If you’re a foodie who counts food and wine as a top traveling priority, check out our guided tours that visit Burgundy, Lyon, or Bordeaux.
• History buffs, your must-visits include Normandy and Paris.
• For those who love to be outdoors soaking in the scenery, be sure to check out Provence in the south, where medieval towns and artistic cities are sandwiched between the mountains of the Alps and the sea breeze of the Mediterranean.

In France, eating is an art form. Meals are meant to savored—shared among friends, enjoyed with local wines, and made up of fresh, seasonal ingredients. While the cuisine ranges throughout the country, you’ll always find a focus on local, in-season ingredients. Here are a couple of things to know when sitting down for a meal during your trip to France.

• Breakfast, called le petit déjeuner, is generally light, like a croissant or bread with jam and coffee.
• Lunch, or le déjeuner, was traditionally a two-hour, several-course affair where people took time to relax and unwind with friends. In today’s society, something quicker and more casual—like soup, salad, or sandwiches at a cafe—is very commonplace.
• Dinner, or le diner, is served around eight or later and can be made up of several courses. Typically, it starts with the appetizer, or l ’entrée , followed by the main course, or l e plat principal , followed by a cheese course and dessert. And remember, be sure to ask for your check when you're done—it's considered rude for wait staff to bring it to your table unrequested. Bon appétit!

The French are famous for their style, so deciding what to pack for a trip to France requires some consideration. Our escorted tours to France incorporate a fair amount of walking as local guides take you around their hometowns, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

For the building blocks of your France vacation wardrobe, pack easy-to-layer pieces that can be mixed and matched in various ways—neutrals or a cohesive color palette helps a lot! Add in a versatile scarf—perfect for staying warm on flights and afternoon walks, as well as adding a pop of color to simple outfits. Beyond that, we’d recommend your camera, a notebook to jot down any fun facts or book recommendations your Tour Director might share, and a sense of adventure. Once you book one of our France guided tours, you can find a packing list for that specific trip in our easy Tour Companion App.

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France Tours & Vacations

There’s a reason France is the most visited country in the world. Actually, there are several.

The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The Pyrenees and Chamonix. Escargot and ratatouille. Champagne and croissants and berets and baguettes. Napoleon and Simone de Beauvoir and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Jazz bars and vineyards and lavender fields as far as the eye can see. ‘Un petit peu’ of this, ‘un petit peu’ of that. A balmy evening on the French Riviera, a morning frost on the fields of the Somme. French flags flying after the FIFA World Cup. Guillotines falling after the French Revolution. Chanel and Chandon and Versailles and Vuitton. Forget the museums; this country is a work of art.

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France at a glance

Capital city.

Paris (population approximately 2.1 million)

Approximately 67 million

(GMT+01:00) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)

Learn more about France

Culture and customs.

What makes the French so, well, French? Is it the food? The wine? How about the art, the philosophy, the history, or the fierce passion often caricatured as arrogance? Whatever it is, it’s seduced Francophiles around the world for countless years and there’s no sign of it slowing down.

The French are lovers of life. They celebrate the ‘joie de vivre’, or joy of living, in every aspect of their day. Conversation should be meaningful; food should be rich and sumptuous; music should move you; art should change you.

Sure, there are the stereotypes of the French being rude, but you could be forgiven for your reluctance to speak English when you’re the most-visited country in the world. There are, after all, only so many times one can give directions to the Eiffel Tower. But sit down for dinner at a French person’s house and you’ll discover the opposite. France is a very liberal country and every topic is up for debate – dinner is just an entrée for the conversation.

Much of France’s reputation rests on romanticized images of Paris. Sitting at a cafe on the Ile-St-Louis with a piping-hot croissant and cafe au lait, for example, or watching sunset from the steps of Sacre Coeur. But travel through France and you’ll find an incredibly diverse and multicultural country that changes so much between regions, from Marseille’s cultural melting pot to Biarritz’s surfers to the hardy mountain folk of the Pyrenees and Alps. 

Every region and valley, every coastline and ridgeline and three-hour line for the Louvre, will offer up something different. But remember, there’s one thing that doesn’t change no matter where you go: the unwavering belief that there’s nothing better than being French.

History and government

After the conquest of the Gauls and the fall of Rome, the area we know as France was dominated by a tribe known as the Franks. They were headed up by a brutal man named Charlemagne, whose mission was to convert all of   Europe  to Christianity. After Charlemagne’s death his empire was split into three, with West Francia corresponding to the modern territory of France.

The Hundred Years’ War

West Francia, which was really a patchwork of territories run by the dukes, had institutional power more or less centralized in the 12th century. As time went on the tension between France and England grew until the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War, which actually lasted 116 years. Though France’s population was decimated during this period, thanks to both war and plague, it was also a formative time for the country’s national identity.

One of the key figures to come out of this long period of fighting was Joan of Arc, who is still a national hero in France. She was born in 1412, just after the Battle of Agincourt, during which the French were dominated by the English. As a young girl she heard the voices and saw visions of multiple saints, all of whom told her to go fight for Charles, the rightful king of France. At the age of 16 she traveled to his court to convince him of her mission and somehow did exactly that. She turned the tide of the war and in doing so was captured by the English and sentenced to death as a witch. Her ashes were scattered in the River Seine, but her story was never forgotten.

The French Revolution

Bad harvests, taxation, abject poverty and an unrestrained aristocracy sowed the seeds of the French Revolution in the 18th century. The Renaissance began in   Italy   and spread across Europe, ushering in the Age of Enlightenment, which spread the ideas of individual liberty, tolerance and the separation of church and state. In France, King Louis XVI had inherited a country in dire trouble but was still living it up at the Palace of Versailles. The peasants revolted and stormed the Bastille Prison – hence the national celebration of Bastille Day – and King Louis, along with Marie Antoinette, his queen, were captured and executed by guillotine. A decade of chaos ensued.

It was Napoleon, a military general, that took control of France following the revolution and established the Napoleonic Code, which has become the foundation for the development of most modern democracies. He embarked on military campaigns throughout Europe and was eventually defeated and exiled by the combined forces of   Russia   and Prussia, a northern state that would rise to power as a united Germany during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The World Wars

The 20th century was a horrific time for France with   Germany   invading the country twice. France suffered huge casualties during both WWI and WW2, and by 1945 it was on its knees. Further conflicts followed in colonial territories across Africa and Asia, which led to an influx of migration to France. In Europe, governments were dealing with the fallout from WWII and making agreements to avoid another conflict, from which the European Union was born.

France is now a leading power both in Europe and globally after a huge post-war effort to rebuild the country. It has the third-largest economy in the EU and is one of the most modern countries in the world, continuing to value liberty, fraternity and equality. Recent years have seen issues arise with the Islamic extremism and the European refugee crisis, but the country continues to grow and remains a thriving destination for tourism.

Eating and drinking

The gastronomic pleasures of France are world-renowned, so travellers won’t be worried about going hungry. There’s something to suit every budget here, from Michelin-star restaurants to market stalls and everything in between, and it’s not just frog legs and snails that are on the menu.

There’s simply no better buy than a fresh, crusty baguette. Buy one for less than a euro from the nearest bakery and take it down to the nearest park or river. Apply butter liberally, fill with whatever you like and bite into France – c’est magnifique!

Pastries, cakes and tarts

French chefs set the global quality benchmark for pastries so there’s no feeling guilty when you sample the croissants, eclairs, crepes, macaroons and whatever else you can get your hands on. Find them at your local patisserie and don’t forget to say merci (or mercy, depending on how many you eat).

If you’re going to indulge in a little wine, there’s no better place than France. It is, after all, home to some of the most famous wine regions in the world: Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire, Provence, Champagne. Whether you’re at the cellar door or on the restaurant floor (please, drink responsibly), there’s tasty tipple with your name on it.

When in France, right? From soft cheeses like brie and camembert to a hard, sharp Beaufort, it’s all on offer in France’s bountiful cheese shops and markets.

Beef Bourguignon

This beefy stew originates in Burgundy and is an example of a peasant dish now considered high-end cuisine. It’s prepared with beef braised in red wine and broth, flavoured with garlic, onions and mushrooms, and it’s absolutely perfect on a winter’s evening.

Geography and environment

Bordered by Spain,   Andorra , Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Belgium, France’s geography is as varied as its neighbors.  

In the south, the Pyrenees form a natural border with a   Spain . This mountain range rises over 11,100 feet (3400 meters) and stretches from the west coast to the east. It’s a hiker’s paradise in summer, with thousands of miles of hiking trails, and a haven for snow sports in the winter thanks to a huge number of ski resorts.

To the south-east, France borders the Mediterranean Sea all the way up to the Italian border. A large stretch of this area is what’s known as the French Riviera, which has long been a popular tourist destination thanks to its warm weather, calm water and golden beaches.

Continue north along the Italian border and you’ll reach the French Alps, France’s other predominant mountain range. The Alps are home to Mont Blanc – France’s highest point – and form another natural border, this time with both Italy and Switzerland.

France’s central region is mostly rolling hills and fields, perfect for farming and producing wine. There are two main rivers, the Loire and the Rhone, with the Rhone running south from   Switzerland   through to the Mediterranean and the Loire running north and west to the Atlantic.

The west coast is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and sees a cooler climate than the east. The large Atlantic swells have brought surfers to the area for years with several international surfing competitions being held throughout the year.

Northern France, which is bordered by   Belgium , Luxembourg and Germany, remains relatively flat with grasslands, fields, forests and, of course, the capital of Paris. These northern areas suffered most during the wars, both because of their proximity to Germany and the landscape itself. This is where trench warfare was first employed, only possible because of the huge swathes of flat land.

Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Dior. Lacroix. Hermes. You want luxury? You got it. Paris has long been considered the fashion capital of the world and if that’s your bag, well, you’ll need some room in your bag after a stroll down the famous Champs-Elysees. France isn’t all high fashion though. Yes, the French are notoriously fashionable, but there’s plenty of shopping to be done for those that aren’t quite ready to step out on the catwalk.

Remember, it's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. The United States and Canada generally have strict customs laws.

And you thought Paris was just about fashion? It also happens to be the fragrance capital of the world. There’s no better place to pick up a sensational scent than in one of the city’s many perfumeries, some of which have been trading for more than a century. It’s the perfect gift – or a subtle suggestion – for your friends and family back home.

Flea Markets

Parisian flea markets are a top spot to pick up a vintage bargain. From jewelry and purses to paintings and old-school electronics, you’re bound to find something unique or, at the very least, enjoy trying. Make Porte de Vanves and Porte de Saint-Ouen in Paris your first stops.

Village Markets

Regional French markets just ooze with charm and can be found all over the country. Peruse fresh produce, home-made jams, pickled vegetables, rich cheeses and summer flowers, or just soak up the provincial atmosphere and try your hand at having a chat with one of the locals.

France has been at the forefront of winemaking forever and there are plenty of high quality wines to be found at very decent prices. Just remember that French wines are named for their geographic origin rather than the grape. Take a Burgundy, for example: if it’s red it’s pinot noir, if it’s white it’s chardonnay. Do some research and reap the rewards.

Festivals and events

There are festivals happening all over France throughout the year. Whether you’re in the city or a small town, you can expect a lot of food, some phenomenal wine and plenty of music.

Bastille Day

The French National Day is celebrated on July 14 and commemorates the storming of the Bastille Prison during the French Revolution. It’s celebrated all over the country, but Paris is the place to be, with the city hosting parades, fireworks and the famous Firemen’s Balls, where the main station in each Parisian district throws open its doors for a huge ball lasting until 4 am. It’s a tradition that’s been happening for over 100 years.

Avignon Festival

Performers and art lovers from around the world descend on Avignon for this three-week celebration of performance art. Dance, theatre, comedy and musical performances feature on the bill, with everything from open-air classical concerts and sweeping operatic epics to spoken word poetry.

Tour de France

This is the world’s most iconic cycling competition. It lasts three weeks and was first held in 1903. Things are a little more high-tech now—back then, the cyclists didn’t have support vehicles, and they carried baguettes, wine and cheese for sustenance. They also had some phenomenal mustaches.

Nice Jazz Fest

The Nice Jazz Festival dates back to 1948 and is one of the oldest jazz festivals in   Europe . The first headliner was Louis Armstrong, and since then, a glut of phenomenal musicians have performed, including Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Erykah Badu.

Roland Garros

Also known as the French Open, Roland Garros is one of tennis’s grand slams and the premier clay-court competition in the world. The biggest tennis stars in the world converge on the courts to slug it out, but Rafael Nadal will forever be the king.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Victory Day 1945

Ascension Day

Whit Monday

Assumption Day

All Saint's Day

Armistice Day

Please note that the dates of  France's public holidays  may vary.

Similar destinations

Thinking about a trip to France but still browsing other destinations? Check out tours to neighboring locations:

• Switzerland

Or maybe you need help comparing countries? Check out our blog:

• France or Italy?

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your France adventure, check out these books:

• The Three Musketeers   – Alexandre Dumas
• Chocolat   – Joanne Harris
• The Hunchback of Notre-Dame   ­– Victor Hugo
• Dangerous Liaisons   – Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
• Suite Francaise   – Irene Nemirovsky
• A Year in Provence   – Peter Mayle
• How to be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style and Bad Habits   – Caroline de Maigret, Anne Berest, Sophie Mas, Audrey Diwan
• The House in France: A Memoir   – Gully Wells
• Marie Antoinette: The Journey –   Antonia Fraser
• Les Miserables   – Victor Hugo
• Me Talk Pretty One Day   – David Sedaris

France travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit France?

The best time to visit France depends on where you are planning to travel to.

The best time to visit Paris, in terms of sunshine and weather, is early summer and early autumn as the late summer can get quite hot. That said, the winter months are a dark albeit beautiful time to visit, like many European cities. The same applies for most of inland France.

If you’re heading to the east coast and the Mediterranean Sea, the best months are July and August as the sea breeze tends to keep the coast a little cooler than inland. There will, however, be more tourists than in the early summer or spring and autumn.

The mountains are best for skiing in February and March as the days are longer than in December and January, while the late spring, summer and early autumn are perfect for hiking.

The Atlantic areas of Brittany and Normandy are best experienced from June through August as they can get quite wet and cold outside of summer.

Is it safe to visit France?

Yes, it is still safe to visit France, though parts of the country have been affected by various issues of late.

Over the past 5–10 years France has been targeted by extremist groups. These attacks have received widespread global coverage and while they are shocking and saddening, they are also very infrequent. France is at no more risk of extremist violence than any other Western country, but travelers should exercise caution nevertheless and keep up-to-date with local news sources.

Much has also been made of the Yellow Vests Movement, which has spread around the country. These protests began in 2018 after an increase in fuel taxes and have morphed into a movement demanding economic reform and the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. Though the protests have turned violent on several occasions, particularly in Paris, they are also easily avoided. The protests occur on Saturdays and the streets are shut down by police – travelers should check local news sources and avoid any trouble areas on Saturdays.

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

France is a member of the Schengen Convention, which means that if you travel to an EU member country or countries, like France, for a total of less than 90 days, a visa is not required. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK and other member countries of the EU and Schengen area are included under this arrangement.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your country of origin. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in France?

Most restaurants in France will include a service fee within the bill; however, tipping extra (while not absolutely necessary) is customary and will be appreciated by wait staff. Usually rounding up the bill or leaving spare change is sufficient. Feel free to tip more if the service has been exemplary or if you’re feeling generous.

What is the internet access like in France?

The internet access is great in France. All cities and major towns should have internet cafes and wi-fi hotspots, while most of the country aside from very remote areas will have phone reception should you wish to use your mobile/cell phone.

Can I use my cell phone while in France?

Travelers can use their phones throughout France, though remote and isolated areas in the Pyrenees or Alps may have limited service.

You’re able to purchase a local SIM on arriving in France, which will generally be cheaper than using international roaming. If you do wish to use international roaming, ensure it’s activated before leaving your home country and ask your provider what charges apply. Data use can be particularly expensive while overseas.

What are the toilets like in France?

Flushable, Western-style toilets are the standard across France.

Can I drink the water in France?

Drinking water from taps is considered safe in France unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottle water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Are credit cards widely accepted in France?

Major credit cards are widely accepted across France. Some smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, especially in more rural areas, so be sure to carry enough cash to cover small purchases.

What is ATM access like in France?

ATMs are common across France in both cities and towns so there shouldn't be a problem finding one.

What is the weather like in France?

France’s weather varies depending where you are.

Paris tends to be quite cool with temperatures averaging 59–77°F (15–25°C) even in the height of summer. The winter average is 36–45°F (2–7°C), though it’s worth keeping in mind that the city can experience more extreme heat in the summer or snow in the winter.

The French Riviera, including Nice, has a sunnier climate and averages 68–81°F (20–27°C) in the summer and 41–55°F (5–13°C) in winter. This area is quite sheltered compared to the rest of the south-east coast, which will much hotter and dryer in the summer.

The mountainous regions, like Chamonix in the Alps, will vary depending on altitude. Chamonix experiences an average temperature of 48–75°F (9–24°C) in the summertime and 19–37°F (-7–3°C) in the winter. The summer also sees afternoon thunderstorms and more precipitation than other times of year.

The climate on the Atlantic coast tends to be quite cool and wet, with rain and wind all year round, particularly around the English Channel. Bordeaux, which is much further south, enjoys a warmer climate though it’s prone to both the cold Atlantic fronts as well as cold winds from the north-east. Its average temperature in summer is 61–81°F (16–27°C), while winter averages 37–50°F (3–10°C).

Is France safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

France is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers and has always been celebrated for its liberal attitudes towards sexuality. Paris was the first European capital to vote in an openly gay mayor in 2001 and France was the first country in the world, back in 1791, to decriminalize same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013 and attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ identifying people are generally positive across the country.

Paris has had a thriving queer scene for years which revolves around Le Marais, a district just north of Notre-Dame, though the city is so open that it can be difficult to pin down its epicenter. Active queer scenes can be found in most major cities across the country including Bordeaux and Lyon.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Is France accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

France is a relatively accessible destination for travelers with disabilities, particularly for those visiting Paris. All buses and trams in the Paris metro area are equipped for wheelchairs and most, though not all, metro stations have been equipped to make traveling with a disability as hassle-free as possible. The city’s official visitor website has a section dedicated to   visiting Paris with a disability   in both French and English.

Elsewhere, as in much of Europe, travelers may find that the older city buildings and infrastructure in smaller towns may present them with some difficulty, depending on their disability. If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in France

France is a very liberal country and travelers should not feel compelled to dress particularly conservatively unless visiting a religious site. After all, Paris is the fashion capital of the world – go hard or go home. That being said, Intrepid encourages all travelers to respect the locals in the places we visit. If they wouldn’t wear something, we don’t suggest that you do. 

Remember that the weather in the mountains can change extremely quickly, even in summer, so your best bet is dress in layers. If you do plan on visiting the Alps or Pyrenees, be sure to take a raincoat, sturdy walking shoes and a wind breaker or warm jacket.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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• Group tours to France

France escorted small group tours

Did you know we can tailor any tour?

Bianca benn.

Travel specialist

020 7808 6785

Explore Europe’s most popular destination with the experts in small-group tours. France is alive with culture, and blessed with beauty from tip to toe, from Normandy to the Côte d'Azur. Our escorted tours to France pair you with a small group of like-minded travellers, accompanied by expert guides. With Cox & Kings, you aren’t limited to the most famous landmarks. Uncover France’s royal heritage alongside a historian. Admire the landscapes that so inspired the Impressionists. Cruise the canals, tour the wine regions, and more. All the France group tours below are available on a shared or private basis. We also offer tailored-made travel for a more bespoke experience.

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Our French River cruises and land-based France tours transport you to a European destination that lives life to the fullest with the cultural panache that defines all things Français... explore colorful Provence, the Loire Valley, ancient abbeys, cobblestoned villages, Bordeaux, Côte du Rhône wine regions, Paris and more.

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to France

Magnifique... a word that sums up the many cultural delights and panache of France... exploring Paris, the "City of Light" in the evening when it truly comes to life... the poignant memorials at Omaha Beach... a traditional picnic lunch in Gordes, dining as the locals do...and an infusion of ancient abbeys, Loire chateaux, and cobblestone villages that nourish your soul.

Land journeys, from parisian bistros and provençal farms to normandy beaches and loire valley châteaux, treasures await along the yellow roads in france..

Sip wines at private French vineyards with vintners who share secrets of the terroir... try locally produced cider and Calvados on Normandy farms... toast life in Paris, where brasseries, cathedrals and art-filled museums nourish your soul... and so much more. Join us in France on land journeys along the Yellow Roads to Paris, Provence, Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley.

• River Cruises

The rivers of France evoke a sense of place around every bend... join us along the Rhône, the Saône and the Seine...

The River Seine bridges images of life past and present in the iconic Parisian sites that line its banks; as it meanders from city to coast, it impresses with scenery immortalized by Monet, van Gogh and their contemporaries. Inland from the Saône in the north all the way south to Provence, the Rhône drinks in timeless landscapes ripe with secrets of the terroir. This and more awaits aboard Tauck's river cruises along the Rhône, Saône and Seine rivers in France.

• Small Ship Cruises

A quarter-century later, our first small ship cruise still sails the Mediterranean to or from the French Riviera...

Beginning or ending in Nice, our "Treasures of the Mediterranean" – Tauck's very first small ship cruise, still sailing a quarter-century later – takes you to explore Provence, Monte-Carlo, Elba, Corsica, Italy's Amalfi Coast, Sicily and Malta.

Tauck Bridges Family Travel

From scavenger hunts in the louvre to a bicycle tour of versailles's gardens, family fun awaits in france....

Stroll into a painting by Claude Monet at Giverny... get hands-on experience with World War II equipment on Normandy's D-Day beaches... walk along the Pont du Gard... meet French cowboys on a ranch in la Camargue, where you'll dig into an authentic Provençal meal... and so much more on our Tauck Bridges trips and river cruises in France – including "Castles & Kings: London to Paris;" "Bon Voyage! France Family River Cruise;" and "Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy."

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Land Journeys, River Cruises & Small Ship Cruises

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TAUCKS EVENTS

A Cultural Exploration of France

From Paris, the most romantic city in the world to the importance of gastronomy and fine wine, the delights of France are experienced on many levels, whether it be by land journey, river cruise or small ship.  In Provence... Lyon... Normandy... and along the Seine as you drink in the history, culture, architecture and much more.

Normandy, brittany, paris & the loire valley, savoring france: paris, lyon & provence, cruising the seine, plus paris & london, traveling with tauck, never settle for ordinary.

Travel Experiences that are as memorable as the places...

Leave Your Worries At Home

Tauck takes on all of details of travel – all of the planning, all of the logistics...

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Get what you pay for and then some; no hidden costs, no options sold...

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Our Tauck Directors are the best in the industry, making every moment of your journey count...

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France trips

They say French is the language of love. Well, we say that France is a country that you’re going to love. One of Europe’s most popular destinations, France is brimming with must-see art, must-eat pastries, and must-explore cities and coastlines. On our trips to France, you’ll see it all, and then some.

Austria (1)

Czech Republic (1)

England (15)

France (20)

Germany (3)

Netherlands (6)

Portugal (1)

Switzerland (6)

United Kingdom (13)

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8–10 days (3)

11–14 days (10)

15–25 days (4)

25+ days (3)

Price: low to high

Price: high to low

Length: longer to shorter

Length: shorter to longer

Amsterdam, Paris & London

Ultimate Europe

European Road Trip

Barcelona, Paris & London

London & Paris Escape

Save up to $600

France: Castles, Coasts & Croissants

Rome, Paris & London

Save up to $400

Hike Europe: The Alps

Italy, France & Spain

Ultimate Alps

Save up to $700

New Year’s in Paris: Amsterdam, Paris & London

New Year's in London: Barcelona, Paris & London

Traveler photos from France

Unforgettable.

“A fantastic trip for those who are looking for a genuine French experience. This tour allows you to go beyond the tourist traps and truly see the beauty of the entire northern part of the country. History lovers this is a trip for you!”

–Marissa, traveled on France: Castles, Coasts & Croissants Jul. 2022

Prepare to be amazed

“The amount of times I caught myself thinking, “wow I can’t believe I’m here and seeing this,” during this trip were too many to count. This is one of those trips that’ll stay with me for life. Incredible sights. Incredible experiences. Incredible people (including our fantastic, 5-star tour director, Roberta). If I could relive these two weeks again, I’d do it in a heartbeat!”

–Sean, traveled on Italy, France & Spain Jul. 2022

Holy crêpe.

Know before you go

It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, French! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Bonjour
• Goodbye: Au revoir
• Thank you: Merci
• Where is...?: Ou est..?
• Cheers!: Santé

As you prepare to spend time in new cities, countries, and cultures, here are some expert tips to help you live like a true European.

• Public transportation is very popular in Europe. In Paris you’ll take the Metro! Taking public transportation is a great way to get to know a city
• Public restrooms in Europe sometimes require a small fee – hold on to your coins!
• Unlike the U.S., everything (hotels, meals, appliances) is smaller. After all, less is more!
• Practice the local language when greeting people or ordering food - It goes a long way with the locals
• Water is an added cost at restaurants, and you have to choose between still or sparkling
• Avoid making special requests at restaurants, it’s not as common in Europe
• Feel free to seat yourself in restaurants instead of waiting to be seated, and don’t be afraid to flag your waiter or waitress over for help
• French people are often more reserved, so don’t be offended if someone doesn’t strike up conversation right away. Though, you might find more friendly faces in the pubs!
• Paris is known for its fashion. Now is the time to break out your new duds!
• Smoking is still quite popular in Europe Don’t be surprised to see large amounts of locals with lit cigarettes!

Food & Drink

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips when dining out in France, and delicacies you must try:

• Baguettes: Now is your chance to walk around the streets of Paris with a baguette in hand. YOLO.
• Fromageries and boulangeries: Specialized cheese stores, and bakeries! The combination of delicacies from these two types of stores can only be improved with French wine.
• Chocolate for breakfast: Pain au chocolat, or chocolate croissant, is the perfect breakfast treat.
• Steak frites: Grilled steak with various sauces and fries will hit the spot. Guaranteed!
• Crepes, macarons, chocolat, oh my!: Try a street stand crepe as an afternoon snack, a fun-flavored macaron, or any form of chocolate you can find. It’s all delicious!
• Champagne: It’s originated in France, after all…
• Croque-monsieur: Kind of like an extreme grilled cheese, this is a crisp grilled ham and cheese sandwich usually with bechamel sauce.
• Escargot: A.k.a., snails doused in butter and garlic. When in Paris, right?
• The 4 C's of Normandy: Cider, calvados, cream, and camembert are all staples of this region's cuisine.
• Moules frites: With an abundance of coastline at their disposal, Normandy and Brittany sure know how to cook up some mussels.
• Chambord and Cointreau: These famous fruity liquors both originated in the Loire Valley.
• Beurre blanc: Maybe you've heard of this luscious made of butter, vinegar, white wine, and shallots. Having hailed from the Loire Valley, you'll find it accompanying all types of seafood here.

We plan it all. And then some.

Our group trips to France come with everything included. That’s accommodations, daily breakfasts, activities, and an expert Tour Director who knows where to snap the best pics with the Eiffel Tower.

Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book ’em yourself)

Multilingual Tour Director & local guides

Sightseeing activities and excursions

Entrance tickets to top attractions

Metro passes in major cities

Hand-picked accommodations

New travel BFFs

Welcome Dinner & Farewell Dinner

Private deluxe motorcoaches

See everything we include →

More popular destinations

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Languedoc-Occitanie

Magnificent French Alps

• Provence & the Riviera

Secrets of Brittany

French Alps

Southern Brittany

• Testimonials
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Small Group Tours to the South and South-west of France

Don’t see France. Discover it!

All small group tours to France are ten nights and nine full days !

Contact us to book a tour or request information for 2024 & 2025 tours.

Languedoc Occitanie

Arrive October 6 – Depart October 16

PLACES AVAILABLE!

Travel with us to explore the tiny villages and the contrasting landscape of plains and mountain ranges in this undiscovered region in Southwest France. The blue and gold of the Mediterranean sea and sands, the green of the pines, hills and valleys of the Montagne Noire, yellow sunflower fields, the white snow-capped Pyrenees, and the red and purple vineyards at harvest time. Best of France Travels will ensure you will experience Nine amazing days during our Languedoc Occitanie tour of Southwest France!

Arrive August 31 – Depart September 10

Enjoy the Best of France with an unforgettable tour of the Magnificent French Alps ! This tour includes the town of Annecy, which is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. We will explore the villages, visit castles, taste the regional specialties, and be amazed by the natural wonders in this region. Be enchanted by the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains with tiny villages nestled between, lakeside resorts, ancient castles, and mountain chalets while cruising on the cleanest lake in all of Europe!

Provence & The Riviera

NEW! Provence in Autumn

Arrive November 9 – Depart November 19

Immerse yourself in the culture during 9 full days of luxurious travel in the South of France with Best of France Travels!  September is the perfect season to travel to Provence and the Riviera . The weather is warm and sunny. School is back in session, so it is not crowded with vacationers and tourists! The skies are clear and blue and there are still lots of beautiful flowers. The vineyards are starting to turn autumn colors and the air is fresh. Enjoy 9 days of fun, relaxation, authentic French cuisine, and regional wines in a luxurious setting.

NEW in 2024! Tour Info – Provence in Autumn

JUNE 2025 – Two departures including Northern Brittany extension tour

Join our tour to delightful Brittany & the Golfe du Morbihan! Begin your nine day adventure in Nantes to experience the most beautiful villages and coastal towns in Brittany and sample the regional specialties at the finest restaurants. Enjoy daily excursions to explore the most quintessential Breton villages and towns: Quimper, Locronan, Concarneau, and Pont Aven (Monet and others were inspired to paint this beautiful region). Each town and village is a unique example of this region’s fascinating culture and history.

NEW in 2024! Tour info – Secrets of Brittany extension (4 nights) includes Rennes, Dinan, Vitré and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mont Saint Michel!

Why Choose Best of France Travels for Your Luxury Small Group Tour?

France is our specialty.

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Nine Glorious Days!

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Our Travelers' Appreciation

“The market in Vannes was a high point for me as was Carnac ( so glad I bought that cookie tin of the Breton woman hanging wash between the stones) and the boat trip in the gulf with the island stop. The Belon oysters and lunch at Jacky was really great…I still dream about the fish soup! Quimper was a fabulous stop I loved the pottery and the town too. Point Aven   I just loved it all.” Read More

“Best trip ever! I loved everything we did, every place we went, every place I slept in, ate at, gawked at, walked around and up, and shopped.  When I told you I’d been in hundreds of Italian hill towns but had never seen one as beautiful as Roussillon, I meant it!  And that art cave show in Les Baux will stay with me forever.” Read More

“Your tour through Provence was simply outstanding in every way.  I love the way you mix our activities with plenty of free time to relax and explore on our own.  Our hotel in St. Remy was so beautiful and peaceful.  Their fabulous breakfast really set us up for a great day.  I also loved the option of eating breakfast outside in the beautiful gardens.  I learned so much at the archeological site.  And our tour guide was so charming and knowledgeable.  The magnificent views from the hill towns took my breath away.” Read More

bestoffrancetravels

2025 SCENIC BACKROADS TOURING

Small groups with up to 18 passengers, giving you the local experience of travelling through france at a leisurely pace, staying in boutique accommodation - offering culinary discoveries.

Our 2024 Small Group tours through the backroads of France offer an authentic French experience – stunning sites of historical significance, culinary experiences to titillate the taste buds and wine tasting by the cask-full as you roam the scenic roads and byways of this illustrious country. The small group sizes on our France tours (never bigger than 18) allow each individual to get the most out of their holiday experience.

If a driving holiday is not your thing, these small-group guided tours through the backroads of France are for you. 

Maximum group size 18    ***    culinary discoveries    ***     boutique accommodation authentic local experience    ***     scenic back roads    ***    leisurely paced itinerary..

Note from the tour operator

If you wish to visit a specific site you wish to visit or have a relative who died during the war and is buried or commemorated on the battlefields, please provide their details: full name, service number, battalion, the relationship between relative and person/s travelling on this tour. Whilst on your tour, we want you to have the smoothest journey possible, which requires some mobility conditions: You must be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle regularly and to walk around towns and villages or to attractions. You must be able to walk up and down stairs and use a shower over the bath. Please note that, unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users as we frequently stay in traditional-style hotels, and the majority do not have lifts or ground-floor rooms.

PARIS TO NICE

Through Champagne, Burgundy, the Alps and Provence

Glasses glinting with bubbles and rich red wines; windows that open out on soaring mountains ranges; charming villages and fragrant fields of flowers. Join us on a voyage through quintessential France – and discover the history, cuisine and landscapes that make this beautiful country unique.

• 9 Day / 8 Night Tour
• 18 passengers maximum
• Cost per person from A$4,970 Twin-share

LA BELLE FRANCE

Through Normandy, Brittany and Loire Valley

Step into a land of renowned artists and royal crusaders, hilltop monasteries and valley castles. This tour takes us from France’s dramatic northern shores to château-sprinkled countryside, breaking off to see WWII sites, explore centuries-old villages and sample home-grown delicacies.

• 9 Day / 8 Night tour
• Cost per person from A$4,999 Twin-share

JEWELS OF THE SOUTH WEST

With Lourdes, Biarritz, Albi, Carcassonne and Sarlat

Earthy truffles. Exquisite wines. Take time to savour the finer things in life in South West France. As we seek out Bordeaux’s gastronomic gems and treasured vineyards, we’ll travel over soaring mountains and along the Atlantic coast, and into enchanting castles and otherworldly caves.

• 10 Day / 9 Night tour
• Cost per person from A$4,890 Twin-share

WW1 BATTLEFIELDS

Remembering the Soldiers

This fascinating and moving tour focuses on the major areas of British and Commonwealth involvement across the Western Front – from The Somme to Flanders. Providing guests with a level of flexibility to visit memorials to his (or her) country’s fallen,

• 6 Day / 5 Night Tour starting in Lille
• Cost per person from A$2,100 Twin-share

LONDON TO PARIS VIA THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

St. Malo - Mt. Michel - Cancal - Dark Sky Island

Go from Great British culture to Gallic charm on this trip from London to Paris, immersing yourself in the Channel Islands' natural beauty and fascinating history along the way. Hear about Guernsey's wartime occupation, enter a bygone world on Sark and admire Jersey's landscapes.

• 11 nights in boutique accommodation
• Cost per person from $7,209 Twin-share

PROVENCE AND FRENCH RIVIERA

Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Cannes, Arles, Les Baux

Glamour, picturesque villages and stunning mountain scenery: this tour through the French Riviera and Provence is sure to impress with its diversity and dramatic beauty! Experience the luxury French Riviera, the architecture of Avignon and venture into the mighty Gorges du Verdon.

• 8 Day / 7 Night tour
• Cost per person from $4,290 Twin-share

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The current GC standings at the Tour de France 2024

Tadej Pogačar holds onto the maillot jaune but loses 12 seconds to Remco Evenepoel in stage 7 time trial

• Classifications

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep) laid down a huge marker for as a debut Tour de France contender in the first individual time trial from Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin.

Evenepoel, the reigning time trial world champion, powered through the 25.3 kilometre test setting the quickest time at each check and putting time into race leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates).

By the finish, Evenepoel gained 12 seconds on the race leader and won the stage 7 time trial, but remains in second place overall since Pogačar came into the stage with a 45-second lead on the Belgian.

Pogačar now leads the Tour de France by 33 seconds over Evenepoel.

Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) continued to show a remarkable comeback from his devastating crash in April's Itzulia Basque Country , losing 25 seconds to Pogačar and 37 to Evenepoel but still holding onto hopes of winning a third Tour de France.

Vingegaard remains third overall at 1:15.

Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) seems to be on an upward trajectory, coming third on the stage just 22 seconds behind Pogačar and 34 down on Evenepoel. He benefited from the lacklustre performance of Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) to climb into fourth overall but, having already come into the stage 1:14 down on the race leader, is 1:36 behind after stage 7.

Ayuso did enough to hold onto fifth place overall, 2:16 behind Pogačar, while teammate João Almeida had a strong ride for eighth on the stage, moving up two spots into sixth at 2:17.

Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers) struggled in the test, finishing 1:18 down on the stage and slipping down the Tour de France GC standings to 7th.

Mikel Landa continues to be an important foil for teammate Evenepoel, holding his top 10 overall in eighth despite coming in 2:15 behind Evenepoel in the time trial. His gap to Pogačar sits at 3:35.

Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) climbed two places into ninth with a seventh place on the stage. He's 4:03 behind the yellow jersey while Aleksandr Vlasov (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) rounds out the top 10 at 4:36.

Dropping out of the top 10 were Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) and Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek), who slipped behind Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) into 12th and 13th at more than five minutes behind in the general classification.

The weekend brings more mental stress than physical, with two relatively flat stages but a multitude of small climbs on stage 8 and the gravel stage on Sunday.

Get unlimited access to all of our coverage of the Tour de France - including breaking news and analysis reported by our journalists on the ground from every stage of the race as it happens and more.  Find out more .

Tour de France 2024 GC standings

Results powered by  FirstCycling

Tour de France 2024 classifications

Here's a rundown of all the ongoing competitions at the Tour de France.  Click here for a more comprehensive explainer , including minor competitions such as the intermediate sprints prize and the fighting spirit prize. Speaking of prizes,  click here to find out how much the riders can win during the Tour de France .

Yellow Jersey/Maillot Jaune  – The yellow jersey is worn by the overall race leader on the general classification who has completed the stages so far in the lowest accumulated time.

Green Jersey  – The green jersey is the points classification. Riders accrue points at one of the two intermediate sprints during stages and also at stage finishes, and the man with the most points leads the ranking.

Polka Dot Jersey  – The red and white polka dot jersey is the mountain classification. Points are handed out to the first riders over certain hills and climbs during the Tour de France, with the hardest mountains giving the most points. Once again, the man with the most points leads the ranking.

White jersey  – The white jersey is the best young rider classification. It works the same way as the yellow jersey, but only riders aged 25 or under are eligible to win.

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Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.

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Favorites stage 8 Tour de France 2024 | D-day. At least for a select group of riders

T he day after the time trial, the Tour de France caravan continues with a transition stage between Semur-en-Auxois and Colombey-les-deux-Églises. Not a straightforward sprint stage, but one that features a fair amount of elevation gain. What is the most likely scenario? In this article, IDLProCycling.com analyzes the stage and attempts to find out for you.

Course stage 8 Tour de France 2024

The riders start off in Semur-en-Auxois for a 183.4-kilometer stage that includes 2,400 meters of elevation gain. A substantial amount, so dismissing this as a ‘regular’ bunch sprint stage seems a bit exagerated. The chances of someone like Fabio Jakobsen coming out of this day fresh enough to make something happen at the finish line seem negligible.

Immediately from the start, the road goes slightly uphill for the first two kilometers, followed by a fast pace until we reach the first categorized climb of the day. If no early breakaway has formed by the time the men reach the Cote de Vitteaux (2.0 kilometers at 7.3 percent), it could be a very long day for those who dropped back early.

This is an ideal launching pad for some strong riders to break away, especially since the Cote de Villey-en-Auxois (2.4 kilometers at 5.5 percent) and Cote de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (2.9 kilometers at 6.0 percent) will follow quickly afterwards. After that, the elevation gain stops briefly, but with the intermediate sprint in Lamargelle, there is still something worthwhile on the line.

Assuming the battle for the breakaway is over by then, we can say that the riders can relatively calmly tackle the following climbs in a northern direction. Through the Haute-Marne, the course constantly winds up and down, with only the Cote de Santenoge (1.1 kilometers at 8.1 percent) and Cote de Gley-sur-Aujon (1.2 kilometers at 8.4 percent) being official climbs.

In the pre-final, the terrain flattens slightly as the peloton turns left at Bologne for the last 23 kilometers. There are still two significant hills, but with a final straight of nine kilometers, the finale favors the sprinters. The last kilometer goes slightly uphill, so riders need to save some energy in their legs.

24.1 km: CÔTE DE VITTEAUX (2.0 km at 7.3%)

32.5 km: CÔTE DE VILLY-EN-AUXOIS (2.4 km at 5.5%)

38.8 km: CÔTE DE VERREY-SOUS-SALMAISE (2.9 km at 6.0%)

96.7 km: CÔTE DE SANTENOGE (1.1 km at 8.1%)

122.4 km: CÔTE GIEY-SUR-AUJON (1.2 km at 8.4%)

Start: 1:20 PM

Finish: around 5:30 PM

Weather stage 8 Tour de France 2024

It won’t get any warmer as we head further north in France. On Saturday, the temperature will be around 20 degrees Celsius, with a chance of rain in the afternoon and a strong west wind, adding some expected nervousness. The wind will be head-on in the finale.

Favorites stage 8 Tour de France 2024

We actually secretly love these kinds of stages because they can go many ways. A sprint with the entire peloton? Some will hope for it. Sprint with a reduced group? The most likely scenario. Breakaway? Why not. Late attack? Possible, but with headwinds and a slightly uphill finish, this would be challenging on Saturday.

However, certain teams will have most definitely marked this stage on their calendars. Like Intermarché-Wanty and its green jersey Biniam Girmay , who can help his team secure the maillot vert for a bit longer if he wins here. Arnaud De Lie of Lotto-Dstny is in the same boat: the Belgian champion has long marked this stage as being right up his sleeve in this Tour de France.

Normally, Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek would also be a contender with his strong lead-out, but the Dane crashed hard on Wednesday and still seems to be struggling. Last year, he won a similar finish in Limoges in stage eight, and we know he recovers well from crashes. However, it is not ideal.

Who beat Pedersen back then? Jasper Philipsen , who will certainly be focused on his sense of honor after Thursday’s stage, and Wout van Aert , the man who was hindered by Jasper in the last sprint. In different scenarios, we again see the Alpecin-Deceuninck and Visma | Lease a Bike men stepping up, knowing that they also have Mathieu van der Poel and Christophe Laporte in their respective ranks.

For pure sprinters like Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla), Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious), Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R), Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X), Fernando Gaviria (Movistar), Pascal Ackermann (Israel-Premier Tech) and Arnaud Démare (Arkéa - B&B Hotels), this stage is on the limit: more so for some than others. We can almost certainly rule out Mark Cavendish (Astana) and Fabio Jakobsen (dsm-firmenich PostNL).

Stronger sprinters like Bryan Coquard (Cofidis), Luca Mozzato, Amaury Capiot (Arkéa - B&B Hotels) and Marijn van den Berg (EF) are probably really hoping for success in this stage, while riders like Alex Aranburu (Movistar), Magnus Cort (Uno-X) and Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla) came to this Tour de France specifically for these types of stages. If it really comes down to a sprint between the stronger men, you can’t even exclude Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic.

Stage eight is a typical transition stage, so we should also consider the early breakaway. We note Alberto Bettiol (EF), Oier Lazkano (Movistar), Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Victorious), French champion Paul Lapeira (Decathlon AG2R), Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ) and – why not? – Frank van den Broek (dsm-firmenich PostNL) as possible options.

Favorites stage 8 Tour de France 2024, according to IDLProCycling.com

Top favorites: Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) and Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Dstny)

Outsiders: Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike), Mathieu van der Poel, Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek)

Long shots : Dylan Groenewegen, Michael Matthews (Jayco AlUla), Marijn van den Berg (EF Education-EasyPost), Bryan Coquard (Cofidis), Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Victorious), Paul Lapeira (Decathlon AG2R), Alex Aranburu (Movistar) and Magnus Cort (Uno-X)

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2024 tour de france: teams, how it works, points, prize money, rules.

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• Ricky Podgorski

The Tour de France returns in all of its glory on Saturday, June 29, with no shortage of major storylines going into cycling’s most prestigious race. Can Jonas Vingegaard, winner in back-to-back years, become history’s ninth cyclist to win at least three Tour de France races? His primary competition, Tadej Pogačar, aims for the same feat and the yellow jersey after finishing second in 2022 and 2023. Elsewhere, Primož Roglič seeks the elusive Tour de France victory that has eluded him.

Before cyclists embark on their massive trek, get up to speed with everything you need to know for the 111th Tour de France, which is streaming on Peacock on NBC.

How does the 2024 Tour de France work?

This year’s Tour de France is unique for several reasons. It will begin in Florence, Italy, for the first time in the event’s history. This starting point honors the 100-year mark since an Italian won the Tour de France, achieved by Ottavio Bottecchia in 1924. With the Paris Olympics starting in late July, 2024 features the first-ever Tour de France that won’t conclude in France’s capital city. Instead, it will finish in Nice, France. Riders will complete 21 stages across three weeks, starting in Florence, Italy on Saturday, June 29, and ending on Sunday, July 21. The entire Tour De France will cover a total distance of 3,492 km (2,170 miles), with riders competing in one stage per day and receiving one rest day at the end of each week.

How to watch every stage of the 2024 Tour de France: Stages, schedule, start times, live stream info

Who is riding in the Tour de France 2024?

The favorite to win the 2024 Tour de France is Tadej Pogačar , a member of the UAE Team Emirates . At 25 years old, he already has two Tour de France wins (2020, 2021) and one Giro d’Italia victory (2024). After dominating the Giro d’Italia in May, the phenom aims to become the first cyclist since 1998 (Marco Pantani) to win both the Giro and the Tour de France in the same year. Already considered one of the greatest talents cycling has ever seen, the Slovenian has won four out of five events he’s raced in this year, finishing third in his only non-victory. He’s finished second place in the last two editions of the Tour de France.

Pogačar will look to defeat two-time defending Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard of Team Visma-Lease a Bike, another popular pick to win this year. The 27-year-old has bested Pogačar the last two years, but the Tour de France will mark his return to racing since a severe crash at the Tour of the Basque Country in April, where he broke his collarbone and ribs, suffering a collapsed lung in the process.

Another intriguing challenger is Tour veteran Primož Roglič of Team Bora-hansgrohe, who seeks his first Tour de France victory in what will be his sixth appearance. At 34 years old and well into his illustrious career, it remains the major title he has yet to win, having already secured victories across the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Monuments, and Olympic Games.

How many teams are in the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is made up of 22 pro cycling teams with eight riders each, amounting to 176 total competitors.

How do teams work in the Tour de France?

Each team has one rider who is their main contender, commonly referred to as the team’s leader. Teams may have several leaders throughout the race, determined by each group’s individual race strategy. Other members of the team are known as domestiques . These key figures support their team’s leader in the race by shielding them from wind and other cyclists, bringing them water, and even offering to switch bikes in the event of mechanical failure. Team members typically take turns acting in these support roles.

RELATED: 2024 Tour de France cyclists to watch: Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogacar lead the pack

Who are recent Tour de France winners?

2023: Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark) 2022: Jonas Vingegaard (Denmark) 2021: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) 2020: Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) 2019: Egan Bernal (Colombia) 2018: Geraint Thomas (United Kingdom, Wales) 2017: Chris Froome (United Kingdom) 2016: Chris Froome (United Kingdom) 2015: Chris Froome (United Kingdom) 2014: Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) 2013: Chris Froome (United Kingdom) 2012: Bradley Wiggins (United Kingdom) 2011: Cadel Evans (Australia) 2010: Andy Schleck (Luxembourg) Alberto Contador was initial winner, but was stripped of victory in 2012 after he was found guilty of doping

How many points do you get for winning a stage in the Tour de France?

Points are awarded throughout and at the end of each stage, differing based on the type of stage. Here’s the point distribution for first-place finishers across stages (Individual time trial and intermediate sprint winners are also awarded 20 points each):

Flat stage finishes: 50 points Hilly and medium mountain stage finishes: 30 points High mountain finishes: 20 points

How do they determine the winner of the Tour de France?

The rider with the shortest overall combined time from every stage is declared the winner. This year’s race will feature an individual time trial from Monaco to Nice as the final stage. Though there is only one overall winner, there are three other individual awards granted to cyclists for various accomplishments. Throughout the race, the leaders in each category wear specific jerseys to differentiate them from the rest.

The coveted yellow jersey is for the rider with the fastest overall time at the end of each stage; the race leader. A green jersey, also known as the points jersey, is awarded to the fastest sprinter. Riders collect points for finishing stages quickly, winning sprint sections, and performing well in mountain sections. A white jersey with red polka dots, also known as the “King of the Mountains,” is awarded to the best climber. Mountain points are distributed based on the difficulty of individual climbing sections throughout various mountain stages. Lastly, a white jersey is awarded to the best young rider, the highest-ranked cyclist under the age of 26. Winning just one Tour de France stage is considered a huge victory for most cyclists.

How much money do you get for winning the Tour de France?

The overall winner of the Tour de France will receive €500,000, equivalent to $533,915. Second place earns €200,000 ($213,566), with third place getting $100,000 ($107,062). Each stage win is worth €11,000, equivalent to $11,746. The rider with the most sprint points at the race’s conclusion walks away with €25,000 ($26,765) as the green jersey winner.

Is there a team prize in the Tour de France?

Yes, there is a team prize in the Tour de France. The top five teams at the end of the race receive cash prizes, which are then calculated by adding the cumulative times of each team’s three fastest finishers from the stage. The winning team receives €2,800 in prize money ($3,001). Team earnings are often split among the team instead of just one rider.

How is the Tour de France time cut calculated?

The Tour de France’s time cut is a Grand Tours ruling that ensures riders don’t reduce their workloads in certain stages to conserve energy for later stages. Time cuts in stages are determined by two factors, primarily the stage’s difficulty and the winning rider’s average speed. Every stage in the Tour de France is given a difficulty coefficient, numbered one to six. For example, a stage where minimal climbing is involved may be granted a one or a two, but a stage with high climbs through mountains may be granted a higher difficulty coefficient, like five or six. If the stage maintains a fast pace, time cuts will be more forgiving. If races produce a slower pace, the time cut will be harsher.

What is the name of the British team in the Tour de France?

The INEOS Grenadiers are Great Britain’s professional cycling team that competes at the UCI World team level. The team is based out of Manchester, England with a base in Deinze, Belgium. Previously known as Team Sky, the name changed to Team INEOS and then the INEOS Grenadiers in 2019, when INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe became sole owners. This year’s 11 British riders throughout the field are the most ever in Tour de France history.

What are the stages of the Tour de France 2024?

Saturday, June 29: Stage 1 , Florence - Rimini (206 km) Sunday, June 30: Stage 2 , Cesenatico - Bologne (199.2 km) Monday, July 1: Stage 3 , Plaisance - Turin (230.8 km) Tuesday, July 2: Stage 4 , Pinerolo - Valloire (139.6 km) Wednesday, July 3: Stage 5 , Sant-Jean-de-Maurienne - Saint-Vulbas (177.4 km) Thursday, July 4: Stage 6 , Mâcon - Dijon (163.5 km) Friday, July 5: Stage 7 , Nuits-Saint-Georges - Gevrey-Chambertin (25.3 km, individual time trial) Saturday, July 6: Stage 8 , Semur-En-Auxois > Colombey-les-Deux-Églises (183.4 km) Sunday, July 7: Stage 9 , Troyes - Troyes (199 km) Monday, July 8: Rest Day Tuesday, July 9: Stage 10 , Orléans - Saint-Amand-Montrond (187.3 km) Wednesday, July 10: Stage 11 , Évaus-les-Bains - Le Lioran (211 km) Thursday, July 11: Stage 12 , Aurillac - Villeneuve-sur-Lot (203.6 km) Friday, July 12: Stage 13 , Agen - Pau (165.3 km) Saturday, July 13: Stage 14 , Pau - Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet (151.9 km) Sunday, July 14: Stage 15 , Loudenvielle - Plateau de Beille (198 km) Monday, July 15: Rest Day Tuesday, July 16: Stage 16 , Gruissan - Nîmes (188.6 km) Wednesday, July 17: Stage 17 , Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux - Superdévoluy (177.8 km) Thursday, July 18: Stage 18 , Gap - Barcelonnette (179.5 km) Friday, July 19: Stage 19 , Embrun - Isola 2000 (144.6 km) Saturday, July 20: Stage 20 , Nice - Col de la Couillole (132.8 km) Sunday, July 21: Stage 21 , Monaco - Nice (33.7 km, individual time trial)

Who is the only American to win the Tour de France?

The legendary Greg LeMond is the only American man to win the Tour de France, capturing victories in 1986, 1989, and 1990. In the process, he became the first non-European professional cyclist to win the historic race.

What happens if you have to go to the bathroom during the Tour de France?

Cyclists can stop on the side of the road if they must use the bathroom during the Tour de France. However, they must be out of view of spectators to avoid getting fined. Riders often will take collective breaks as a group to individually go to the bathroom.

Do riders sleep during the Tour de France?

Yes! Tour de France competitors do indeed get rest. The race is three weeks long and athletes are exercising intensely, so sleep is necessary. Cyclists typically sleep in hotel rooms that vary in accommodations and location.

What are the Tour de France rules?

There are many rules within the Tour de France, among them include:

• All riders must wear their team’s official outfit: shorts, jersey, socks, shoes, gloves, and a helmet to begin the race (aside from special jerseys).
• Other classifications can be identified by a rider’s uniform or race number, including colored or special numbers for the highest-ranked individual rider on each team, the most aggressive rider as determined by a jury, and stage winners.
• If a cyclist wins a stage or is one of the first three finishers, seconds are subtracted from their overall time as a bonus. First place subtracts ten seconds, then six and four for second and third. At various critical points like passes and summits, the first three riders can also receive time premiums of eight, five, and two seconds.
• There is a time cut calculated depending on the type of stage using the time of the winner. In most cases, riders will be eliminated from the race if they do not finish under the time cut. There are cases where a rider will finish after the time cut and still be allowed to start the next day, but they lose all of the points they had accumulated to that point.
• Various cyclists are drug tested at every stage, with over 180 drug tests distributed throughout the race.

Other specific rules for the Tour de France include:

• No littering
• Cyclists cannot push off cars, motorcycles or other riders
• Team cars called caravans may follow riders, but must maintain a distance of at least 25 meters.
• Spraying liquid, like water used for cooling purposes, from team cars is prohibited.
• Teams cannot help eachother.
• Riders may only eat in designated areas.
• No indecent behavior towards spectators.

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Tour de France

Tour de France 2024

Tour de France 2024 race news, previews, results, tour map, race tech, analysis, and photos. Follow for breaking on twitter , instagram , or facebook .

Dates: June 29 - July 21 Stages:  21 Rest days: 2 Start:  Florence, Italy Finish:  Nice, France

The 2024 Tour de France will take place June 29 - July 21. The 111th edition of the race starts in Florence, Italy, before crossing back into France for stage 4. In total there are 21 days of racing and two rest-days. The final stage ends in Nice, a highly unusual finish outside of Paris due to the Olympic Games.

Latest Tour de France News

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French rider Julien Bernard receives 200CHF fine for show of affection during the middle of Friday's time trial stage at the Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/need-keep-eye-remco-pogacar-changes-tour-focus/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘I Need to Keep An Eye On Remco’: Tadej Pogačar Switches Tour de France Focus"}}' > ‘I Need to Keep An Eye On Remco’: Tadej Pogačar Switches Tour de France Focus

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Stage 7 results and the general classification, points, KOM, young rider, and team classification of the 2024 Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-7-report-and-results/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 7: Evenepoel Tears to TT Victory, Slashes Gap to Pogačar in ‘Big 4’ Showdown"}}' > Tour de France Stage 7: Evenepoel Tears to TT Victory, Slashes Gap to Pogačar in ‘Big 4’ Showdown

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>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/workout-of-the-week-pogacars-devastating-long-attacks-at-the-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Workout of the Week: Pogačar’s Devastating Long Attacks at the Tour de France"}}' > Workout of the Week: Pogačar’s Devastating Long Attacks at the Tour de France

Tadej Pogačar is able to attack for more than a minute, putting his rivals into the red and worse. Here's how to train like him.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/did-the-batman-glasses-deliver-dylan-groenewegen-the-tour-de-france-winning-edge-maybe-it-was-just-enough/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Did the ‘Batman’ Glasses Deliver Dylan Groenewegen the Tour de France Winning Edge? ‘Maybe it was Just Enough’"}}' > Did the ‘Batman’ Glasses Deliver Dylan Groenewegen the Tour de France Winning Edge? ‘Maybe it was Just Enough’

The UCI momentarily banned aero-designed 'Batman' glasses until Groenewegen put them up for sale in his bike shop: 'Maybe it was the difference today.'

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/clash-of-the-time-trial-titans-evenepoel-pogacar-dreams/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Clash of the Tour de France TT Titans: Will Evenepoel Topple Pogačar Against the Clock?"}}' > Clash of the Tour de France TT Titans: Will Evenepoel Topple Pogačar Against the Clock?

‘There will be five seconds between Evenepoel and Pogačar’: contenders and their teams talk confidence, homework and tech marginal gains ahead of 25km time trial.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/wout-van-aert-calls-out-jasper-philipsen-after-relegation-in-bunch-sprint-thats-a-bad-habit-of-his/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘That’s a Bad Habit of His’: Wout van Aert Calls Out Jasper Philipsen After Relegation in Messy Tour de France Sprint"}}' > ‘That’s a Bad Habit of His’: Wout van Aert Calls Out Jasper Philipsen After Relegation in Messy Tour de France Sprint

Pedersen peeved at 'most aggressive' prize as green jersey battle heats up: 'I would prefer to shower and get the bandage off.'

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-6-results-highlights-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 6 Results: Photo Finish Sprint!"}}' > Tour de France Stage 6 Results: Photo Finish Sprint!

Stage 6 results and the general classification, points, KOM, young rider, and team classification of the 2024 Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-6-report-and-results/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 6: Groenewegen Nips Photo Finish, Philipsen Relegated After Blocking Van Aert"}}' > Tour de France Stage 6: Groenewegen Nips Photo Finish, Philipsen Relegated After Blocking Van Aert

Race leader Pogačar cruises home safe after being pressured in cross winds, Philipsen relegated after crossing line second behind Groenewegen.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/trading-hot-dogs-for-rice-cakes-american-cyclists-chasing-their-tour-de-france-dreams-on-the-4th-of-july/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Trading Hot Dogs for Rice Cakes: American Cyclists Chasing Their Tour de France Dreams on the 4th of July"}}' > Trading Hot Dogs for Rice Cakes: American Cyclists Chasing Their Tour de France Dreams on the 4th of July

Jorgenson, Powless, and Quinn give up barbecues and picnics to follow their racing dreams: 'Maybe I'd rather be at a lake with my friends, but I am living my dream.'

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/jacques-delaye-the-designer-who-brought-cool-to-the-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Jacques Delaye: The Designer Who Brought Cool to the Tour de France"}}' > Jacques Delaye: The Designer Who Brought Cool to the Tour de France

French artist invented some of the most fantastic vehicles ever seen in the Tour publicity caravan.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-bike-check-tadej-pogacar-rides-a-colnago-v4rs-with-lust-worthy-details/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Bike Check: Tadej Pogačar Rides a Colnago V4Rs with Lust-Worthy Details"}}' > Tour de France Bike Check: Tadej Pogačar Rides a Colnago V4Rs with Lust-Worthy Details

This Colnago V4Rs is a Tour de France bike that obsesses over the details. It's not just an off-the-shelf range-topper for the Tour's yellow jersey.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/witnessing-history-with-mark-cavendish-inner-circle/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘If you Say Mark Cavendish Can’t, He Probably Will’: Witnessing History with Cavendish’s Inner Circle"}}' > ‘If you Say Mark Cavendish Can’t, He Probably Will’: Witnessing History with Cavendish’s Inner Circle

All the emotions, euphoria and reflections as Astana-Qazaqstan teammates and Cavendish confidants react to a fairytale 35th stage win.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/high-speed-bunny-hop-in-tour-de-france-sprint-saves-mads-pedersen-from-severe-injury/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "High-Speed Bunny-Hop in Tour de France Sprint Saves Mads Pedersen from Severe Injury"}}' > High-Speed Bunny-Hop in Tour de France Sprint Saves Mads Pedersen from Severe Injury

Alex Zingle's fast-twitch muscle reaction saved Pedersen — and himself — from perhaps more serious injury: 'I was coming too fast to brake.'

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/gallery-every-single-mark-cavendish-tour-de-france-stage-win/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Gallery: Every Single Mark Cavendish Tour de France Stage Win"}}' > Gallery: Every Single Mark Cavendish Tour de France Stage Win

Cavendish's career has spanned decades. Here's a look at every single one of his record 35 Tour de France stage wins.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/argy-bargy-improvisation-and-instinct-nothing-routine-about-mark-cavendishs-tour-de-france-masterpiece/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Argy-bargy, Improvisation, and Instinct: Nothing Routine about Mark Cavendish’s Tour de France Masterpiece"}}' > Argy-bargy, Improvisation, and Instinct: Nothing Routine about Mark Cavendish’s Tour de France Masterpiece

'Sometimes you have to use your head': The 5 key moments where Cavendish used all his tradecraft and acumen to deliver a stunning win for his history-making sprint.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/video-the-bike-mark-cavendish-used-to-set-the-tour-de-france-stage-win-record/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Video: The Bike Mark Cavendish Used to Set the Tour de France Stage Win Record"}}' > Video: The Bike Mark Cavendish Used to Set the Tour de France Stage Win Record

Wilier put together a special bike for Mark Cavendish's pursuit of a record setting 35th Tour de France stage win.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-5-results-highlights-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 5 Results and Highlights: Cavendish Sets All-Time Stage Win Record"}}' > Tour de France Stage 5 Results and Highlights: Cavendish Sets All-Time Stage Win Record

Stage 5 results and the general classification, points, KOM, young rider, and team classification of the 2024 Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/mark-cavendish-sets-all-time-tour-de-france-record-of-35-stage-wins/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 5: Mark Cavendish Sets All-Time Record With 35 Stage Wins"}}' > Tour de France Stage 5: Mark Cavendish Sets All-Time Record With 35 Stage Wins

Manxman achieves long-targeted goal, moving past Eddy Merckx with blistering sprint finish.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/race-leader-tadej-pogacar-dodges-possible-disaster-in-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "What a Save! Tadej Pogačar Avoids Possible Disaster in Tour de France"}}' > What a Save! Tadej Pogačar Avoids Possible Disaster in Tour de France

Lightning-quick reflexes and strong bike handling skills save race leader, but others go down.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/whats-up-with-primoz-roglic-red-bull-captain-dodges-bullet-on-the-galibier-im-still-here/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "What’s Up with Primož Roglič? Red Bull Captain Dodges Bullet on the Galibier: ‘I’m Still Here’"}}' > What’s Up with Primož Roglič? Red Bull Captain Dodges Bullet on the Galibier: ‘I’m Still Here’

Roglič limits losses in explosive opener. That's all that matters in this Tour de France full of questions and uncertainties among all the major favorites.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/you-want-to-make-everything-count-renewed-sam-bennett-racing-the-clock-at-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘You Want to Make Everything Count’: Renewed Sam Bennett Racing the Clock at Tour de France"}}' > ‘You Want to Make Everything Count’: Renewed Sam Bennett Racing the Clock at Tour de France

‘My sprint is still good enough to win’: 33-year-old speedster returns to the Tour wiser, stronger, and chasing his 2020 prowess.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-not-over-pogacar-still-has-a-three-week-problem/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘It’s a Very Long Way to Nice’: Tadej Pogačar Still Has a Three Week Tour de France to Solve"}}' > ‘It’s a Very Long Way to Nice’: Tadej Pogačar Still Has a Three Week Tour de France to Solve

Pogačar and UAE Emirates ruled the Galibier, but third-week individual strength will determine the true king of Le Tour.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/visma-lease-a-bike-missing-sepp-kuss/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘We Don’t Have a Climber Like Sepp Kuss’: Visma-Lease a Bike Missing Its Kryptonite at Tour de France"}}' > ‘We Don’t Have a Climber Like Sepp Kuss’: Visma-Lease a Bike Missing Its Kryptonite at Tour de France

Vingegaard right-hand man Jorgenson rues his 'bad day’ as team plan to minimise Pogačar explosivity on Galibier falls flat.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/big-names-who-lost-time-tour-de-france-stage-4-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "On the Back Foot: The Big Names Who Lost Time on Tour de France Stage 4"}}' > On the Back Foot: The Big Names Who Lost Time on Tour de France Stage 4

Tadej Pogačar and UAE Team hammers several big GC rivals on Tour de France's first big mountain stage.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/uae-so-strong-its-attacking-entire-teams-not-just-rivals-now-we-are-comfortable-in-yellow/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Pogačar’s UAE Is So Strong It’s Attacking Entire Teams, Not Just Rivals at Tour de France"}}' > Pogačar’s UAE Is So Strong It’s Attacking Entire Teams, Not Just Rivals at Tour de France

UAE is leaving nothing to chance as Pogačar takes control of the Tour de France: 'It was important to see the level of each team.'

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/jonas-vingegaard-my-time-will-come/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Jonas Vingegaard: ‘My Time Will Come’ in This Tour de France"}}' > Jonas Vingegaard: ‘My Time Will Come’ in This Tour de France

Vingegaard exceeds his own expectations, but lacks 'last bit of confidence' on descents, says Visma-Lease a Bike coach Niermann.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/i-tried-to-follow-but-pogacar-is-above-my-level-remco-evenepoel-stands-tall-in-early-gc-test/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘I Tried to Follow but Pogačar Is Above my Level’: Remco Evenepoel Stands Tall in Early GC Test"}}' > ‘I Tried to Follow but Pogačar Is Above my Level’: Remco Evenepoel Stands Tall in Early GC Test

The Belgian star survives the first major mountain test of the 2024 Tour and eyes a strong time trial Friday to fuel his podium dreams: 'I'm getting better.'

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-4-results-highlights-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 4 Results"}}' > Tour de France Stage 4 Results

The first big GC test of the 2024 Tour de France delivered fireworks.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-4-report-and-results/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 4: Pogačar Powers into Yellow with Sledgehammer Galibier Attack"}}' > Tour de France Stage 4: Pogačar Powers into Yellow with Sledgehammer Galibier Attack

'I wanted to hit hard today': Pogačar uncorks monster attack to drop Vingegaard, Carapaz and the GC 'bigs', moves 45 seconds clear in the classification battle.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-tales-girmays-journey-to-stardom/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage Winner Biniam Girmay’s Long Journey to Stardom"}}' > Tour de France Stage Winner Biniam Girmay’s Long Journey to Stardom

How a kid from one of the world’s least developed nations conquered the Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tom-pidcock-is-the-ultimate-tour-de-france-wild-card-we-will-keep-him-in-the-gc/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tom Pidcock is the Ultimate Tour de France Wild Card"}}' > Tom Pidcock is the Ultimate Tour de France Wild Card

Ineos Grenadiers is committed to protecting Carlos Rodríguez and Egan Bernal across this Tour de France, but Pidcock could play a decisive GC 'joker' role.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-bike-check-geraint-thomas-adds-a-3d-printed-garmin-mount-to-his-pinarello-dogma-f/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Bike Check: Geraint Thomas Adds a 3D Printed Garmin Mount to His Pinarello Dogma F"}}' > Tour de France Bike Check: Geraint Thomas Adds a 3D Printed Garmin Mount to His Pinarello Dogma F

It almost looks like we’ve seen this bike before but the new Pinarello Dogma F has some subtle design updates for the Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-power-analysis-the-leg-busting-watts-of-the-opening-weekend/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Power Analysis: The Leg-Busting Watts of the Opening Weekend"}}' > Tour de France Power Analysis: The Leg-Busting Watts of the Opening Weekend

We dive into the power numbers of Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Frank van den Broek at the Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/the-giro-ditalia-tour-de-france-double-and-the-triple-crown/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "The Giro d’Italia-Tour de France Double—and the Triple Crown?"}}' > The Giro d’Italia-Tour de France Double—and the Triple Crown?

If Tadej Pogačar wins this race, he will join a small and elite group of riders in completing the Giro-Tour double. But if he goes on to win the world championship too, he would become only the third rider ever to do that.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/every-tire-teams-using-tour-de-france-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tech Check: Every Tire Used in the 2024 Tour de France"}}' > Tech Check: Every Tire Used in the 2024 Tour de France

Tubes, tubeless, and all kinds of width: All of the nerdy details you ever wanted about what tires teams are riding in the Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/efs-tour-de-france-yellow-jersey-surprise-it-was-touch-or-go-that-we-were-going-to-bring-carapaz/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "EF’s Tour de France Yellow Jersey Surprise: ‘It Was Touch or Go That We Were Going to Bring Carapaz’"}}' > EF’s Tour de France Yellow Jersey Surprise: ‘It Was Touch or Go That We Were Going to Bring Carapaz’

No one dreamed that Carapaz could put the American squad into yellow so soon: 'That's the crazy nature of our sport.'

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/results-highlihgts-tour-de-france-stage-3-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 3 Results and Highlights"}}' > Tour de France Stage 3 Results and Highlights

Stage 3 results and the general classification, points, KOM, young rider, and team classification of the 2024 Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/real-carnage-hottest-hardest-hectic-grand-depart/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Hottest, Hardest, Most Hectic Tour de France Start Ever? ‘It Was Real Carnage’"}}' > Hottest, Hardest, Most Hectic Tour de France Start Ever? ‘It Was Real Carnage’

Soudal-Quick Step DS calls for more fan 'discipline' as peloton reacts to hot, harrowing, history-making Italian stages.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tales-of-the-unexpected-how-italys-tour-champions-overcame-the-odds/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tales of the Unexpected: How Italy’s Tour Champions Overcame the Odds "}}' > Tales of the Unexpected: How Italy’s Tour Champions Overcame the Odds 

In this second “Tales of the Unexpected,” John Wilcockson tells the startling stories of Italy’s Tour de France winners, including the three being honored at this year’s opening stages.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-3-results-and-report/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 3: Cavendish Caught Behind Crash as Girmay Blows Away Sprint Favorites"}}' > Tour de France Stage 3: Cavendish Caught Behind Crash as Girmay Blows Away Sprint Favorites

Eritrean star becomes first Black African to win a Tour stage, Carapaz moves into yellow on countback as GC favorites finish safe.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/can-mark-cavendish-do-it-rivals-and-experts-weigh-in-on-tour-de-france-record-chances/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Can Mark Cavendish Do It? Rivals and Experts Weigh in on Tour de France Record Chances"}}' > Can Mark Cavendish Do It? Rivals and Experts Weigh in on Tour de France Record Chances

The first of eight predicted sprint opportunities beckon, putting the spotlight on an unprecedented 35th stage victory.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/groenewegen-rocks-aero-beak-glasses-at-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "And You Thought TT Helmets Were Weird: Groenewegen Rocks ‘Aero Beak’ Glasses at Tour de France"}}' > And You Thought TT Helmets Were Weird: Groenewegen Rocks ‘Aero Beak’ Glasses at Tour de France

Dylan Groenwegen uses Scicon sunglasses with plastic aerodynamic nosepiece for first Tour de France bunch sprint Monday: 'Every little thing adds up'

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/matteo-jorgenson-crash-scare/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘It Was Bad Luck’: Matteo Jorgenson Brushes Off Tour de France Crash Scare"}}' > ‘It Was Bad Luck’: Matteo Jorgenson Brushes Off Tour de France Crash Scare

Visma-Lease a Bike star escapes pothole fall with abrasions; believes confident team can look to win their third Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/all-the-unreleased-tech-weve-found-at-the-2024-tour-de-france-so-far/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "All the Unreleased Tech We’ve Found at the 2024 Tour de France (So Far)"}}' > All the Unreleased Tech We’ve Found at the 2024 Tour de France (So Far)

A new Van Rysel aero road bike, new saddles from Specialized and Cadex, a new Poc helmet, wheels from Black Inc, and more found at the Tour de France 2024.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-3-the-first-chance-for-the-sprinters/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 3 Preview: The First Chance for the Sprinters"}}' > Tour de France Stage 3 Preview: The First Chance for the Sprinters

Your guide to stage 3 of the 2024 Tour de France. The sprinters should get their opportunity on this stage.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/i-didnt-have-the-legs-primoz-roglic-yields-time-at-tour-de-france-remco-evenepoel-storms-back/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘I Didn’t Have the Legs’: Primož Roglič Yields Time at Tour de France, Remco Evenepoel Storms Back"}}' > ‘I Didn’t Have the Legs’: Primož Roglič Yields Time at Tour de France, Remco Evenepoel Storms Back

Tour debutant Evenepoel makes big recovery to move up to second overall behind Pogačar.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/that-went-way-better-than-expected-vingegaard-more-surprised-by-anyone-by-tour-de-france-revival/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘That Went Way Better Than Expected’: Vingegaard More Surprised Than Anyone by Tour de France Revival"}}' > ‘That Went Way Better Than Expected’: Vingegaard More Surprised Than Anyone by Tour de France Revival

Dane believes he is almost back to his best after going toe-to-toe with Pogačar into Bologna.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/visma-has-been-bluffing-tadej-pogacar-tests-his-tour-de-france-rivals-and-only-vingegaard-can-answer/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘Visma Has Been Bluffing’: Tadej Pogačar Tests His Tour de France Rivals and Only Vingegaard Can Answer"}}' > ‘Visma Has Been Bluffing’: Tadej Pogačar Tests His Tour de France Rivals and Only Vingegaard Can Answer

'Today we wanted to test the rivals': Sunday's first punch wasn't the knockout blow that some were expecting, but Pogačar is one step closer to the Giro-Tour double.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/results-highlights-tour-de-france-stage-2-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Results: Tour de France Stage 2"}}' > Results: Tour de France Stage 2

French riders continue their incredible start to the 2024 Tour de France, while the GC gets its first battle.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-2-report-and-results/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 2: Pogačar Into Yellow After Scuffle with Vingegaard, Vauquelin Surges to Solo Win"}}' > Tour de France Stage 2: Pogačar Into Yellow After Scuffle with Vingegaard, Vauquelin Surges to Solo Win

Roglič, Jorgenson, Ayuso, Bardet lose 21 seconds in breathless final through Bologna in mouthwatering taste of GC battles to come.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/wheres-quinn-simmons-why-one-of-americas-top-stars-missed-the-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Where’s Quinn Simmons? Why One of America’s Top Stars Missed the Tour de France"}}' > Where’s Quinn Simmons? Why One of America’s Top Stars Missed the Tour de France

Former US champion hasn't raced since Strade Bianche. Lidl-Trek officials tell Velo 'there is light at the end of the tunnel' for a Simmons comeback this summer.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/seven-rookies-who-will-light-up-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "7 Rookies Who Will Light Up the Tour De France"}}' > 7 Rookies Who Will Light Up the Tour De France

From a Belgian 'Bull' to a French featherweight: Our pick of the fearless, fast debutants gunning to impress on the route between Florence and Nice.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/visma-lease-a-bike-data-van-blocked-from-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Visma-Lease a Bike Data Van Officially Blocked from Tour de France"}}' > Visma-Lease a Bike Data Van Officially Blocked from Tour de France

Race organizers deny Vingegaard's team accreditation for a teched-out data center launched specifically for Le Tour.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-bike-check-richard-carapazs-gold-cannondale-supersix-evo-lab71/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Bike Check: Richard Carapaz’s Gold Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71"}}' > Tour de France Bike Check: Richard Carapaz’s Gold Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71

Carapaz forgoes the typical EF Pro Cycling team paintwork for a gold Cannondale SuperSix EVO LAB71 design to celebrate his Olympic medal.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/north-americans-in-the-2024-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "North Americans in the 2024 Tour de France"}}' > North Americans in the 2024 Tour de France

What the US, Canada, and Mexico might lack in numbers, they've certainly compensated with quality.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-2-a-day-for-the-puncheurs/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 2 Preview: A Day for the Puncheurs"}}' > Tour de France Stage 2 Preview: A Day for the Puncheurs

Echoes of the Ardennes Classics will please the climbers, and should result in a dramatic finale to the Tour's second stage.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/mark-cavendish-survives-torment-seeing-stars/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Mark Cavendish Survives Day of Tour de France Torment: ‘I was Seeing Stars’"}}' > Mark Cavendish Survives Day of Tour de France Torment: ‘I was Seeing Stars’

Record-chasing sprinter is 'not sick'; endures vomiting and seven vile Italian climbs to live to fight another day.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/no-one-wants-to-see-jonas-grow-stronger-rivals-aim-to-crush-vingegaards-tour-de-france-chances-early/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘No One Wants to See Jonas Grow Stronger’: Rivals Aim to Crush Vingegaard’s Tour de France Chances Early"}}' > ‘No One Wants to See Jonas Grow Stronger’: Rivals Aim to Crush Vingegaard’s Tour de France Chances Early

'We expect UAE to drop the hammer every day': UAE, Red Bull turn screws in Tour opener to apply pressure on Jonas Vingegaard.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/i-rode-as-if-it-wasnt-the-tour-de-france-romain-bardet-achieves-career-dream-with-peloton-defying-attack/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "‘I Rode as If It Wasn’t the Tour de France’: Romain Bardet Achieves Career Dream with Peloton-Defying Attack"}}' > ‘I Rode as If It Wasn’t the Tour de France’: Romain Bardet Achieves Career Dream with Peloton-Defying Attack

Popular Frenchman shrugs off pressure to win stage 1, finally achieving goal of taking yellow jersey.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/unreleased-tires-from-vittoria-and-continental-tour-de-france-2024/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Unreleased Tires from Vittoria and Continental Break Cover at Tour de France 2024"}}' > Unreleased Tires from Vittoria and Continental Break Cover at Tour de France 2024

Watch out, the aero gains are coming for your road bike tires now!

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/results-highlights-tour-de-france-stage-1/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Results and Highlights: Tour de France Stage 1"}}' > Results and Highlights: Tour de France Stage 1

A hot day in Tuscany saw many teams ripping up their game plan to just survive the day, while Romain Bardet and DSM stole the show.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-1-results-report/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 1: Romain Bardet Defies the Bunch for First Yellow Jersey in Nailbiter Final"}}' > Tour de France Stage 1: Romain Bardet Defies the Bunch for First Yellow Jersey in Nailbiter Final

Pogačar, Vingegaard, Roglič, Evenepoel finish in the bunch behind DSM-Firmenich PostNL breakaway duo; Cavendish sick on bike, suffers all day.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/mark-cavendish-sick-on-bike-dropped-at-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Mark Cavendish Sick on Bike, Finishes 40′ Back in Tour de France Opener"}}' > Mark Cavendish Sick on Bike, Finishes 40′ Back in Tour de France Opener

Cavendish suffers in extreme heat, dangles off the back of the peloton in opening day of his quest to win a 35th Tour de France stage.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/sean-kelly-it-would-be-one-of-the-best-recoveries-of-all-time-if-vingegaard-wins-the-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Sean Kelly: ‘It Would Be One of the Best Recoveries of All Time if Vingegaard Wins the Tour de France’"}}' > Sean Kelly: ‘It Would Be One of the Best Recoveries of All Time if Vingegaard Wins the Tour de France’

Cycling analyst says Danish rider’s injuries were far more severe than those of Pogačar in 2023.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-stage-1-the-hilliest-ever-opening-stage-of-the-tour/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France Stage 1: The Hilliest-Ever Opening Stage of the Tour"}}' > Tour de France Stage 1: The Hilliest-Ever Opening Stage of the Tour

A dramatic opener to this year's Tour with an elevation gain of 3,800 meters. Will the bunch fragment like last year?

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-hirt-breaks-three-teeth-in-pre-stage-crash/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tour de France: Jan Hirt Breaks Three Teeth in Pre-Stage Crash With Spectator"}}' > Tour de France: Jan Hirt Breaks Three Teeth in Pre-Stage Crash With Spectator

Top teammate of Remco Evenepoel becomes tangled with spectator's backpack in pre-race paddock in disaster start to Tour de France.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/every-swap-out-team-kit-at-the-2024-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Every Swap-Out Team Kit at the 2024 Tour de France"}}' > Every Swap-Out Team Kit at the 2024 Tour de France

Many pro cycling teams swap out their normal kits for a special version for the Tour de France. Here's every new kit at the 2024 race.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/training-in-painters-overalls-chasing-stages-ben-healy-poised-to-let-fly-in-first-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Training in Painter’s Overalls, Chasing Stages: Ben Healy Poised to Let Fly in First Tour de France"}}' > Training in Painter’s Overalls, Chasing Stages: Ben Healy Poised to Let Fly in First Tour de France

Irishman takes 'no stone unturned' approach to Tour de France debut as part of aggressive EF Education-EasyPost eight.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/velo-teams-tour-de-france-podium-picks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Picking the Tour de France Podium: Who Can Rip Up the ‘Big 4’ Script?"}}' > Picking the Tour de France Podium: Who Can Rip Up the ‘Big 4’ Script?

Velo's editorial crew debate their hot takes and wild guesses at the Tour's top-3 - and no, it's not all about Pogačar, Vingegaard, Roglič, Evenepoel.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/mathieu-van-der-poel-is-riding-an-unreleased-canyon-aeroad-at-the-tour-de-france/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Mathieu van der Poel Is Riding an Unreleased Canyon Aeroad at the Tour de France"}}' > Mathieu van der Poel Is Riding an Unreleased Canyon Aeroad at the Tour de France

The new model appears largely the same, with a few key differences.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/mark-cavendish-tour-de-france-bike-2024-wilier-filante-slr/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Bike Check: Cavendish Gets a Special Paint Job for His Tour de France Record Attempt"}}' > Bike Check: Cavendish Gets a Special Paint Job for His Tour de France Record Attempt

Vision, Prologo, and Shimano components come together on this Wilier Filante SLR with paint representing a legendary career.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/the-seasons-biggest-crash-looms-large-before-tour-de-france-start/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "The Season’s Biggest Crash Looms Large Before Tour de France Start"}}' > The Season’s Biggest Crash Looms Large Before Tour de France Start

A single accident on April 4 saw three of the four top riders for this year’s Tour go down in an awful crash. That affected their buildup, and could have a crucial effect on the race.

>", "path": "https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/tour-de-france/tales-of-the-unexpected-italys-first-tour-de-france-start-is-the-100th-anniversary-of-its-first-tour-champion/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "hero", "title": "Tales of the Unexpected: Italy’s First Tour de France Start Is the 100th Anniversary of Its First Tour Champion "}}' > Tales of the Unexpected: Italy’s First Tour de France Start Is the 100th Anniversary of Its First Tour Champion 

Over the next three weeks, John Wilcockson, who has reported 45 Tours de France, will focus on unexpected happenings at this year’s race.

Tour de France Writers

Andrew Hood

Andrew Hood, aka “EuroHoody,” is the European editor for Velo . Since joining the title in 2002, he’s been chasing bike races all over the world. He’s covered dozens editions of the spring classics and the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, as well as numerous world championships in road, track, and mountain biking. He’s also covered five Olympic Games and traveled across six continents for bike races. Beyond the Outside cycling network, his work has appeared in The New York Times , Sports Illustrated , ESPN , Outside , SKI ,  Traveler Magazine , Washington Post , Dallas Morning News , and Denver Post . He’s a voting member of the Velo d’Or prize committee, and he’s appeared on CNN, NBC, NPR, and BBC. Chances are if there’s a bike race, EuroHoody’s been to it, or will be going soon.

Betsy Welch

Betsy writes about off-road racing, culture, and personalities for Outside’s cycling group. As a rider, she loves big adventures on the bike. Some of her most memorable reporting/riding trips include the Migration Gravel Race in Kenya, bikepacking the Colorado Trail, and riding from Torino to Nice after the inaugural Tour de France Femmes. In the summer, she loves to run, ride, and hike through the Elk Mountains in her backyard; in the winter, she skis uphill.

I’m a UK-based editor and reporter focusing on road racing, training, and nutrition. I’ve developed a bank of experience working on the ground at all three grand tours, Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Flanders, Strade Bianche, road worlds, and many more. I have my own ‘ Behind the Ride ‘ series of features that digs into how riders in the pro peloton have become the best in the world. It’s a wide-ranging column that’s covered diet, training, recovery, altitude camps, and a lot more. And when I’m not working? After a few decades of mostly dismal results, I’ve hung up the wheels on my bike racing career. Instead, now, I’m training for trail running races … but don’t hold that against me.

Andy McGrath

Formerly editor of Rouleur magazine, Andy McGrath is a freelance sports journalist and has covered the Tour de France, Tour of Italy and the sport’s big one-day Classics. He covered the 2023 Tour de France for VELO.

Shane Stokes

Shane Stokes has written about pro cycling for over 25 years, covering grand tours, world championships, Classics and other major events during that time. He’s been the Irish Times cycling correspondent for over two decades, appeared regularly on that country’s national broadcaster RTE in analyzing the sport, and contributed to Velo and many of the sport’s international outlets. When not writing about cycling he’s happiest in nature on a sunny day, particularly with a dog or two in tow.

Will Tracy is a San Francisco based editor interested in all things cycling. Since getting his start in cycling journalism with Peloton Magazine , he has reported from the Tour de France; the Taipei Cycle, Eurobike, and Sea Otter trade shows; and covered the biggest events in gravel racing including Unbound and SBT GRVL. When not biking, he stays active with climbing and running and likes to take photos, cook, and serially dabble in new hobbies.

Alvin Holbrook

Alvin is a tech editor for Velo. He covers road, gravel, and e-bikes after nearly a decade in the bike industry. In addition, he uses his background in urban planning to cover stories about active transportation, policy, tech, and infrastructure through the Urbanist Update series. He currently lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife and an ever-growing stable of bikes and kitchen utensils. Meet Alvin

Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest but when it’s time to ride, hot and dry is better than cold and wet. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but understands most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn’t care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, the answer is always yes.

How to watch the Tour de France in 2024

Outside the United States and Canada Eurosport will show the race in Europe. Other options include Rai Sport in Italy, L'Equipe TV in France, and Sporza in Belgium.

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How to Choose the Right Tour Group

Group size, participants’ age range, style of travel and budget are among the factors you should consider when selecting an itinerary.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Tour companies that offer multiday trips arrange most everything for you: lodging, sightseeing, food and transportation. But group size, style of travel and budget are among the considerations travelers should assess before picking a tour. Read on for tips.

Big group or small

Start your research by thinking about how many people you want to travel with and what your tolerance is for the social demands dictated by group size.

Smaller groups can move more nimbly and possibly see more. But they can also be more intensely social as you spend a great deal of time with the same people touring and dining.

Larger groups tend to require more time to get around, but they can also offer more social variety — for example, you can change up your lunch partners more easily.

“Large groups offer anonymity, allowing travelers to choose their level of interaction,” said Deborah Miller, a travel adviser and the owner of Edge of Wonder Travels Unlimited in San Francisco. “Conversely, smaller groups foster intimacy among travelers, guides and the destination itself.”

Look for age-appropriate trips

Think about the demographics of your travel party and consider matching that to a tour company.

Operators often segment their trips by age under the assumption that similarly aged people have more in common or prefer the same pace. Road Scholar , for example, caters to an intellectually curious 50-plus crowd.

On the other end of the spectrum, G Adventures offers a category of trips for “18-to-thirtysomethings” and Intrepid Travel has trips for 18-to-35-year-olds.

With their inherent age spans, families can be a tough demographic to fit into larger group departures, which is why companies tend to break up family offerings by age group.

The active tour company Backroads has three age segments for families, including trips for those with children 4 to 19, those with older teens and younger adults into their 20s, and those with children in their 20s and beyond.

“By definition, that creates somewhat of an age segmentation among parents, too,” said Tom Hale, the founder, president and chief executive of Backroads.

Go general or specific

A popular option for first-timers, a general tour will hit the highlights of a destination, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in Paris or major sites in Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan.

Beyond the general approach, alternatives abound based on themes, styles of travel or hobbies.

Themed trips include a culinary tour of Sicily , a deep dive into literary England , Europe’s World War II battlefields and how women live in India .

In addition to topics, trips often revolve around the means of travel, such as going by train , on foot or by boat (a category that can be further segmented by size, from a cruise ship to a barge or a kayak ).

Tours can also allow you to pursue an interest like swimming or knitting in a unique destination.

Analyze tour inclusions

Once you determine where and how you want to go, prices will range from budget to luxury.

“For travelers on a budget, large group tours tend to be the best fit because it’s a great way to see major attractions at a lower price point,” said Cheyenne Schriefer, a travel adviser and the owner of All Travel Matters in Golden Valley, N.D.

But not all tours are built the same. To compare them, consider what they include.

For example, G Adventures has a 10-day hiking trip in Switzerland from $1,799 a person and a 10-day hiking trip in Portugal for $4,499. The latter is billed as a luxury trip, so the accommodations are pricier, but it also includes most meals, transfers and activities. The Swiss tour offers more basic lodgings, transfers, optional activities available for a fee, and fewer meals.

“Sometimes fewer inclusions are better than more,” said Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer Media, which publishes Frommer’s guidebooks . She pointed out that restaurants that can accommodate busloads probably don’t attract local traffic and that independent sightseeing allows you to “wander through local neighborhoods to get the feel of local life.”

Expertise of the guide or tour leader can also alter the price and the experience. You can expect to pay more for a tour led by a specialist, such as an Egyptologist guiding a group along the Nile.

Gauge your level of independence

Do you prefer to follow a strict schedule that relieves you from having to find, say, a restaurant for dinner? Or do you appreciate some structure — like knowing your hotel reservations are covered — but also want free time to explore independently?

Tour companies run the gamut. Before booking, read the itineraries carefully to find out if the schedule is tight or loose. If that is not clear, call the company to ask.

For truly independent travelers, self-guided tours offered by companies such as Inntravel , Exodus Adventure Travels and Macs Adventure make your ground arrangements and provide an itinerary to follow. Popular in Europe, these itineraries tend to be inn-to-inn walking or cycling trips that include luggage transfers.

“Self-guided travelers are independent but love the support of having a trip arranged for them, and they don’t want to hike with a big backpack anymore,” said Jasper Verlaan, the U.S. sales director for Macs Adventure.

Ask for recommendations

If you’re still unsure about putting down a deposit once you’ve done your research, ask the tour company if you may speak to a past client.

“Ask for references,” said Lynn Cutler, the senior vice president of travel for Smithsonian Enterprises, which runs the tour company Smithsonian Journeys . “We’ll find them a traveler who has done this trip in the past and put them in touch.”

For more travel advice, visit our collection of Travel 101 tips and hacks.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

London:  A writer used Camille Pissarro’s paintings of suburban London and a “lost” railway as a lens for exploring the city’s history  — and settling an arcane mystery.

Dublin,:  While the Irish capital has become a more international hub, locals have made efforts to ensure what makes the city unique — its spirited personality and famed hospitality  — doesn’t get entirely swallowed up.

Norway:  Can A.I. devise a bucket-list vacation to the Scandinavian nation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? We put three virtual assistants to the test .

The Berkshires:  A writer shares his favorite ways to experience the often-overlooked  Housatonic River in western Massachusetts.

2024 French legislative elections: Results of the first round

French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly in June and called for snap legislative elections, with a first round of voting on June 30 and a second round on July 7. A total of 577 seats are up for grabs in the lower-house National Assembly, and France's next prime minister will likely come from the party or coalition winning the most seats.    

Issued on: 27/06/2024 - 19:26 Modified: 01/07/2024 - 10:11

Marine Le Pen 's far-right National Rally party led France's snap parliamentary elections on Sunday with 33% of the vote, according to the interior ministry, with the leftist alliance New Popular Front following in second place at almost 28%. President Macron's ruling coalition trailed in third place with 20%. 

Macron shocked France when he dissolved the National Assembly on June 9, hours after the far right significantly outperformed his centrist coalition in the European elections .

To see how the first round of the snap polls unfolded on Sunday, read FRANCE 24's liveblog .

The far-right National Rally party is estimated to win between 230 and 280 seats in the 577-seat National Assembly. The second-biggest group is projected to be the leftist New Popular Front with between 125 and 165 seats and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Ensemble coalition at between 70 and 100 seats.

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• French legislative elections 2024
• French politics
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• Emmanuel Macron
• Gabriel Attal
• Édouard Philippe
• France Unbowed
• Jean-Luc Mélenchon
• Socialist Party (France)
• National Rally (National Front)
• Jordan Bardella
• Marine Le Pen

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