In America, the 4th of July means celebrating the birth of the nation. But in France this year, they’ll be celebrating on July 4th as well – when the 96th Tour de France kicks off in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Why not come on over, rent a New York Habitat vacation rental in the South of France and watch the riders whiz by?
Towns actually apply to be included in the route, and for this year there were 252 applicants to choose from. The commissioners of the Tour de France visit each town to measure, gauge, and survey every potential inch of the roads – as well as try to determine if the town is able to sustain riders, their crew, the press, and the many tourists who descend on the start and finish lines of each day’s race.
There are some exciting features to this year’s Tour de France. It will be the first time six countries are involved in the route, with Monaco, France, Andorra, Spain, Italy and Switzerland hosting portions of the race. And the South of France plays a prominent role so you have a good excuse to come and enjoy the many attractions that the South of France has to offer!
Be there when it all begins, on July 4th in Monaco, just a short hop from this 2 bedroom rental in Beausoleil (PR-632). Beausoleil is a charming town typical of the ones that dot the French Riviera, and much more affordable than the expensive condos in Monte Carlo proper. You can enjoy the kickoff and be back in time for lunch by the sea – or try your luck, or just do your best imitation of James Bond, at the world-famous casino! Plus you get to stay close to all the French Riviera events that happen throughout the summer.
Montpellier is a great spot for watching the race, as the Tour’s only team time trial will start and finish there on the same day, July 7. So, why not take advantage of the close proximity of this 2 bedroom rental in Montpellier (PR-297), located in the Antigone complex, just steps away from the start and finish line? You can catch the departure, have a nice day of shopping, and then cheer the teams as they return! Also there’s plenty to do in the city so don’t forget to check all our travel tips about Montpellier.
Or, you can chose a central location and take day trips to see the starts in Monaco, Marseille with all its attractions, and Montélimar, and the finishes in Brignoles, Mont Ventoux and La Grande Motte.
New York Habitat has these and many more apartment rentals in the South of France along the route of the race. This is your chance to see Lance Armstrong come out of retirement to try winning his eighth Tour de France championship. So, be where the action is, this July in the South of France! And if you’ve ever seen the Tour de France in person, let us know your experience in the comments!
Tour de France is really a great event. I saw it a couple times alreday but since I would be in the Monaco area ear ly July I be sure to go there.
Up until recently I had always thought I saw the beginning of the Tour de France whilst eating dinner on the Eiffel Tower, but as it turns out it was the end of the race in 2003. We had an apartment in Paris for 5 days, and it was a very enjoyable time!
This will be my first year away from a 4th of July celebration, fireworks, barbeque and apple pie. On the other hand I’ll be in Paris, city of fine wine and food. It was a pleasure to see that the Tour de France will be on. what a way for me to not terrible miss out on a grand celebration. I’m sure there will be some rydersfrom the US for me to cheer on.
Tour de France what name in the bicycle world!!! If you are a fan of this sport this is something you must see for sure. You will have the best time renting a furnished apartment during summer time, in the French Riviera.
I have always wanted to attend at least a leg of the Tour de France. It seems like it would be the Superbowl of France, or something similar to it. I think it would be a great time to be at the end of the race in Paris.
The Tour de France is the best sports event that there is. Accommodations in Paris are easy to find and it is fun to be on the finish line, awaiting the winner and all of the rest of the cyclists.
I’ve never been to the Tour de France but who hasn’t heard about it? Maybe next year I’ll vacation in France for that purpose. I’ve gotten my rental accomodations from New York Habitat in the past, and I’m sure I’ll be contacting you for this trip also.
Oooh! I want to go to the south of France! The tour de France looks like an incredible athletic event to watch. Imagine biking all those miles. Maybe I can get a vacation apartment and come watch myself!
I love the Tour de France. And I love the summer months in Paris. It really is the perfect time to look for a vacation rental in the area…
Waaw,I did study alot of Europian history,a case in point is France.I guess the Tour de France would be waalaaah!
Tour de France 2009 is starting in Monaco!! Is that the city where Grace Kelly used to live??? Can please someone let me know if I am right? Can you visit her Castle? Would be glad to rent a vacation rental from your real estate agency.
Dear Julia,
Yes you are right this the city where Grace Kelly used to live. You can actually visit specific rooms of the Castle, just make sure the castle is open the day you want to. The castle closes twice a year each time for 2 months in a row. The visit last around 40 minutes. Enjoy !
Tour de France 2009 is very good post.in this you explained about the France information.
Congratulations…….!!!!!!!!I hope this blog is very helpful..