A group of people riding bikes down the street.

Le Tour de France

Le Tour de France, the world’s premier biking race that stretches in 20 stages from Rotterdam, through the mountainous Pyrénées, to the grand finale on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, ends this Sunday on July 25.  The winner, in his yellow jersey, will parade with the other cyclists through the streets of Paris, entering from the prestigious 16th arrondissement on Avenue de Versailles, through Place de la Concorde and Rue de Rivoli, before hitting the finish line on the Champs-Élysées.  The best venues for watching the racers are on Avenue de Versailles, Avenue President Kennedy, and Rue de Rivoli.  There are several cafés located on these streets, so grab a seat early in the morning and sip your café as you wait for the cyclists to rush in and race through the city.

Some good venues in the 16th are right near Radio France, which have sidewalk seating. Chez Francis and Grand Carona near the Alma Marceau metro also have great views of the Eiffel Tower. Champagne is a traditional drink to celebrate the final and cyclists are known to pass flutes of champagne to each other as they ride on their way to the finish line.  So pop a bottle of bubbly and celebrate, not only for the cyclists, but also for witnessing one of the greatest cycling events in history.

Information: Website: http://www.letour.fr/us/index.html

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