We will arriving from Athens on the 25th of July after a trip through the Greek Islands.
I was wondering where was the best place to watch the final stage from The Champs Elysees.

We would love to get close to the Podium if that is possible. We expect there will be a lot of tourists in Paris for this event.
Go Richie Porte
Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

We were in Paris 2 years ago for the final stage. Someone gave us advice (it was good advice, in our experience) to wait not on the Champs Elysees, but rather before, right when they come out of the tunnel and onto Rue de Rivoli. They slow down very slightly, and it was a very festive place to watch. We did not go to the podium area, so I can't speak to that.

We did wait about 4 or 5 hours to hold a spot on the street in the front, so we could actually see the riders come by. The companies that sponsor the race were giving out lots of free stuff early on, so it was worth it! We stopped and loaded up on water and snacks, plenty of sunscreen, and enjoyed the experience. The sponsor parade was entertaining, and gives you a hint that the riders are coming.

We also went to the Champs Elysees the night before the last stage, and found that to be very festive. We enjoyed dinner, watching them test the light show on the Arch de Triumph, and collecting a few Tour souvenirs.

I think you will enjoy the festivities of the final stage, no matter where you decide to watch!

Thanks for the info and yes its going to be exciting. Hopefully warm weather and a Aussie winning the event will cap it off for us.

I recommend the Tuileries gardens just across from the Seine corner of the Louvre. It is elevated above the roadway there and allows you to see the riders riding the length of the Tuileries before going into the tunnel.

Hi Roo
We took that same advice from kerouac a few years ago, and it worked out extremely well. If you get there early enough you can pull up a couple of the green metal chairs that are scattered around the park, and sit with the stone wall in front of you . . . perfect uninterrupted view!

That wall also makes an excellent place to put your phone / camera to take photos - I just had mine sitting there the whole time, so that each time the riders came past, I could just keep clicking away without actually looking through the lens. That way, I didn't miss any of the fleeting action!

After several circuits, we then walked up to the end of the Tuileries that's closest to the Champs - lots of atmosphere there, and we saw the finish of the race from that spot. It's a great event to be part of, Di

Thanks looks like its worth getting the final stage.
We have a big trip through London Lisbon Santorini Paros Mykonos Athens then Paris so looks like its going to be a great way to finish Europe off.
We leave Perth 29/6 Via Hong Kong so we are starting to get excited.