Want to experience the Grand Départ in chill bike mode: taking in the scenery, the city, and that true cycling vibe?
Whether you’re a Tour de France fan, a laid-back rider, or just curious about the North of France, here’s the perfect pedal-powered itinerary: café vélos, fan zones, and 100% cycling-themed exhibits. With a cycling cap firmly on your head, of course.
The ideal day to mix bikes, trains, and discoveries, with a plan made for cycling lovers. Hope you’re feeling fresh, it kicks off early! But don’t worry, I’ve built in a nap stop just for you 😉
☕ 9:00 AM – Breakfast at DeStraat, the bike café in Lille
Start the day easy: a strong espresso, a flaky croissant, and some bike talk.
At DeStraat, you get the neighborhood café vibe, a cool bike shop, and that friendly Flemish atmosphere.
They’ve got all the bike essentials you might need — tubes, multi-tools, bottles, repair kits… perfect for those last-minute tweaks before the big start of your perfectly packed day!
You’ll find them at 60 rue Négrier, 59000 Lille.
🚲 10:00 AM – Head to Roubaix (bike ride or TER train)
Two ways to reach the cobblestone capital, depending on how much you want to pedal:
🚆 Take the TER train Lille–Roubaix (9 minutes, bikes allowed)
👉 Check TER Lille-Roubaix schedules here
🚴♂️ Or enjoy a bike ride along the canal (45 minutes, flat and easy)
Use this time to warm up, take in the riverside views, and get into the vibe.
🧢 11:00 AM – Stop by VERA to grab your Roubaix-made cycling cap
A MUST for any bike fan.
Otherwise, the day’s gonna be ruined 😜
At VERA, we craft cycling caps and other bike accessories, in multiple sizes, with original designs all sewn right here in Hauts-de-France.
Come say hi!
Plus, I’ve got a special collection called La Folie Caravane just for you — you’re gonna love it!
📍 Vera Cycling: 36 rue du Général Sarrail, 59100 Roubaix
🏟️ 12:00 PM – André Pétrieux Velodrome (free access)
The legendary Paris-Roubaix velodrome opens its doors to you.
The final stage of Paris-Roubaix, where legends like Boonen, Hinault, and van der Poel made history. A place full of emotion, stories, and chills.
When there’s no race, you can roll your wheels on the track, snap a photo at the finish line, and imagine yourself as the winner. A must-visit spot for any cycling fan passing through Roubaix.
🍽️ 1:00 PM – Lunch in Roubaix: picnic or restaurant?
Two vibes to choose from:
🧺 Picnic at Parc Barbieux with goodies picked up from L’Âne Hilare: local cheeses, rustic bread, tasty chips, Greek olives, fresh tomatoes, artisanal lemonade. Everything you need for a delicious feast! Plus plenty of veggie options!
🍴 Or a chill restaurant spot if you want to take a break from cycling:
👉 My favorite places to refuel in Roubaix
🚆 3:00 PM – Return to Lille by TER, perfect for a quick power nap!
Pack up your leftovers (and memories), hop on a TER train heading back to Lille.
Super convenient, it’s only a 9-minute ride, you can bring your bike for free, and you’ll arrive right in the heart of Lille.
👉 Check TER Roubaix-Lille schedules here
🎉 4:00 PM – Fan Park – Place de la République, Lille
Big screen, cheering crowds, electric atmosphere: you experience the stage finish right in the heart of the city. Every attack sends the crowd wild, voices rise, debates heat up. Between applause, chants, and chills, it feels like you’re right there in the peloton, fully immersed in the race.
👉 Meet up at Place de la République, Lille
Thursday, July 3rd: 2 PM – 7 PM
Friday, July 4th: 10 AM – 7 PM
Saturday, July 5th: 10 AM – 6 PM
lillemetropole.fr/fan-park-du-tour-de-france-2025
🍬 5:00 PM – Sweet break at Meert
Make a pit stop at Meert for a classic: a waffle filled with vanilla (or caramel, or pistachio). Not mandatory… but honestly, it’d be a shame to miss out.
This iconic Lille waffle is perfectly soft and melts in your mouth — a delicious reward after the ride or simply a treat for pleasure. A local must-have that everyone agrees on, cyclist or not.
If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, their ice creams served outside the tearoom are amazing too.
👉 Find this tasty spot at 27 rue Esquermoise, Lille
🖼️ 6:00 PM – “Tour de France” Exhibition in Lille
Dive into the history of the Tour:
📍 Official Tour de France exhibit at the Regional Headquarters
🗓️ From March 27 to July 27, 2025
🕗 Free entry, open 8 AM to 7 PM
📸 Legendary items, jerseys, stories, rare archives—all focused on the Tour in our region.
💛 Highlight: the original Merckx jersey from 1969
🍻 7:00 PM – Cyclist’s Apéro in Lille
You’ve ridden, sweated, cheered… now you deserve a cold one!
Lucky for you, the North is known for its great beers!
So park your bike at a cool spot like Sikaru, St So, Le Lovibond, La Canopée, Hein, or chill out on the terrace at La Treille.
Drink responsibly.
🍟 9:00 PM – Craving fries? Totally normal.
Your legs might be tired, but your stomach’s still ready.
It’s the perfect time for a cone of fries, whether you’re chilling on a terrace or grabbing a quick bite.
Good news! I’ve rounded up the best spots in the metro area 👇
👉 The Best French Fries in Lille: 100% Tasted & Approved Picks
🎒 Cycling fan’s must-have kit for a day of two-wheeled madness!
✅ A VERA cap (for style and those ultra-cool saddle selfies)
✅ A sturdy lock (because Lille is cool, but it’s not a fairy tale)
✅ A backpack (to stash your picnic and goodies)
✅ A full water bottle (because it’s gonna be hot-hot-hot up here in the North!)
The Tour is more than just a race. It’s the perfect excuse to ride, chill, eat, dream, admire… and enjoy every moment.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious for the day, get your bike ready, grab your cap, and come experience this one-of-a-kind day between Lille and Roubaix.
And if you want to share this plan with your ride crew, your cousin, or that friend who thinks the Tour is “just for boomers”… spread the word!
