16
Le Grand Départ - the opening stages in Lille
Witness the Team Presentation, LIVE race-viewing of the Opening Stage in Lille and the Finish of Stage 3 in Dunkirk. Lille is also Spring Classics territory so prepare yourself to ride the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix!
Thomson Tour de France Challenges are the trips of choice for avid cyclists of all abilities looking for a unique blend of LIVE Tour de France race-viewing and challenging riding.
Experience the opening stages of the Tour de France in Lille and Dunkirk. Mingle with the pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village & Team Paddock at the Opening Stage in Lille and cherish the unique experience of riding on the race route and crossing the Finish Line ahead of the peloton on Stage 3 in Dunkirk.
Northern France is also “Spring Classics” territory, the Paris-Roubaix cobbles are right outside your hotel, and the infamous bergs of the Tour of Flanders are just a 30-minute ride away. Be prepared to ride the “Classics” with our expert ride leaders, including iconic cobble sections such as the Carrefour de L’Arbre, the Trouée d’Arenberg, the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont, the Koppenberg and many more…!
Robert Sargent, USA — 2023
Cindy McBurney, USA — 2019
Tait Eyre, USA — 2018
Daily itineraries
Only with Thomson: a choice of 3 fully supported rides each day. With daily rides from 20km to 160km (15 miles to 100 miles), no matter your fitness level, we’ve got you covered!
Your partner doesn’t ride but is a Tour de France fan: no problem, our Non-Rider program features daily activities and Tour de France viewing for those who prefer not to ride.
Check out our Sport, Performance, Epic and Non-Rider itineraries below.
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Itineraries
Compare rides
Choose your itinerary
| Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Tour de France Team Presentation | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 01 | Tour de France Team Presentation | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 01 | Tour de France Team Presentation | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 01 | Tour de France Team Presentation | ||||
| 02 | Ride the Tour of Flanders | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
Read more
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| 02 | Ride the Tour of Flanders | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
Read more
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| 02 | Visit Bruges | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
Read more
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| 02 | Ride the Tour of Flanders | ||||
| 03 | LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
Read more
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| 03 | LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 03 | LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 03 | LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille | ||||
| 04 | Ride Paris-Roubaix | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 04 | Ride Paris-Roubaix | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 04 | Lille city tour | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 04 | Ride Paris-Roubaix | ||||
| 05 | Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 05 | Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 05 | Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk | Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin |
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| 05 | Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk | ||||
| 06 | Au revoir! |
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| 06 | Au revoir! |
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| 06 | Au revoir! |
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| 06 | Au revoir! | ||||
| Sport Daily Averages |
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| Day | sport Distance | Elevation | performance Distance | Elevation | epic Distance | Elevation |
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| 02 | ||||||
| 03 | ||||||
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Choose your itinerary
Itinerary Detail
Day 1
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Tour de France Team Presentation
Your trip starts at Lille Europe Train Station where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Lille.
After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out onto the narrow lanes for your first taste of riding in Northern France. After the ride we’ll drive into downtown Lille to witness the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.
Tour de France Team Presentation
Your trip starts at Lille Europe Train Station where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Lille.
After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out onto the narrow lanes for your first taste of riding in Northern France. After the ride we’ll drive into downtown Lille to witness the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.
Tour de France Team Presentation
Your trip starts at Lille Europe Train Station where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Lille.
After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out onto the narrow lanes for your first taste of riding in Northern France. After the ride we’ll drive into downtown Lille to witness the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.
Tour de France Team Presentation
Your trip starts at Lille Europe Train Station where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Lille.
After a brief orientation meeting and lunch we’ll drive into downtown Lille to witness the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.
Day 2
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Ride the Tour of Flanders
Today you have the unique opportunity to ride one of the monuments of cycling, the Tour of Flanders. The route for today’s Sport ride follows the final 50km of the professional race and features several of the famous bergs including the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont and the Koppenberg.
Ride the Tour of Flanders
Today you have the unique opportunity to ride one of the monuments of cycling, the Tour of Flanders. The route for today’s Performance ride follows the final 90km of the professional race and features many of the famous bergs including the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont and the Koppenberg.
Ride the Tour of Flanders
Today you have the unique opportunity to ride one of the monuments of cycling, the Tour of Flanders. The route for today’s Epic ride follows the final 158km of the professional race and features all the famous bergs including the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont, the Koppenberg and the Muur van Geraardsbergen.
Visit Bruges
Today you’ll head into Belgium to visit one of the country’s most stunning cities, Bruges. This is Belgium’s most perfectly preserved medieval town, and its jaw-dropping, beautiful architecture attracts more than two million visitors a year. With its wealth of interesting old buildings and canals, Bruges still retains a distinct medieval air. Take a walk through the narrow streets and fall under its spell, charmed by the atmosphere of what many consider the most delightful city of Flanders.
Day 3
Distance
-
Elevation
-
LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille
The 2025 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Lille.
This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and the Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Lille before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line.
LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille
The 2025 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Lille.
This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and the Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Lille before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line.
LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille
The 2025 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Lille.
This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and the Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Lille before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line.
LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille
The 2025 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Lille.
This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and the Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Lille before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line.
Day 4
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Ride Paris-Roubaix
You rode the highlights of the Tour of Flanders on Friday and today you’ll ride sections of the other Spring Classics monument: Paris-Roubaix. You’ll ride out from the hotel and join the Paris-Roubaix pro race route for 6 of the 29 official cobble sectors, including the legendary Carrefour de L’Arbre!
Ride Paris-Roubaix
You rode the highlights of the Tour of Flanders on Friday and today you’ll ride sections of the other Spring Classics monument: Paris-Roubaix. You’ll ride out from the hotel and join the Paris-Roubaix pro race route for 12 of the 29 official cobble sectors, including the legendary Carrefour de L’Arbre!
Ride Paris-Roubaix
You rode Flanders on Friday and today you’ll ride the other Spring Classics monument: Paris-Roubaix. You’ll ride out from the hotel and join the Paris-Roubaix pro race route for 17 of the 29 official cobble sectors, including the Trouée d’Arenberg and the Carrefour de L’Arbre!
Lille city tour
As your cycling partner tackles the Paris-Roubaix cobbles, you’ll enjoy a more leisurely day with a visit to downtown Lille. You’ll discover the old world charm of the cobbled Vieux-Lille with its Flemish townhouses, boutiques, bars and the Hospice Comtesse Museum. From Vieux-Lille you’ll head over to the Quartier Saint Sauveur to take in the Art Deco belfry (panoramic views from the top), the Porte de Paris (Lille’s answer to the Arc de Triomphe) and nearby Gare Saint Sauveur, once a railway station now a hip space for culture and the arts. You’ll round off the day with a walk to the Grand Place where you can enjoy a coffee at any one of the many cafés that line the perimeter of this magnificent square.
Day 5
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk
A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Dunkirk.
Before the photo shoot you’ll enjoy the incredible experience of riding the final 58km of today’s stage on the actual race route, cheered on by thousands of passionate cycling fans. Only with Thomson!
Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk
A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Dunkirk.
Before the photo shoot you’ll enjoy the incredible experience of riding the final 80km of today’s stage on the actual race route, cheered on by thousands of passionate cycling fans. Only with Thomson!
Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk
A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Dunkirk.
Before the photo shoot you’ll enjoy the incredible experience of riding the final 100km of today’s stage on the actual race route, cheered on by thousands of passionate cycling fans. Only with Thomson!
Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk
Our cycling group will be riding across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton. Join your cycling partner at the Finish Line for an exclusive photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Dunkirk.
Day 6
Distance
-
Elevation
-
Au revoir!
Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Grand Depart has come to an end.
Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station. From here you can catch a high-speed train to downtown Paris or to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Au revoir!
Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Grand Depart has come to an end.
Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station. From here you can catch a high-speed train to downtown Paris or to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Au revoir!
Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Grand Depart has come to an end.
Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station. From here you can catch a high-speed train to downtown Paris or to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Au revoir!
Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Grand Depart has come to an end.
Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station. From here you can catch a high-speed train to downtown Paris or to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Map & Profile
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| No major climbs today | |||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| No major climbs today | |||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| No major climbs today | |||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| No major climbs today | |||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| No major climbs today | |||||
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
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| No major climbs today | |||||
Climbs
Stage
Team Presentation in Lille
Stage
Grand Depart
Stage 1
Lille > Lille
Alexander Kristoff was the last pure sprinter to pull on the Yellow Jersey following the first stage, during the 2020 Grand Départ in Nice. A successor to the Norwegian should emerge in Lille after a loop that will take the peloton into the Pas-de-Calais region initially. Once back in the department of Nord, the sprinter's teams are likely to offer little opportunity to the breakaway riders, who will have to focus on the contest for the polka-dot jersey on the climbs of Cassel at km 106 and Mont Noir at km 139.7. The sprinters will take centre stage on the final straight below the Citadel.
Stage 2
Lauwin-Planque > Boulogne-sur-Mer
There’s good reason to think that the Yellow Jersey could find a new owner in Boulogne-sur-Mer, where the first of the 2025 Tour’s punchy finishes will take place. The hills in the Artois and Boulonnais regions will already have taken a physical toll on the riders by the time they tackle two tough tests on the coast, at Saint-Étienne-au-Mont where there are gradients of 15%, and then at Outreau, just over five kilometres from the finish line. After that, there’s still a demanding kilometre-long ramp where the final verdict will be decided.
Stage 3
Valenciennes > Dunkirk
The riders and team managers all become weather experts on the morning of this type of stage. There will be no need for panic as the stage passes Isbergues. However, following the climb of the Côte de Cassel, the final 35 kilometres will be exposed to the wind. Will it blow? And in which direction? The stage has been designed to encourage the formation of echelons, or, failing that, for a bunch finish near the Marcel-Tribut Stadium.
Stage 4
Amiens > Rouen
The passage across the Picardy plain is exposed to the wind and could offer options to teams keen to create echelons. However, it’s more likely that there’ll be a battle between the peloton’s best puncheurs over the final 40 kilometres. After the historic Côte de Bonsecours, where the riders will pass the monument to Jean Robic, they will continue to the Côte de Grand’Mare and the more testing Saint-Hilaire ascent that averages 15% and is followed by a five-kilometre dive into the centre of Rouen.
Tour de France
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Dates and prices
| Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | |||||||
July 3 to July 8 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $6,495
|
USD $750 |
n/a |
Book this trip | |
Waiting List
Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:
Hotels
Pick-up and Drop-off
Arrival
| Pickup Location | Time |
|---|---|
|
Lille Europe TGV Train Station (direct trains from Paris downtown or CDG airport) |
July 3 at 9:30am |
Departure
| Drop Off Location | Time |
|---|---|
|
Lille Europe TGV Train Station (direct trains to Paris downtown or CDG airport) |
July 8 at 8:00am |
What's included
| What's Included | What's Not Included |
|---|---|
Tour de France Viewing
 Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
Merchandising
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| What's Included |
|---|
Tour de France Viewing
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
Merchandising
|
| What's Not Included |
|
Rental bikes
Specialized Aethos Expert
Read More
Frame
Aethos FACT 10r Carbon
Groupset
Di2 Shimano Ultegra
Weight
699g (size 56)
Wheels
Roval C38
Chainrings
52/36T
Cassette
11-34t (12-speed)
Sizes
49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
Rental Fee
USD $550
Guest Experience
Elevate your riding experience to new heights as you conquer legendary ascents that have tested the mettle of cycling's elite. Picture yourself pedaling through panoramic vistas, tackling hairpin turns and steep gradients, all while astride top-tier bikes meticulously fine-tuned by professional mechanics. With a support crew unparalleled in their dedication, every mile becomes a triumph, every summit a personal victory. Fulfill your lifetime riding goals and immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of the pro peloton, where the passion for cycling meets the grandeur of the mountains. This isn't just a trip—it's a unique opportunity to challenge yourself and ride the same paths as cycling legends.
VIP Experience
Embark on the ultimate cycling pilgrimage with our exclusive VIP trip to witness the Tour de France in unparalleled style. Immerse yourself in the thrilling energy of the race with spectacular access to the start and finish lines, as well as prime vantage points along major climbs like the legendary Col du Tourmalet and the Col du Galibier. Rub shoulders with cycling royalty as you meet the pro riders up close, savoring the electrifying atmosphere of the world's greatest cycling event. Indulge in the epitome of luxury with our VIP areas, where the finest champagne and cuisine await you. Experience the Tour like never before – you'll be as close to the pros as a Directeur Sportif, creating memories to last a lifetime. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, meticulously supported by the Thomson team, and elevate your passion for cycling to new heights.
Legendary Climbs
Get ready to ride your way into cycling history! Join us on an exhilarating adventure that puts your climbing skills to the ultimate test along the legendary routes of the Tour de France. Channel your inner pro cyclist as you conquer iconic climbs such as the formidable Tourmalet and the breathtaking Galibier. Feel the rush of ascending these famed Cols, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes that have witnessed cycling greatness. This isn't just a ride; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of professional cycling, supported by a dedicated team ensuring you tackle each ascent like a champion. Grab your bike, bring your determination, and let's ascend to new heights together!
2025 TDF Challenge – Le Grand Départ
Experience the Tour de France with the Premier Official Tour Operator
