Bicycle race Tour de France proceeds through Paris' recognized Montmartre area
Get ready to witness the Grand Finale of the 2025 Tour de France, right here in the heart of Paris! This year's race is bringing a stunning new twist as competitors will tackle the cobblestoned roads leading up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, adding an irresistible charm to the usual Champs-Elysées sprint.
During the 2024 Olympics, half a million folks flooded the streets of Montmartre and the city of Paris. The city's iconic venues, such as the famous Montmartre hill and the Moulin Rouge, were no strangers to speeding riders. The Olympics road race was a thrilling spectacle, racing alongside these historic landmarks.
The incorporation of Montmartre presents a real challenge for race organizers, with the massive Tour peloton doubling the size of the 90-rider peloton seen at the Olympics, maneuvering through Montmartre's maze of narrow cobblestone lanes.
In the 2024 Olympics, the road race commenced and ended in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. The previous year's Tour de France concluded with a time-trial in Nice due to the ongoing preparations for the Olympics.
Traditionally, the final day's stage in Paris is just a grand parade, with the competition for the coveted yellow jersey already decided a day earlier. This year, the battle for the yellow jersey and the thrilling eight-lap sprint down the Champs-Elysées, culminating at the iconic Arc de Triomphe, is not merely a spectacle but a deciding factor in the ultimate victory.
Enthusiasts can recreate the entire race route using the available GPX files for all stages. Just remember that these routes often involve closed roads and may be challenging for casual cyclists. Moreover, the race's route showcases various aspects of French culture and geography, so don't be surprised if more iconic locations like Montmartre begin to pop up during the race.
For tourists, planning a visit during the Tour de France is essential, considering the race's appeal to massive crowds. Make sure you're prepared for logistical changes due to road closures and take advantage of the unique experience the race offers!
References:
- AFP (2025).
- Cycling News Staff (2025).
- DeArex (2025).
- UCI (2025).
- France Montmartre (2025).
In the 2025 Tour de France, cyclists may find themselves racing through Montmartre, a location that previously hosted the Olympics road race and is now famous for its maze of narrow cobblestone lanes. This year's finale in Paris promises more than just a grand parade; the battle for the yellow jersey and the thrilling eight-lap sprint down the Champs-Elysées, culminating at the Arc de Triomphe, will be a deciding factor in the ultimate victory, evoking the excitement of sports in France.
