Cycling the Tour de France Route in Paris: A Day to Remember

"Allez, allez, allez!" 🚴🇫🇷

That’s what we shouted from the sidelines on July 27th, 2025, as the peloton soared past the iconic Château de Versailles, thundered down Avenue de Paris, and raced toward the final leg of the Tour de France in the heart of Paris.

But before the pros clipped in and sprinted down the Champs-Élysées, something magical happened.

We rode it first.

That morning, with croissants in our baskets and adrenaline in our legs, we welcomed our guests on a once-in-a-lifetime ride around the official Tour de France route, completely car-free and gleaming in the early summer light.

From the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, we pedalled through history, community, and celebration during our Tour de France Bike Tour.

This is our look back on a day that made every cyclist’s dream come true—and why you might want to join us next year, too.

The most famous cycling day of the year—and we were there!

As a French bike tour company made up of expats turned locals, Tour de France day is sacred.

It's the World Cup, the Olympics, and Bastille Day rolled into one for lovers of lycra and life on two wheels.

But this year felt especially electrifying.

Not only did Paris return as the host of the final stage (after the 2024 Olympic Games had it temporarily moved), but the route was more iconic than ever — starting in Versailles and culminating in the ultimate victory sprint around the Arc de Triomphe.

We knew we couldn’t just spectate. We had to ride it.

7AM in Paris: wheels down at sunrise

Our special Tour de France Ride began at the break of dawn, right outside our office near the Eiffel Tower. As Paris stretched awake, we fitted guests with elegant city bikes and optional helmets, shared a few safety tips, and tucked into fresh croissants and orange juice under the shade of the Iron Lady.

There was a buzz in the air. The kind that only happens when you know you’re about to ride the most famous cycling route in the world… without any traffic.

From the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe

We took to the streets just as Paris began closing off roads for the pros.

With police barricades in place and no cars in sight, we pushed the pedals past the Seine, glided by the Louvre, and picked up speed as we rounded the Place de la Concorde.

No honking. No stoplights. Just our group of enthusiastic riders and the world’s most beautiful city, laid out like a private cycling runway.

We even had our very own mini Champs-Élysées sprint — complete with playful competition, photo finishes, and some serious Tour spirit. (Don’t worry, no elbows were thrown… this time.)

At the Arc de Triomphe, we did our own victory lap. Some even wore yellow jerseys. All were rewarded with a chilled glass of champagne to toast their efforts. If that’s not a Tour de France finish, we don’t know what is.

Riding the Route of Legends

Every cyclist knows the final stage of the Tour de France is where heroes are made.

But most people only ever see it on TV or pressed behind a barricade.

We got to ride it.

This year’s final Paris stage included a symbolic route through Versailles and into the city centre, wrapping up with eight laps around the Arc de Triomphe, and the legendary Champs-Élysées sprint. While we didn’t race eight times around (we’ll leave that to the pros!), our version was equally memorable.

Not to mention: the joy of seeing the same roads just a few hours later as the pros zoomed down the very lanes we had pedalled earlier that day? Pure cycling magic.

Champagne, Croissants, and Cheer: A Ride to Remember

The ride ended the way all great rides should: with champagne, high-fives, and a celebration of community. Riders came from all over the world — solo travellers, couples, cycling enthusiasts, and complete beginners — all united by one unforgettable morning in Paris.

As the streets began to buzz with spectators and anticipation built for the real Tour finish, our guests were already glowing with the satisfaction of having done something truly rare.

They didn’t just watch history.

They rode it.

A Few Fun Facts About the 2025 Tour de France 🏆

• Date of the final stage: 27th July 2025
• Start: Château de Versailles
• Finish: Champs-Élysées, Paris
• Distance: Final stage approx. 115 km (don’t worry, we rode the iconic 8km Paris portion!)
• Winner: Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar confirmed his fourth Tour de France win, pushing through the cobbled climbs and descents over the Côte de la Butte Montmartre!
• Yellow Jersey traditions: The final day is usually a procession for the race leader—but the Champs-Élysées sprint is a fierce battle for glory

Why Book a Paris Tour with Us?

We don’t just guide tours—we create experiences you’ll never forget.

Whether it’s riding past the Eiffel Tower with a fresh croissant in hand, sipping champagne at the Arc, or exploring hidden gems in Montmartre with our passionate local guides, we do things the Boutique way: expert-led, story-rich, and filled with joy.

We’re not a mass tour company. We’re a community of cyclists, storytellers, and travellers who believe in showing you the Paris locals love, and going the extra mile (literally).

And if you join us next July?

You just might earn your own yellow jersey.

Don’t Miss Next Year’s Ride—Limited Spots Available!

Our Tour de France Ride is one of the few chances in the world to cycle the exact Tour de France route before the peloton arrives. Spots are extremely limited due to road closures and timing.

What’s Included:

• ✅ Classy Bike & Optional Helmet
• ✅ Local Expert Guide
• ✅ Fresh Breakfast by the Eiffel Tower
• ✅ Champagne Toast at the Arc
• ✅ Insider Tips, Stories & Photo Stops
• ✅ VIP Memories of a Car-Free Paris

From Paris with Love

At Boutique Tours, we believe that Paris is best explored by bike — and Tour de France day is the ultimate proof.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or haven’t pedalled in years, there’s something deeply special about cruising through empty streets usually reserved for pros and Parisians.

And next year? We hope you’ll ride beside us.

In the meantime, check out our Paris tours!