This week on Tuesday 02 July and Wednesday 03 July the world renown Tour de France passes along the French Riviera.
Stages 4 (25km, Nice) and Stage 5 (228.5km, Cagnes-sur-Mer to Marseille) will give a brief opportunity for spectators to support and applaud the cyclists participating in one of the world’s most televised sporting events.
I have compiled some information below for the best suggestion to get the most out of your experience:
1. Stage 4 (Nice) starts at 3.15pm from the Promenade des Anglais and follows a route back towards the airport past Parc Phoenix and travels along route de Grenoble before returning. There will be numerous road closures and diversions so bear this in mind and avoid any travel by car. Airport travellers please keep this in mind with connections for public transport.
2. Stage 5 on Wednesday commences around midday on the westerly promenade in Cagnes-sur-Mer (in the direction of Villeneuve Loubet) where the Tour de France sign is set up. This will be a main area of congestion for people on foot and also media covering the start of the stage so don’t expect to see much. Don’t attempt to drive anywhere near here as there will be numerous road closures and blockages from Cagnes-sur-Mer to Biot train station.
3. There will be a section of the RD 6007 between boulevard de Groules and the roundabout near the Biot train station which will be closed to traffic from 9am and is a good location for spectators. Traffic will also be barred from accessing the coast road (route du bord de mer) from Biot station. Tip: Take a train to Biot train station and walk from there to vantage points. The new station is wheelchair/pushchair accessible to platforms and there are public toilets at Biot train station.
4. Any hardy tourists who intend to visit Marineland or La Ferme du Far West will need to follow alternative routes managed by the police, notably avenue du Pylone is expected to be used as a main bypass.
5. Roads are intended to be reopened from 1pm but don’t count on it! Expect delays.
6. Stage 5 is a lengthy 228.5km in total, but the entire section passing Cagnes-sur-Mer/Villeneuve Loubet/Biot//Grasse will be completed in less than 40 minutes. Don’t expect a lengthy viewing experience, take snacks, water and sunscreen and enjoy a great opportunity to watch high-class athletes compete on a global stage.
7. Here is the race time schedule for local viewings for Stage 5 Cagnes-sur-Mer to Marseille:
Cagnes-sur-Mer (N98-D6007-D36-D136-D2085-D6007): 11h45
Villeneuve Loubet
Cagnes-sur-Mer: 12h00
Roundabout D6007-D4 (Biot train station): 12h03
Biot: 12h05
Valbonne (D4-D3): 12h19
Opio (near): 12h27
Chateauneuf-Grasse (D3-D2085): 12h29
Cote du Chateauneuf-Grasse / Magagnosc : 12h30
Grasse (D2085-D307-D4-D104-N85-D2562): 12h36
Peymeinade: 12h48
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