Dear Fodorites,
I will be travelling in S. France in July w/ my wife and 2 children, ages 9 and 12. We are largely avoiding the Tour de France route, but will intersect it one day near Carcassone. It is a relatively flat stage. I would appreciate any advice regarding logistics of viewing this event, even if to just catch of quick glimpse of the peleton as they swish by at 50 KPH. Thanks.
Erik

Closer to the date the official Tour site should have logistical information for you. A recent poster advised that the tour usually arrives in town around 4:00 p.m.

The post about the riders arriving at 4pm was referencing the final day in Paris. I don't imagine they finish at 4pm each day although I could be wrong. I will be attending the race for the first time this year so I can't give first hand info but have done lots of research.

On days that the course is flat it has been suggested that you go to the start town where you can get riders' photos and autographs (don't expect to snag Lance's though, he's pretty well insulated by his entourage) or the finish town where you can watch the thrill of victory.

If you would rather watch from mid course remember that the road used for the event will close earlier in the day or even the night before so you will have to plan ahead. And they really do fly by at 50 mph on the flats so hills are better for midcourse viewing.

I'm fuzzy on the details surrounding the exact route. I have heard that it will be announced in June (don't know if that has happened yet) but is easier to find in Europe than in the US. Phil Liggett has a cycling magazine which has in past years published the exact route in its June or July issue. Don't know the name of the mag but a google search would likely find it.

If you want basic details and a general route map go to the tour's official website- www.letour.fr. See you at the race!

Cycle sport magazine is the one you want. The July issue will come out later this month and should detail the route for you. You should have no problem finding a place to watch it along the route, just keep in mind that you could get stuck for a few hours, so make a picnic lunch.

Definitely get to wherever you're going to watch it a couple of hours ahead of time, with plenty of liquid refreshment if it's hot. Perhaps even more exciting for kids than seeing the riders is getting pelted with all kinds of souvenirs - miniature cheeses, tiny backpacks, sausages, t-shirts, caps, etc. - by the promotion cars that come along starting about an hour ahead of the riders.

The day's race normally finishes at approx.11 am US eastern time (as it is broadcast live daily (usually) at 9:30 eastern time for 90 minutes. I'm not sure what the local time would be.
(but 4 pm sounds about right).
If it were me, i would try to be near the finish line or if there is some climbs on the course (and there usually are even on "flat" days, I would try to watch on the uphill.
If you stake out a place in the country side, bring a picnic, get there early and enjoy the local culture!