Tour de France 2011

Le Grand Tour is big business in France, as the country becomes gripped with cycling fever. And you too can be part of the action with Canvas Holidays.

The 98th Tour de France sets off from Ile de Noirmoutier in the Vendée on Saturday 2 July 2011, and finishes three weeks and 21 stages later with a triumphant ride along the Champs d’Élysées in Paris. 

• Campsites in the Vendée – the race tours the region for three days (2-4 July). Starts with a crossing of the Passage du Gois from Ile de Noirmoutier
• Campsites in Brittany – the tour passes through the area between 5-7 July.
• Camping de la Côte de Nacre (St Aubin) – 50 miles from Lisieux, the end of stage 6.
• Campsites in the Loire – close to Le Mans, the starting point for stage 7.
• Campsites in Languedoc – ideal base for the thrilling mountain stages of the Pyrénees.
• La Ferme de la Serraz (Lake Annecy) – catch the climb up Alpe d’Huez (or even try it yourself!)
• Campsites in Paris – see who triumphs in the final stage on the Champs d’Élysées.

You can see the complete route and nearby campsites on the map. For full information, visit the official website at www.letour.fr

A word of advice

While it’s thrilling to watch, the Tour de France does draw in big crowds. It’s worth checking your route if you are planning on catching the action (or driving to your campsite on a day when the Tour is nearby). Roads are often closed for the whole day, and traffic queues can be long. It’s always best to get to your chosen viewing spot early. Pack a picnic and wait for the action.

Not nearby?

If you’re not at a site nearby, don’t worry. Most campsites have televisions available in the bar and restaurant areas, so you can watch all the action as it happens. If all the cycling has left you thirsty for more, why not look for a campsite that offers bike hire, or better still take your own. Our downloadable activity guides offer information on cycling routes close to some of our sites.