18 May 2015 by Jessica Boston

Tour de France 2015 Accommodation

Where to Stay for the Best View of the Action!

The Tour de France is the biggest event of France’s sporting calendar. The route changes each year and, although it dips into other European countries for some stages, it is quintessentially French. The challenging mountain stages, fast cross-country flats and the iconic finale down the Champs-Elysees in Paris provide lots of chances to take a roadside seat and get close to the action. The atmosphere and energy are incredible and it’s an unforgettable sight to see Le Tour in action.

Here’s our guide to the route with properties to book for your Tour de France adventure:

Stage 5: Arras – Amiens (8^th July 2015)

The first stage on French soil winds a route from Arras to Amiens in NE France.

When you’re not watching the professionals in action why not do some cycling yourself to explore the countryside? There’s also golf, fishing and sandy beaches nearby and a chance to explore the historic cities of Rouen and Amiens.

Manoir House – 4 Bedroom Cottage near Blangy-sur-Bresle
Detached Family House – 3 Bedroom Villa near Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Stage 6: Abbeville – Le Havre (9^th July 2015)

Stage 6 is ideally placed for a quick hop across the channel to the port of Le Havre. Book accommodation with us and get 20% off your ferry crossing!

Detached Family House – 3 Bedroom Villa near Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Manoir House – 4 Bedroom Cottage near Blangy-sur-Bresle
1 Bedroom Apartment near Deauville-les-Bains
Chateau Delacour – 5 Bedroom Chateau near Pont-Audemer

Stage 7: Livarot – Fougeres (10^th July 2015)

Stage 7 goes across Northern France from Livarot to Fougeres. This is a beautiful region steeped in history with chateaux, battlefields, natural parks and coastal resorts to discover.

La Fermette – 3 Bedroom Cottage near Thury-Harcourt
Wisteria Cottage – 1 Bedroom Cottage near Conde-sur-Noireau
La Grande Salle Verte – 2 Bedroom Gite near Fougeres
Les Bruyeres – 2 Bedroom Cottage near Fougeres

Stage 8: Rennes – Mur de Bretagne (11^th July)

Stage 8 is a challenging route into Brittany with the final hill climb into Mur de Bretagne promising to be especially exciting. Enjoy Breton culture, food and glorious beaches when you stay here to see Le Tour.

La Haute Colasiere – 3 Bedroom Cottage near Retiers
Kerguignard – 3 Bedroom Gite near Rostrenen
4 Bedroom Cottage near Mur-de-Bretagne
1 Bedroom Gite near Mur-de-Bretagne

Stage 9: Vannes – Plumelec (12^th July)

This time trial stage is just 28km long and will be fiercely fought testing strength, stamina and team tactics as they tackle the climb up the Côte de Cadoudal at the end of the stage. As the Tour reaches the west coast of France there is passion for sailing as well as cycling and the coastal scenery is breathtaking.

Michel – 3 Bedroom Gite near Josselin
Raphael – 2 Bedroom Gite near Josselin
Gabriel – 3 Bedroom Cottage near Josselin
Three Luxury Gites with Heated Pool – 8 Bedroom Cottage near Josselin
Le Gite au Moulin de Luhan – 5 Bedroom Gite near Vannes
Stone Longere – 4 Bedroom Cottage near Vannes
2 Bedroom Gite near Vannes
2 Bedroom Gite near Vannes

Stage 10: Tarbes – La Pierre Saint-Martin (14^th July)

Stage 10 is the first of the stages across southern France and includes steep climbs into the Pyrenees Mountains. The area is great for hiking and of course mountain biking with fabulous scenery and unspoilt nature. You could even make a trip to the nearby religious site, Lourdes.

Pretty French Farmhouse – 3 Bedroom Cottage near Navarrenx
Le Repaire du Pecheur – 4 Bedroom Gite near Oloron-Sainte-Marie
3 Bedroom Gite near Oloron-Sainte-Marie
Le Hayet – 1 Bedroom Gite near Trie
1 Bedroom Gite near Bagneres-de-Bigorre

Stage 11: Pau – Cauterets Vallee de Saint-Savin (15^th July)

The second day in the mountains of the Pyrenees, Stage 11 starts at one of the most popular Tour de France locations, Pau. When you’re not watching out for the Peloton you can take in the gorgeous mountain views. Cycling or hiking are the best ways to explore the Pyrenees National Park.

Sarrancolin House – 2 Bedroom Cottage near Lannemezan
1 Bedroom Gite near Bagneres-de-Bigorre
Le Hayet – 1 Bedroom Gite near Trie

Stage 12: Lannemezan – Plateau de Beille (16^th July)

Stage 12 is the third day in the Pyrenees with a series of punishing climbs to really test the cyclists – this is where the wannabe ‘king of the mountains’ will shine! This area is a great place to explore your adventurous side with canyoning, hiking and cycling all taking advantage of the beautiful mountainous terrain.

Sarrancolin House – 2 Bedroom Cottage near Lannemezan
1 Bedroom Gite near Bagneres-de-Bigorre
Le Hayet – 1 Bedroom Gite near Trie
Le Pichet – 2 Bedroom Cottage near Saint-Girons

Stage 13: Muret – Rodez (17^th July)

Diving into the Tarn valley and striking out across the hills of Aveyron, Stage 13 is one of the longest in the tour at 198.5km. The region is perfect for a relaxing break among some of France’s most beautiful villages in a landscape featuring rolling hills, craggy cliffs, deep gorges and stunning waterfalls.

Fourcarde – 2 Bedroom Gite near L’Isle-en-Dodon
Cambou – 4 Bedroom Villa near Verfeil
Chateau Pouech – 3 Bedroom Gite near Saint-Girons
Gite Les Rois – 1 Bedroom Gite near L’Isle-en-Dodon

Stage 14: Rodez – Mende: (18^th July)

Stage 14 goes from Rodez to Mende with much of the final km climb into Mendez at a challenging gradient of over 10%. The region is full of natural and historic sites to discover and Rodez weekly market is one of the best showcasing all the wonderful produce of the region.

Trois George Sands – 5 Bedroom Cottage near Cransac
La Maison du Four – 2 Bedroom Cottage near Entraygues-sur-Truyere

Stage 15: Mende – Valence (19^th July)

Stage 15 crosses southern France from Mende to Valence – a solid day’s cycling with a chance for the sprinters to show their skills. Relax and enjoy the rural landscape and historic towns and villages of the region and discover the excellent wine from the nearby Rhone valley.

Pont-Royal – 3 Bedroom Villa near Mallemort

Stage 16: Bourg-de-Peage – Gap (20^th July)

Stage 16 stretches a huge 201km with one of the nicest ‘straights’ on the Tour into Gap allowing maximum speed for the sprinters. Three Natural Parks span the region offering lots of opportunities for photographers and nature lovers to go exploring. The sunny Provence weather is also perfect for relaxing by the pool.

Maison Sarcelle – 3 Bedroom Villa near Sainte-Maxime
Pont-Royal – 3 Bedroom Villa near Mallemort

Stage 17: Digne-les-Bains – Pra Loup (22^nd July)

Stage 17 takes to the mountains again with steep climbs through the ski resorts of the French Alps. In summer it’s a great place to be active outdoors with hiking, and cycling or canoeing and sailing in the lakes and gorges.

Maison Sarcelle – 3 Bedroom Villa near Sainte-Maxime

Stage 18: Gap – St Jean de Maurienne (23^rd July)

It’s back to Gap for Stage 18 and another mountainous challenge culminating in the 18 tight bends descending Montvernier towards St Jean de Maurienne. This Alpine region has plenty of picturesque historic towns and villages dotted through the mountains and is an ideal place to practise extreme sports like true ‘mountain’ biking or rock climbing.

Maison Sarcelle – 3 Bedroom Villa near Sainte-Maxime
Pont-Royal – 3 Bedroom Villa near Mallemort
Residence Le Mont Blanc – 1 Bedroom Apartment near Albertville

Stage 19: St Jean de Maurienne – La Toussuire/Les Sybelles (24^th July)

Billed as one of the toughest stages Stage 19 includes four major mountain peaks and finishes at the top of La Toussuire 1750m above sea level. These ski resorts in summer offer plenty of scope for exploring on foot or by bike. Take a picnic and a camera for the stunning mountain views.

Residence Le Mont Blanc – 1 Bedroom Apartment near Albertville

Stage 20: Modane Valfrejus – Alp d’Huez (25^th July)

Stage 20 is the penultimate stage and is dominated by the Col du Galibier, the summit of the 2015 Tour at 2645m above sea level. Again this stage is more commonly known as a ski destination but when the snow melts for summer it reveals a mountain playground for rock climbing, abseiling, paragliding, hiking and, of course, cycling! Perfect for an active family holiday.

Residence Le Mont Blanc – 1 Bedroom Apartment near Albertville

Stage 21: Sevres – Paris (26^th July)

The iconic final stage from Sevres into Paris will be lined with supporters, for the fantastic finale of the 2015 Tour. This stage is under 2 hours drive from many areas of France popular with tourists including Normandy and the Loire so why not plan in a day trip to experience some of the excitement?

Fleur de Lys – 3 Bedroom Gite near Auxerre
Manoir House – 4 Bedroom Cottage near Blangy-sur-Bresle