a guided tour in french

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What is the translation of "guided tour" in French?

"guided tour" in french, guided tour {noun}.

• volume_up visite guidée

Translations

• open_in_new Link to source
• warning Request revision

Context sentences

English french contextual examples of "guided tour" in french.

These sentences come from external sources and may not be accurate. bab.la is not responsible for their content.

Monolingual examples

English how to use "guided tour" in a sentence, english how to use "visite guidée" in a sentence, similar translations, similar translations for "guided tour" in french.

• faire une tournée
• faire une excursion
• accompagner quelqu'un
• voyage organisé
• visite guidée
• en excursion
• en vadrouille
• excursion en autocar
• main courante
• guided by the principle of
• guided excursions
• guided hikes
• guided imagery
• guided meditation
• guided missile
• guided munitions
• guided properly
• guided tour
• guided trip
• guided vehicles
• guided walk
• guided walking
• guideline limit
• guideline note
• guideline outline
• guideline regulate
• guideline specify

In the English-Arabic dictionary you will find more translations.

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"a guided tour" in French

une visite guidée

Literal Breakdown

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How do You Say “I Visited my Grandma” in French?

If you answered with the verb “visiter,” you are wrong. This is part of my top 10 most common vocabulary mistakes , so read up to learn the true meaning and uses of the verb “visiter” in French.

1 – Visiter in French = To Take A (Guided) Tour

In French, the verb “visiter” means to take a (guided) tour. You do that to a museum, or a house, but that’s about it.

• À Paris, j’ai visité le Louvre . In Paris, I visited the Louvre.
• Marie m’a fait visiter sa nouvelle maison. Marie gave me a tour of her new house.

2 – Une Visite = a Visit / a Tour

Following the same logic, the noun “une visite” can mean the exact same thing as in English, “a visit”, but also “a tour” as in when visiting a place…

• La visite guidée du Louvre était très intéressante – the guided tour of the Louvre was very interesting.
• Je suis allée chez ma grand-mère pour une visite surprise – I went to my grandma for a surprise visit.

3 – Don’t Use Visiter + Part of France

To say “I visited Paris”, “I visited France”… as in you went there, well, we use the verb “aller” (“to go”). Not “visiter”, because it would imply you took a tour and saw everything. So it’s possible to use “visiter” + a tiny city that you actually toured with a guide, but not with a whole city. Well, it’s not so much that it is not possible, just that we don’t speak like that! We’d use aller.

• Je suis allée à Paris – I visited/ went to Paris
• À Paris, nous avons acheté un guide et nous avons visité les monuments historiques . – In Paris, we bought a guidebook and we toured the historical monuments.

4 – Visit + Person in French

Now, an even bigger problem, since this is so much used in English.

How would you say “I visited my friend,” or “my friend visited me?” in French?

Well, it’s not “visiter”. At least, not any longer. I’ve seen “l’ange Gabriel visita Marie” in the Bible… but we don’t use it in modern French.

This sounds particularly bad in French since “ visiter ” really brings up an exploration image… When a student tells me “J ‘ai visité ma grand-mère ” I have a flash of “Fantastic Voyage” where Raquel Welch and her team were shrunk to explore a patient’s body…

5 – Use Aller Voir + People to Say to Visit + People in French

So what do we use to say “to visit someone” in French?

Same answer as above: “aller” (or “venir” if the person is coming to you)

• Je suis allée (voir or chez) mon amie – I visited my friend.
• Mon amie est venue ( me voir or chez moi ) – My friend visited me. You’d use “chez” here if the visit happens at your/your friend’s house.

6 – To Pay a Visit = Rendre Visite à Quelqu’un

Now, I can hear you saying: “What about rendre visite à quelqu’un ? “ And you are right, this is an expression we use from time to time. We use it as often as an English speaker would use “pay a visit to someone”.

My experience shows, however, that this expression doesn’t work for most students. Basically, the idea of “visiter + people” kind of stays in their head, and they soon forget the correct expression and revert to saying “J’ ai visité mon amie ” (which is a mistake).

So to say “I visited someone” in French, your grandmother for example, say  “J e suis allée voir ma grand-mère ” or “J e suis allée chez ma grand-mère “.

7 – How Do You Say “Come and Visit” in French?

This is a common expression in English, that doesn’t really have an equivalent in French however… Here, the notion of “visit” in English is not the one of taking a tour, but rather “visit us”, spend time with us, maybe it’s an invitation to sleep over : come see us, and you can stay with us (you don’t have to go to a hotel) kind of idea.

In France, we don’t have any expression like that. You cannot say: “venez et visitez”, that would make no sense at all in French. You could say “venez nous rendre visite” = “come pay us a visit”, that would be the closest translation.

I would probably say : “venez et restez chez nous quelques temps” : “come over and stay at our place for some time”.

In French, as in any language, there are many expressions such as this one that you cannot translate literally. The best is to learn the language in the context of a level appropriate story, so that you really get a feel for the expression and when to use them.

Furthermore, learning in a story makes you remember the words longer, since your brain remembers the story. I strongly suggest you check out my downloadable French audiobooks for all levels, available exclusively on French Today.

I post new articles every week, so make sure you subscribe to the French Today newsletter – or follow me on  Facebook , Twitter  and  Pinterest .

Camille Chevalier-Karfis

Born and raised in Paris, I have been teaching today's French to adults for 25+ years in the US and France. Based on my students' goals and needs, I've created unique downloadable French audiobooks focussing on French like it's spoken today, for all levels. Come to Paimpol and enjoy an exclusive French immersion homestay with me in Brittany .

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Washington En Français

Washington en français is a small, local company that offers guided tours - in french - of the nation’s capital..

Depuis 2019, Washington En Français organise des visites guidés en français de la capitale américaine. Finis les problèmes avec l’accent américain et la galère des enfants et leur anglais scolaire. C’est dans la langue de Voltaire que leurs guides vous embarqueront dans l’histoire de la ville, de ses plus grands “hommes” mais aussi des États-Unis. Pendant votre visite en français de Washington, vous découvrirez monuments et mémoriaux mais pourrez aussi parler avec vos guides de la vie aux États-Unis en général, et à Washington en particulier. Votre guide sera donc français, ou viendra d’un pays francophone, ou il sera 100% bilingue. Tous les guides de Washington En Français vivent dans la capitale depuis des années et ils la connaissent sur le bout des doigts. Cette petite entreprise locale organise des visites guidées en français à pied et en vélo (sur devis). Occasionnellement, ils accompagnent aussi des visiteurs en autocar. All guides are French native-speakers who enjoy sharing insights into their American life. A perfect set up for a date with American history and culture.

• Multilingual Tour Guides
• Guided tours available
• Private Tour
• Woman Owned
• Multilingual

Additional Information

Distance to metro, group maximum, attraction rates, length of tour.

3-4 Hours, Half Day, Full Day

Metro Station

Farragut North, Metro Center

Blue, Orange, Silver

United States

[email protected].

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French translation of 'guided tour'

• guided tour

Examples of 'guided tour' in a sentence guided tour

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• guide through
• guided missile
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• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'G'

Related terms of guided tour

• to take sb on a guided tour

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• French Soho
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Guided Tours

Discover london and its history with our guided tours in french, french london tours.

Make the most of the city and discover its fascinating history in our French-language guided tours. On a relaxed and social walking tour you’ll take in the sights whilst learning and chatting about the things you see – all in French!

Learn why Soho was once called the “French Quarter” on In the Steps of the French in Soho , or about the history of French people in London and the  entente cordiale  in our French tour of South Kensington .

You might also enjoy our Greenwich tour , and our London and the English tour, or if you’re planning a trip to London take a look at our services d’accompagnement .

All our events take place entirely in French

Suitable for all French speakers from intermediate to native!

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Join us on Meetup.com to sign up to our regular public events and experiences, and be the first to hear about new dates. All public events take place in French .

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Book an experience for your group or design your perfect French day. Ideal for parties, education, corporate and individuals. May be booked in English or French .

7 Best Toulouse Tours to Check Out in 2023

One of the best ways to explore the charming city of Toulouse is with a knowledgeable guide. From exploring its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture to sampling locally produced goods, there are so many awesome Toulouse tours worth checking out.

To help you easily find the experience that suits you best, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are the 7 best Toulouse tours. And along with detailed information regarding each tour, I’ve also included extra tips about visiting the city so you’ll be able to maximize your time!

🍷 Short on Time? Here’s the Best Toulouse Tour

Marché Victor Hugo Small-Group Food Tour — Embark on a gastronomic journey full of food and wine through the city’s largest food market on this 3.5-hour tour with a passionate guide!

Table of Contents

7 best toulouse tours (2023), toulouse tours comparison, how much do toulouse tours cost, tips for planning your tour in toulouse, where to stay in toulouse, toulouse tours: faq, wrap-up: 7 best toulouse tours (2023).

Below you’ll find the best tours in Toulouse, ranging from food and wine tours to sightseeing and day tours that take you to small towns outside of Toulouse!

🇳🇴 PRO TIP: I know we’re all super busy people, so if you’re short on time and would rather get a quick overview of the tours I’ll talk about, click here . It will take you to a little table I made that summarizes the 7 best Toulouse tours.

food tour toulouse

1. marché victor hugo small-group food tour.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 110+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3.5 hours

The  Marché Victor Hugo Food Tour includes:

• Exploring Victor Hugo Market with English speaking guide
• Learning the background and origins of several local products
• Sampling the local foods & enjoy a couple of wine tastings
• Chatting with the local market vendors
• Small group tour limited to 8 guests

🥖 Love familiarizing yourself with a city by way of food? This super popular food tour takes you through the Victor Hugo Market, which is Toulouse’s largest food market! Over 3.5 hours, you’ll get to explore the various stalls and learn about and sample the local cuisine, such as wine, cheese, and French bread! And to ensure you remember everything and can share a bit of the experience with your loved ones back home, you’ll also receive a personalized email recap of the tour! So, if you want to gain a genuine insight into the local culinary scene of Toulouse and sample some tasty food, this Toulouse food tour is a lovely choice!

“Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun. I loved learning about food sourcing and relationship of the food to the land and the growing seasons” – Sharon J. ( See More Reviews )

wine tours from Toulouse

2. explore toulouse wine bars with a local wine expert.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  2.5 hours

The  Toulouse Wine Bars Tour includes:

• Visiting 2 – 3 of the best wine bars in Toulouse’s city center
• Enjoying several wine tastings while snacking on local foods
• Learning proper French wine-tasting techniques
• Trying new grape varietals

🍷 Eager to try the famous French wine? Make the most of your limited time in the city with this highly-rated wine tour from Toulouse! During the 2.5-hour experience, you’ll walk along the winding streets of Toulouse, visiting several intimate wine bars and learning about the wines of the southwest France region. And to complement your wine-tasting experience, you’ll snack on some fresh charcuterie and cheese, which is the perfect accompaniment to any French wine. Thus, if you’re interested in a lovely night out, sipping on regional wines, and immersing yourself in the local nightlife, this is a tour to consider!

“Jessica is a well informed wine guide who is happy to answer questions. This tour is a good way not only to understand more about French wines, but also to understand the very French culture surrounding food and wine. Recommended 100%” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

Toulouse sightseeing tours

3. the essential of toulouse by bike.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 90+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3 hours

The  Essential of Toulouse Bike Tour includes:

• Biking along the banks of the Garonne & Toulouse’s oldest bridge
• Visiting some of the historic squares within downtown Toulouse
• Seeing the Saint-Etienne cathedral, an architectural marvel
• Learning the story behind the iconic Le Capitole building
• Stopping at 2 UNESCO world heritage sites
• Can accommodate up to 6 guests

🚴‍♀️ Keen on exploring Toulouse without tens of thousands of steps? Discover the many historical landmarks, gorgeous architecture, and history of the famed pink city by way of bike on this 3-hour Toulouse sightseeing tour! You’ll get to comfortably cycle around the city with a professional guide, passing by crowd-favorite attractions such as the Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin, France’s largest Romanesque church! So, if you’re ready for an immersive experience while learning about the rich history and cultural importance behind Toulouse many famous sites, don’t miss out on this fantastic bike tour.

“It was very easy to cover a lot of ground – much better than walking. I learned so much about the city from my guide, and his enthusiasm for history and architecture was infectious.” – Catherine M. ( See More Reviews )

Toulouse Walking Tour

4. unusual guided tour toulouse in the age of enlightenment.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  1.5 hours

The  Toulouse in the Age of Enlightenment Tour includes:

• Learn the fascinating history of Toulouse’s wealthy Saint Etienne district
• Hear stories & gossip of Toulouse’s aristocrats during the 18th century
• Walking inside the Saint Etienne cathedral
• Wander through Place Saint-Etienne
• Tour guide dressed in period costume
• NOTE: This tour is only offered in French!! (I speak a bit of French, so I figured I’d include it for any fellow French-speaking people!)

📜 Are you a French-speaking history buff? During this 1.5-hour Toulouse walking tour, you’ll make your way through the Saint-Etienne district, which is filled with several of the city’s most historic landmarks. For example, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Saint-Etienne cathedral up close and admire its unique mix of architectural styles. You’ll also visit Griffoul fountain, which is the oldest fountain in Toulouse, and pass by hôtel particuliers, which were mansions built for the aristocrats back in the day. And of course, to enhance the experience, your guide will be dressed in a fun period costume! Therefore, if you’re looking for a unique walking tour of Toulouse and understand French, this is definitely one to check out.

“Original concept, fascinating and passionate guide. You don’t see the time passing and you learn a lot of things, whatever your age.” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

day tours from Toulouse

5. toulouse: carcassonne day trip.

⭐️  RATING : 4.5 out 5 – taken by 80+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  1 day

The  Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip includes:

• Round-trip Transportation from Toulouse via Coach
• Departing Toulouse at 9:30 AM for 10:30 AM arrival in Carcassonne
• Exploring the Cité de Carcassonne
• Entrance ticket to Château Comtal
• Depart Carcassonne at 4:30 AM, 5:30 PM arrival in Toulouse
• ❌ guided tour of Carcassonne

🏰 Looking for a nice day trip to see lesser-known areas of France? This is one of the most affordable and popular day tours from Toulouse! During this excursion, you’ll be transported back to medieval times as you wander through the historic Cité de Carcassonne. Although there is no actual guided tour portion, you’ll have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the castle grounds, courtyards, museums, & beautifully preserved ramparts. Afterward, you’ll have time to taste the local food (not included in the price) and explore other sites outside the Cité de Carcassonne at your leisure. So, if you want to visit one of the most well-preserved medieval fortifications in the world, this is a fun tour to do!

“It was a very pleasant visit to Carcassonne, I definitely recommend it. The tour leaves on time, and the meeting place is very convenient to those close to the center of Toulouse” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

6. Lourdes Day Tour From Toulouse

⭐️  RATING : 4.9 out 5 | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours

The  Lourdes Day Tour From Toulouse includes:

• Discovering the second most famous Catholic pilgrimage site in the world
• Exploring the many sanctuaries of Lourdes at your own pace
• Round-trip transportation in a comfortable minivan
• Direct pickup & drop off from your hotel
• Personalized private tour

NOTE: Price is per group and requires at least 2 guests to operate, so this is better if you’re traveling with others

⛪️ Want to visit France’s most famous pilgrimage site? Another possible day tour from Toulouse is to Lourdes. This famous Catholic pilgrimage site is located 2 hours away from Toulouse, in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains near the border of Spain . Here, you’ll be able to travel along the same path that Bernadette Soubirous is said to have had 18 visions of the Virgin Mary, which were confirmed by the Vatican. Other sites you’ll be able to witness include the Rosary Esplanade, the Crypt and the Immaculate Conception Basilica (where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared), and the underground Saint Pius X Basilica, which can accommodate 25,000 people. Thus, if you’re looking for an easy way to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere that surrounds this important religious French town , this is a day tour from Toulouse to look into.

“Our guide Pierrick was really nice and punctual. Lourdes was magical, I recommend it. The travel was easy going, the vehicle clean and good maintenance, everything worked well.” – Maria Andrea ( See More Reviews )

7. Albi, Cordes and Gaillac Day Tour From Toulouse

⭐️  RATING : 4.9 out 5 | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Albi, Cordes, and Gaillac Day Tour includes:

• Visiting 3 idyllic small towns and villages in Southwestern France
• A guided walk through Albi’s old town & time to explore on your own
• Enjoying a guided walk to the medieval hilltop village of Cordes sur Ciel
• Stopping by a local winery in Gaillac
• Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Toulouse

NOTE: Price is per group and requires at least 2 guests to operate, so this is better if you’re traveling with others. Also, the cost of entrance to attractions and wine tastings is not included.

💐 Want to see some of France’s most picturesque towns & villages? On this full-day tour from Toulouse, you’ll have the opportunity to escape the commotion of the city and delve deep into France’s history and culture. For the first stop, you’ll visit Albi, where you’ll be able to explore the red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, Toulouse Lautrec museum, and the grounds of Berbie Palace! Afterward, you’ll make your way to Cordes sur Ciel, where you’ll be able to take in the old Market Place, many Renaissance houses, and spectacular views. To cap the day off, your guide will drive to one of the wineries in Gaillac, where you’ll partake in a wine-tasting session!

“Very beautiful villages of Albi and Cordes sur Ciel! It’s really beautiful, a breathtaking view you absolutely have to do it if you come to this area.” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

Need a quick recap? Me too 😅 Here’s a handy little chart I made to help you recall the highlights of each tour.

PRO-TIP: If you’re viewing it on your phone, try turning your phone sideways so you’re reading across the long way. This should increase the readability!

As you would expect, the cost of the tour depends on which tour you select. Some of the tours cost as little as $23 USD per person, whereas the more expensive day tours cost $805 USD. Keep in mind that pricey group tours are the cost for an entire group and that you can go with up to 8 guests. Thus, going even with a group of 4 would bring the cost down to ~$200 USD, which is around the average price of most full day tours.

To ensure you have a wonderful time exploring Toulouse and the surrounding region, here are some things to keep in mind while planning your tour.

• ✅ Book in advance: Tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak summer and winter travel season, so try to plan ahead to get the most out of your vacation!
• 📆 Schedule tours early: A great way to gain local knowledge and recommendations that you can use for the rest of your visit is by booking a tour early in your trip! I try to schedule one the second day I’m in a city so I can wine and dine at the best spots and explore the true local hidden gems 🙂
• 🌞 Check the weather: Be sure to dress appropriately for whatever activities you have planned. For example, you may need to bring a raincoat, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
• 🍎 Bring your own food and drinks: Bringing a reusable water bottle and snacks will save you money since most of the tours (minus the food tour and wine tour) don’t include food in the tour price. Plus, you never know when hunger might strike!
• 🚗 Check departure points and times: Make sure to double-check the meeting point for your tour and take into account the time it’ll take you to get there from your housing accommodations.
• 📸 Bring your Camera: Capture the experience and take plenty of pictures so you can share your story with friends and family back home!
• 🤠 Enjoy the experience: Above all else, make sure to relax, have fun, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Occitanie region!

If you’re visiting from out of town, you’re going to need housing accommodations. Here are a few places I recommend checking out based on where I’ve stayed as well as my own outside research! All of these hotels are centrally located within Toulouse and are within a 25-minute walk from the Toulouse Train Station.

Low-Cost Stay

• La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin — hostel I stayed at & loved! | ⭐️ 8.3 / 10
• Hôtel Héliot — 3-star hotel with airport shuttle | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10

Mid-Range Stay

• Hotel Mercure Toulouse — 4-star hotel w/ breakfast, bar, & pool | ⭐️ 8.0 / 10
• Hotel Toulouse Centre Albert 1er — 3-star hotel w/ restaurant | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10

Fancy Stays

• La Cour des Consuls Hôtel & Spa — luxurious 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 8.4 / 10
• Hotel SOCLO Toulouse — 4-star hotel w/ outdoor pool & restaurant | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10

Want to see additional housing options? Feel free to use the buttons below to head to your favorite booking platform!

You can also use the interactive map below to find housing. The prices shown reflect current prices. However, you can enter your travel dates and the number of guests to see more accurate prices.

The best tours for avoiding crowds within Toulouse are the Toulouse Wine Bars Tour and the Essential of Toulouse Tour by Bike . And for day tours from Toulouse, these two private tours are best for avoiding crowds: Lourdes Day Tour and Albi, Cordes, and Gaillac Day Tour .

This is subjective, but the Marché Victor Hugo Food Tour , Essential of Toulouse Tour by Bike , and Toulouse: Carcassonne Day Trip are the most popular tours in Toulouse.

Personally, I spent 3 days in Toulouse and loved it! It was the perfect amount of time to explore the city as well as fit in a day trip!

Toulouse is best known for being the capital of France’s Occitanie region. Many people refer to it as “The Pink City,” because you’ll notice many of the buildings have a distinct pink color. This is due to them being constructed out of terra-cotta bricks. In addition to this, Toulouse is known for being home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse. It is also the largest Romanesque Church in France and is quite the architectural beauty!

Yes! I found Toulouse to be extremely walkable as the city is almost completely flat. Literally, the only elevation you’ll find is walking across the bridges and going up and down steps to reach the riverbank…

All in all, a tour of Toulouse is the perfect way to gain an authentic insight into life in the Occitanie region of France. From admiring the timeless beauty of the Basilique Saint-Sernin as you bike through the winding streets to indulging in the local food and regional wines, these tours provide you with so much more insight into the history and culture of the city than you would otherwise receive.

Plus, if you’re like me and looking to see what lies beyond Toulouse, there are some fantastic day trip options. So, be sure to enhance your experience in the pink city by joining one of the fabulous Toulouse Tours!

Read More About France

• Visiting Paris? One of my favorite things to do that I highly recommend everyone do at least once is visit Giverny, a nearby small town in the countryside & see the Paris Opera House .
• Headed to the dreamy French Riviera ? Here’s my ultimate guide for spending a day in the seaside town of Nice ! You’ll get to indulge in the local Niçose delights as well as sip on the regional wines!
• If you want to travel off the beaten path of France and to a more affordable destination than Nice or Paris, consider exploring Biarritz ! It’s a charming town on the western side of France that’s famous for being the surf capital of France

How to Easily Do a Nice to Monaco Day Trip + All to Know

Monaco is famous for being one of the world’s most affluent countries, having beautiful marinas, and colorful buildings. In this post, I’ll explain the best ways to visit get from Nice to Monaco, must-visit spots, and how you can make the most of your limited time there.

5 Best Lyon Wine Tours – All You Need to Know

Surrounded by some of the best vineyards in all of France, Lyon and the surrounding region are known as one of the premier destinations for wine lovers. Thus, anyone looking to truly immerse themselves in the region’s amazing flavors and vibrant culture should do a Lyon wine tour!

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

Explore the ideas, artifacts, people, and places that have shaped our history for nearly 400 years.

Harvard Yard is no longer restricted access to HUID holders only. Enhanced security measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The safety and security of the Harvard community is a top priority, and we will continue to evaluate the overall situation and adjust our measures accordingly.

Harvard Visitor Center tours

All tours are 45 to 60 minutes long. Registration is required in advance for both in-person and virtual tours. Weekly tour registration will be available every Friday. You can download the Visit Harvard mobile app on iOS and Android devices. During business hours you may purchase a Self-Guided Tour Map for $3 available in multiple languages.

For information about Harvard College Admissions tours for prospective students, visit their website .

Official Historical Tour of Harvard

The free, student-led public walking tour through Harvard Yard provides a history of the University, general information, and a unique view on the students’ individual experience. 

Register for the in-person tour

Visit Harvard mobile app

Explore Harvard with our free mobile app, featuring a collection of self-guided walking tours. Whichever tour you decide to embark on, you’ll be sure to learn something new.

Download the app on  iOS  and  Android devices.

Historical Tour of Harvard

Learn the history behind well-known spots across Harvard’s campus! Each stop highlights iconic buildings, traditions, alumni, and much more.

Harvard Public Art & Culture Tour: Allston

Explore vibrant public art in Allston! You’ll encounter can’t-miss installations along Western Avenue and learn the stories behind them and their artists.

Harvard Public Art & Culture Tour: Cambridge

Discover a new side to our campus through an art-filled adventure! Explore outdoor art, famous architecture, renowned cultural institutions, and more.

Discover more Harvard tours

From nature walks to art galleries, these tour offerings include virtual options, in-person experiences, student and staff-led excursions, and more.

Tour spotlight

Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery

The Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Walking Tour Experience explores Harvard University’s entanglements with the institution of slavery through a 10-stop tour around Harvard’s campus.

Learn more about the tour

Prospective students

Harvard College In-Person Campus Visit Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard College Virtual Tour Options: virtual

SEAS Tours Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard Business School Options: in-person, virtual, student-led, mobile

Harvard Law School Virtual Tour Video Options: virtual

Arts and culture

Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Options: mobile

Harvard Art Museums: Student Guided Tours Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard Art Museums: Gallery Tours Options: in-person, self-guided, staff-led

Harvard Forest Field Trips & Tours Options: virtual, in-person, staff-led, self-guided

Arnold Arboretum: All Tours Options: in-person, virtual, staff-led, self-guided

Museums and libraries

Peabody Museum: All Tours Options: in-person, virtual, self-guided, staff-led

Houghton & Widener In-Person Tours Options: in-person, staff-led

Widener 360-Degree Virtual Tour Options: virtual, self-guided

Houghton Library Virtual Tour Options: virtual

Harvard Museums of Science & Culture: Virtual Tours Options: virtual, self-guided

Frequently asked questions

General tour information.

The Harvard University Visitor Center offers several different types of tours. For our in person tour offerings on campus, we provide the Official Historical Tour of Harvard. All tours are provided to the public for free and to private groups for a fee. Our tours typically run 45-60 minutes.

To view the schedule and register for our free public tours (virtual and in person), please visit our Eventbrite page . To request a virtual or in person private tour, visit this link .

We also offer a free self-guided historical tour through the Visit Harvard mobile app, which you can download on iOS and Android devices. You can take this self-guided tour on campus or from the comfort of your own home.

Information about free in-person tours

The in person Historical Tour of Harvard explores Harvard Yard. Tours depart from the Visitor Center which is located at the front desk in the Smith Campus Center. Our address is 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Registration for our in person tours must be made in advance. Registration is made available starting the Friday before your tour week. Parties of up to 14 persons can register for a free in person tour. Parties of 15-60 are encouraged to submit a request for a private tour .

Registered tour goers should arrive at the Visitor Center at least 15 minutes before your tour to check-in. Tours depart from the Smith Campus Center and end in Harvard Yard.

Information about the Visit Harvard mobile app

Visit Harvard is a free mobile app by the Harvard Visitor Center that features a collection of self-guided tours centered around the Harvard University experience. The Visit Harvard mobile app can be downloaded by anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, to be enjoyed from wherever you might be visiting, whether it’s in-person at Harvard or from the comfort of your own home.

What tours are being offered in the mobile app? Currently on the app, visitors can take a mobile version of our popular in-person and virtual tour, the Historical Tour of Harvard.

How long is the mobile tour? This self-guided tour takes place across 14 mapped stops through Harvard’s campus. At a standard walking pace, it will take between 45-60 minutes to complete the 1 mile long tour.

Can I take the mobile tour in-person or virtually? The mobile tour is designed to be accessed in-person on Harvard University’s campus, starting at the Harvard Visitor Center, located at the Smith Campus Center in Harvard Square (1350 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA). It can also be viewed from the comfort of your own home. Simply download Visit Harvard in the app store, select the Historical Tour of Harvard, and begin your journey!

Where can I download the Visit Harvard mobile app? You can download the Visit Harvard mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play . There is also a desktop version of the app you can access here .

Learn more about the Harvard College admissions process

For more information about Harvard College Admissions, please visit their official website . Their contact information can be found here .

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A Beginner’s Guide to Paris: How To Not Be A Useless Tourist

By Louise Peterson · Last updated on June 20, 2024

Ah, Paris! The city of love, lights, and – in my experience – torrential downpours. But even when it’s raining ropes (as the French so poetically put it), this place is still pure magic. Let me share my hard-earned wisdom from multiple trips, so you can survive (and thrive) in the City of Lights.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Paris?

Forget those picture-perfect postcards – Paris weather has a mind of its own. Spring can be a delightful gamble, with sunshine and showers battling for dominance. May, in particular, seems to have a vendetta against me, with each visit bringing enough rain to drown a baguette. In May, you can expect it to ‘pleut des cordes’ or ‘rain ropes’ as the French say.

Summer brings the warmth, the tourists, and the occasional heatwave. If you’re brave enough to face the crowds, pack light clothes and a portable fan for the non-air-conditioned metro.

Fall is my personal favorite season – the air turns crisp, the leaves paint the city gold, and the crowds thin out. You might even snag a few sunny days for café hopping and strolls through the Luxembourg Gardens. Winter is chilly, but undeniably charming. Picture twinkling lights, cozy cafés overflowing with hot chocolate, and a certain je ne sais quoi in the air.

Eating Your Way Through The Capital

Let’s be honest, the French are culinary geniuses. But forget the stereotypes about snails and frog legs. Your taste buds are in for a treat, even if you stick to the basics.

Happy hour in the Latin Quarter is an absolute must. Imagine tiny tables spilling onto the sidewalks, laughter echoing through the streets, and the clinking of glasses filled with the most delicious cheap drinks you’ll ever taste. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

For a taste of authentic home cooking, skip the fancy restaurants and head straight to a traiteur (take-out food shop). They sell heavenly pre-made meals like gratin (a cheesy potato masterpiece) that taste like they were lovingly prepared by a French grandma.


And of course, no trip to Paris is complete without the holy trinity of breakfast: a buttery croissant, a tiny (but mighty) coffee, and – if you’re feeling adventurous – a lungful of cigarette smoke from the neighboring table.

Navigating Parisian Neighborhoods: A Quick Guide

Paris is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality. The 1st Arrondissement is the heart of the city, home to the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, and high-end boutiques. It’s your classic Parisian postcard shot, but be warned, your wallet might not survive the experience.



For a more bohemian vibe, head to Châtelet – Les Halles. Here, you’ll find cool vintage shops, quirky bars, and the occasional questionable bathroom graffiti. It’s the perfect spot for a fun night out.


The 7th Arrondissement boasts the Eiffel Tower, but it also comes with hordes of tourists and overpriced souvenir shops. It’s worth a visit, but don’t expect an authentic local experience. The same goes for the 8th Arrondissement, home to the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.



For a truly charming escape, venture up to Montmartre in the 18th Arrondissement. With its cobblestone streets, quaint cafés, and stunning views from Sacré-Cœur Basilica, it’s well worth the trek.

Mastering Parisian Public Transportation

If you’re flying into Charles de Gaulle Airport, do yourself a favor and buy your train ticket online in advance. You can buy multi-use train tickets, like a tourist pass that includes your RER transfer. If you are a sap like me and forget to do this, you’ll have to queue up. The ticket machines at the airport are notoriously confusing, and you’ll need a map (and a PhD in cryptography) to decipher them.



Once you’re in the city, get yourself a rechargeable Navigo Easy pass. It’s a lifesaver, especially after a few glasses of champagne when walking around becomes a little hazardous. The Bonjour RATP app is also essential – use it to check your balance and refill your pass with ease.

Parisian Sights: What to See and What to Skip

Paris is overflowing with iconic landmarks and hidden gems, but not everything deserves your precious vacation time. The Louvre is massive, overwhelming, and home to the Mona Lisa (who’s smaller than you’d expect, by the way).

If you go, have a plan and prioritize the exhibits that interest you most. Otherwise, you’ll end up wandering aimlessly for hours. Save some time to walk in the gardens across from the Louvre after your visit.

Just remember, you’re only seeing a small section of this vast underground network of tunnels and bones. If you’re claustrophobic or easily spooked, this one might not be for you.

Iconic Sights

It doesn’t get more iconic than The Eiffel Tower though. You can’t miss it, but you don’t have to climb it. The view from the Champ de Mars is just as stunning, and you’ll save yourself the long lines and hefty ticket price. My favorite spot is a little boat dock across the river that gives you the most precious view with no one around.

The Champs-Élysées is worth a stroll for the sheer spectacle of it all, but be prepared for overpriced cafés and souvenir shops. Head to a side street for a more authentic (and affordable) Parisian experience.

The view from the top of Montmartre at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is spectacular, but the basilica itself can be underwhelming. Unless you’re deeply religious or have a penchant for ornate interiors, you can admire it from afar.

Remember, Paris is best experienced at your own pace. Don’t feel pressured to see everything – focus on the sights that spark your curiosity and leave room for serendipitous discoveries along the way.

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France's Bardet claims first yellow jersey in Tour stage one

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Tour de France 2024 guide: Talking points, route map and how to watch

Due to the olympic and paralympic games taking place in paris, the 111th edition will not finish in the french capital for the first time.

The 111th edition of the Tour de France gets under way on Saturday with the world’s four best stage racers all vying for the fabled yellow jersey.

Bookended by the race’s first start in Italy and first finish outside Paris, the 2024 Tour de France boasts a groundbreaking route like none other before.

With a record 3,700m of climbing on the opening day and the legendary Col du Galibier as early as day four, the battle for the yellow jersey should be intense from the get-go. And with the race concluding with a tough time trial between Monaco and Nice – as opposed to the usual bunch sprint after a processional plod into Paris – the main contenders will be going head-to-head right up to the last pedal stroke.

Let’s take a closer look as some of the main talking points ahead of the most important bike race of the year.

Pogacar in pole position as fellow favourites falter

For the first time, the so-called “Big Four” general classification riders – Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel – will all be at the start line of a Grand Tour along with the two classics kings, Wout van Aert and the world champion Mathieu van der Poel.

Mark Cavendish boasts the speed and support crew to break Tour de France record

If there’s no doubting the stardust of the start list then one rider currently towers above the rest: the Slovenian showman Pogacar. The two-time Tour winner added the Giro d’Italia to his swelling palmares this May and returns to Italy for the Grand Depart in Florence in the form of his life. His UAE Team Emirates is also arguably the strongest of the lot, with teammate Adam Yates also capable of finishing on the podium.

While Pogacar was winning six stages and securing the Giro’s pink jersey in May, his three main rivals were all recovering from injuries sustained in a single horror crash that marred the Itzulia Basque Country race in April.

The big question now – and one that will shape the dynamic of the next three weeks – is whether double defending champion Vingegaard is competitive enough to take the fight to Pogacar. The Dane suffered multiple broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a broken collarbone in the incident – and he has not raced since.

Deprived of a host of key team-mates at Visma-Lease a Bike – including the Covid-stricken Vuelta a España winner, Sepp Kuss – Vingegaard starts his fourth Tour on the back foot. It remains to be seen if this will prove more detrimental to his chances than fatigue from the Giro does to Pogacar’s as both riders aim to become the first to win three Tours.

More British riders than ever before

Four-time champion Chris Froome may have been overlooked by his Israel-Premier Tech team, but a record 11 British riders feature on the startlist – more than ever before.

Isle of Man sprinter Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan) is the pick of the bunch as the 39-year-old attempts to become the outright leading stage winner of the Tour in his 15th and final appearance.

Twins Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) and Simon Yates (Team Jayco-AlUla) are most likely to make a splash in the general classification, while Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers), debutant Stephen Williams (Israel-Premier Tech) and Welsh veteran Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) will be targeting wins on the hillier stages.

I've seen the solution to England's problems. Now let's pray Southgate has too

Bastille day to savour.

Not only does the mythical Col du Galibier come as early as stage four as the riders head over the border from Italy, but also the peloton will tackle 32km of gravel roads in an intriguing ninth stage in north-central France.

But it’s so often the summit finishes that make the Tour so memorable – and this year’s route features five of them for a total of seven days in the high mountains. The pick of the bunch comes on the French national holiday of Bastille Day on 14 July when the riders face the best part of 5,000m of climbing ahead of the second rest day.

Stage 15 is arguably the “queen stage” of the race and features four gruelling Category 1 climbs in the Pyrenees ahead of the brutal ascent to Plateau de Beille, with its series of double-digit pitches and unforgiving gradients devoid of tree cover or hairpin bends.

New kits aplenty – and a new man in white

There will be no fewer than nine teams sporting new kits for the Tour – most notably Visma-Lease a Bike, who have swapped their usual yellow for a slick blue patterned kit echoed on the frames of their Cervelo bikes.

After welcoming Red Bull on board as a new lead sponsor, Roglic’s Bora-Hansgrohe team have also updated their green and yellow colours for a foreboding dark blue kit.

Meanwhile, for the first time since Pogacar made his debut in 2020, a new rider will take the young riders white jersey. Now 25, the Slovenian no longer qualifies for the maillot blanc competition which will open the doors to the likes of Belgian debutant Evenepoel, Spaniards Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) and Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers), and perhaps even Pidcock.

First ever finish outside Paris

The Paris 2024 Olympics means that for the first time in the Tour’s 121-year history, the race will not finish in the French capital. Since 1975, the final stage of the Tour has become synonymous with sprints on the Champs-Elysees. But not only will the 111th edition finish on the French Riviera, it will do so after a final-day individual time trial between Monaco and Nice.

It will be the first time since 1989 that the Tour has concluded with a race against the clock – and the organisers will be hoping for similar drama to that famous showdown between Greg LeMond and Laurent Fignon, when the American ended up coming from behind to win the Tour by just eight seconds, the smallest margin in the race’s history.

How to watch Tour de France 2024 in UK Dates:  29 June – 23 July (rest days on 8 and 15 July) Start times:  Vary day by day, but typically between 11am and 1pm in the UK – the final Stage 21 starts at 1.40pm TV:  ITV4, Eurosport and Welsh-language channel S4C Live stream:   ITVX , Eurosport’s  website  and  discovery+ Highlights:  Daily highlight shows will be broadcast on ITV4 and Eurosport, with replays, interviews and analysis on both  ITV.com  and  Eurosport.co.uk

Tour de France 2024 daily schedule

• Stage 1: Sat 29 June, Florence to Rimini, 206km (hills)
• Stage 2: Sun 30 June, Cesenatico to Bologne, 199km (hills)
• Stage 3 : Mon 1 July, Plaisance to Turin, 230.5km (flat)
• Stage 4: Tue 2 July, Pinerolo to Valloire, 140km (mountain)
• Stage 5 : Wed 3 July, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas, 177.5km (flat)
• Stage 6: Thu 4 July, Macon to Dijon, 163.5km (flat)
• Stage 7: Fri 5 July, Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin, 25.3km (individual time trial)
• Stage 8: Sat 6 July, Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises, 183.5km (flat)
• Stage 9: Sun 7 July, Troyes to Troyes, 199km (hills)
• Rest day: Mon 8 July
• Stage 10: Tue 9 July, Orleans to Saint-Amand-Montrond, 187.5km (flat)
• Stage 11: Wed 10 July, Evaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran, 211km (mountain)
• Stage 12: Thu 11 July, Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot, 204km (flat)
• Stage 13: Fri 12 July, Agen to Pau, 165.5km (flat)
• Stage 14: Sat 13 July, Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet, 152km (mountain)
• Stage 15: Sun 14 July, Loudenville to Plateau de Beille, 198km (mountain)
• Rest day: Mon 15 July
• Stage 16: Tue 16 July, Gruissan to Nimes, 189km (flat)
• Stage 17: Wed 17 July, Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux to Superdevoluy, 178km (mountain)
• Stage 18: Thu 18 July, Gap to Barcelonnette, 180km (hills)
• Stage 19: Fri 19 July, Embrun to Isola 2000, 145km (mountain)
• Stage 20: Sat 20 July, Nice to Col de la Couillole, 133km (mountain)
• Stage 21: Sun 21 July, Monaco to Nice, 33.7km (individual time trial)

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Tour de France 2024 stage-by-stage guide: Route maps and profiles for all 21 days

T he 2024 Tour de France will be a truly unique race when it begins in Florence on Saturday and ends – for the first time in its 121-year history – outside Paris .

This year’s Tour will wrap up without the usual procession to the Champs-Elysees, where security resources will be focused on the Paris Olympics starting five days later. Instead, organisers have opted to end the race with an individual time-trial in Nice, adding the possibility of the yellow jersey changing hands on a dramatic final day.

Before that, riders face a typically gruelling challenge, with a hilly start in Italy before crossing to France where a perilous gravel stage awaits in Troyes. Week two leads the peloton south to the Pryenees and the monstrous Col du Tourmalet, before a series of days in the Alps including a particularly brutal stage 19 with a summit finish in Isola.

It all concludes in Nice on Sunday 21 July, where the race winner will be crowned.

Stage 1: Florence to Rimini (hilly, 206km) | Saturday 29 June

The opening stage of the 2024 Tour de France will be a beautiful ride, starting with the Grand Depart on the banks of the Arno river in the centre of Florence before heading through Tuscany to the finish line on Italy’s east coast, on the beachfront of Rimini. The route also takes in San Marino, the Tour’s 13th country. But it will be tough on what is the most hilly first stage in the race’s history with 3,600m of climbing to conquer. It could be a day for Tadej Pogacar to immediately make his mark, or for an outstanding classics rider like Mathieu van der Poel to target, while young puncheurs like Ireland’s Ben Healy and Belgium’s Maxim Van Gils could be outside bets.

• Stage 1: Romain Bardet shakes off peloton to finally claim yellow jersey

Stage 2: Cesenatico to Bologna, (hilly, 199km) | Sunday 30 June

The second day throws up a more gentle ride, though it still contains six categorised climbs to test the legs. The purest sprinters will get left behind but the small ascents are unlikely to put off the more hardy fast men, like Wout van Aert , who will like the look of the fast finish in Bologna.

Stage 3: Plaisance to Turin (flat, 231km) | Monday 1 July

The long third stage will be the first opportunity for a bunch sprint to the finish line. Expect Alpecin-Deceuninck to try and control the final kilometres in an effort to position Jasper Philipsen for the win, but there is a stacked list of sprinters ready to challenge him including Arnaud de Lie, Dylan Groenewegen, Sam Bennett, Wout van Aert and Mark Cavendish, chasing a record 35th stage win to finally eclipse the great Eddy Merckx.

Stage 4: Pinerolo to Valloire (mountainous, 140km) | Tuesday 2 July

A tough fourth stage takes the riders into France via a couple of testing category-two climbs and to the foot of the Col du Galibier – the first hors categorie ascent of the race. The gradient averages only 5.3% but at 23km long, it is a draining slog of a climb to the top and the strongest climbers will come to the fore. Expect some attacks among the big hitters like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard as we get our first real sense of the battle for overall victory.

Stage 5: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Saint-Vulbas (flat, 177km) | Wednesday 3 July

The second sprint finish of this year’s Tour contains some small hills but nothing that should disrupt the power riders from reaching the finish near the front, where they will expect to battle for victory.

Stage 6: Macon to Dijon (flat, 163km) | Thursday 4 July

An even flatter day looks ripe for a bunch sprint on the streets of Dijon. One small categorised climb early in the stage precedes an intermediate sprint which might be targeted by those hunting the green jersey, and a breakaway will almost certainly then take to the front of the race. But it is likely to be caught by the sprinters’ teams before the finish as the peloton’s power riders fight for the stage win.

Stage 7: Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin, (ITT, 25km) | Friday 5 July

The first individual time-trial of this year’s Tour de France sweeps through thick forest before opening out into the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy. The only climb is the short Cote de Curtil-Vergy (1.6km at 6.1%), followed by a descent into Gevrey-Chambertin, and here Remco Evenepoel – the reigning time-trial world champion – will plan to take some time from his general classification rivals who are less adept against the clock.

Stage 8: Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises (flat, 176km) | Saturday 6 July

It may be officially listed as a flat day, but stage eight contains five categorised climbs and plenty more undulation, along with an uphill drag to the finish which should be enough to shake out some of the pure sprinters from contention. This could be a bunch sprint, a day for the breakaway or even a bold solo attack if the situation presents itself for an opportunist near the front of the race.

Stage 9: Troyes to Troyes (hilly, 199km) | Sunday 7 July

The Tour de France takes on the gravel roads of the Champagne region to see out the first week, and the white dusty terrain could take down a few unfortunate victims. The 14 sections of gravel span 32km in all, and they are similar to the roads of the iconic Italian race, Strade-Bianche. The past winners of Strade-Bianche – Tom Pidcock, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogacar – will fancy their chances here.

Rest day: Orleans | Monday 8 July

Stage 10: Orleans to Saint-Amand-Montrond (flat, 187km) | Tuesday 9 July

The Tour heads down to the centre of France, where on paper it is a nice-looking day for the sprinters, but they will need to stay alert to winds which could split the pack along this twisting route south to Saint-Amand-Montrond in the Loire Valley. A short, sharp climb 8km from the finish could be the launchpad for a brave attack, though the muscle men of the peloton will hope to fight it out against each other at the finish in Saint-Amand-Montrond.

Stage 11: Evaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran, (mountainous, 211km) | Wednesday 10 July

Six categorised climbs pepper a hard up-and-down day through the Massif Central. The third-from-last ascent is the toughest, the Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol (5.4km at 8.1%), with a painfully steep final 2km to conquer, and strong climbing legs will be needed to win the stage. A good day for a breakaway to escape and potentially stay away to the end.

Stage 12: Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot, (flat, 204km) | Thursday 11 July

The ‘flat’ categorisation disguises the numerous small hills dotted through this picturesque route to Villeneuve which will drain legs if the pace is high. Expect a determined breakaway to make it difficult for those teams hoping to set up a bunch sprint at the finish – twice before, the day has been won by a rider in the breakaway here.

Stage 13: Agen to Pau, (flat, 165km) | Friday 12 July

Pau is a staple of the Tour de France over the years, acting as the gateway to the Pyrenees mountains. The hilly finish to the stage might slow down some of the pure sprinters but they will be determined to reel in a breakaway – especially if they failed to do so a day earlier, and with so much hard climbing to come.

Stage 14: Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet, (mountainous, 152km) | Saturday 13 July

The iconic Col du Tourmalet stands in the middle of this mountain stage, with the road peaking at 2,115m above sea level. The 19km climb averages 7.4% gradient and once it’s conquered, two more big climbs await including a summit finish at Pla d’Adet. The GC contenders will surely trade blows on this brutal day.

Stage 15: Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille (mountainous, 198km) | Sunday 14 July

A nice relaxing weekend in the Pyrenees is rounded off with five climbs over a 200km route, all rated category one or harder. Expect fireworks among the yellow jersey contenders as they race to the finish atop Plateau de Beille.

Rest day: Gruissan | Monday 15 July

Stage 16: Gruissan to Nimes (flat, 189km) | Tuesday 16 July

This is the final chance for the sprinters to bag a stage before the road kicks up into the mountains once more. Those in contention for the win will need to keep their composure as roundabouts punctuate the long final strip into the line in Nimes.

Stage 17: Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux to Superdevoluy (mountainous, 178km) | Wednesday 17 July

The peloton reaches the Alps for a day that will be draining as the road tilts from the start. There are bonus seconds to be collected at the top of the category-one Col du Noyer, before a fast descent to a small summit finish which caps a tough second half to this stage.

Stage 18: Gap to Barcelonnette (hilly, 180km) | Thursday 18 July

A breakaway will certainly have a go at escaping up the road to clinch this stage, and they should be able to make it stick. The five official climbs are all category-three ascents which might mean some of the well-rounded sprinters, like Wout van Aert, can clamber over them and be a threat at the finish.

Stage 19: Embrun to Isola 2000 (mountainous, 145km) | Friday 19 July

Perhaps the most eye-catching stage when the 2014 route was unveiled was this one: three monstrous Alpine climbs, back to back, with a summit finish at Isola. The middle climb of the trio is the giant Cime de la Bonette (22.9km at 6.9%), the highest road in France at 2,802m. If the fight for the yellow jersey is still alive at this point in the race, this will be a thrilling stage for the story to unfold.

Stage 20: Nice to Col de la Couillole (mountainous, 133km) | Saturday 20 July

It may be a little shorter at only 133km, but this is another brutally tough mountain stage featuring four climbs and another summit finish, atop the Col de la Couillole, and it is another day when the yellow jersey could be won or lost.

Stage 21: Monaco to Nice (ITT, 34km) | Sunday 21 July

The race will finish without the usual procession through Paris and instead see the riders contest an individual time-trial from Monaco to Nice that could decide the outcome of the Tour. The last time-trial finale saw Greg Lemond pinch the yellow jersey on the Champs-Elysees, beating Laurent Fignon by eight seconds. This route is longer than the stage-seven time-trial, and a little more hilly too, so there is potential for some significant time gaps.

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