As a local from the area, I wanted to share all the USEFUL (and most EXCITING) info about the start of the big french tour our favourite riders are kicking off this July — right here in Lille.
So yes, the useful stuff — dates, schedule, route, and the favourites to watch. But most importantly the fun stuff: things to do around town, exhibitions, concerts… all the little extras that bring the vibes and make the whole thing come alive!
Hope you’re hungry — because this is one massive serving of info coming your way, with extra Bicky sauce on top!Let’s go?
P.S. Keep an eye out for links to my other articles: best viewing spots and fan zones, where to stay in Lille, where to eat the crispiest fries, and more!
Last updated on May 28, 2025 — more info coming soon as we get closer to the big day.
📅 So, When Does the Tour de France Kick Off in Lille?
The 112th edition of the Tour de France starts in Lille on Saturday, July 5, 2025, with not just one, but three local stages. 🤘
It’s actually the second time Lille has hosted the Start aka « Grand Départ » — the first was way back in 1960 (yep, a whole different world!).
The party kicks off a few days before the race, with teams arriving and the official rider presentation taking place on Lille’s Grand-Place — the beating heart of the city. It’s all about making sure everyone gets to enjoy the show. I’ll break it all down for you further below.
🎉 FAN ZONES
At the same time, the whole city will come alive with fan zones, the publicity caravan, cycling-themed exhibitions, and plenty of fun events. And of course, hardcore fans will already be lining the roads — waving flags, rocking bucket hats and sleeveless tees, or dressed as giant bananas. You know the vibe.
Looking for the best fan zones or spots to catch the Tour de France 2025 in our lovely northern corner? I’ve got a full article just for that: Tour de France 2025 in Northern France – Best Spots, Fan Zones & Places to Soak Up the Atmosphere.
🗺️ What’s the schedule for the first stages?
Grab your calendar… and I hope you’ve booked your July holidays so you don’t miss a thing! [Editor’s note (I’ve always dreamed of writing this, sounds so professional — hehe) I’ll add the exact times as soon as they’re available.]
Let’s start with the warm-up:
🟡 Wednesday, July 2
TEAMS ARRIVAL
It all begins with the arrival of the teams in Lille. The city starts buzzing with branded buses, route reconnaissance rides, and the first supporters lining the barriers.
🟡 Thursday, July 3 – 6h30PM to 8PM
OFFICIAL RIDER PRESENTATION
Thursday is the day for the official rider presentation on the Grand-Place, right in the heart of the city: fan zone atmosphere, flags waving, photos, autographs, and plenty of selfies.
Then it’s time for the « plat de résistance »!
🟡 Saturday, July 5
STAGE 1
Lille > Lille Métropole – 185 km – Start at 1PM – Arrival 5:30PM
Festive start from Parc de la Citadelle. The peloton will cross the Lille metropolitan area on a winding urban route with false flats, accelerations, and long straights. No cobblestones, sadly, but a detour through Mont Cassel. A flat to slightly rolling profile, perfect for a big bunch sprint… unless a clever breakaway rider tries to shake things up.
🟡 Sunday, July 6
STAGE 2
Lauwin-Planque > Boulogne-sur-Mer – 212 km – Start at 12:05PM
Time for some leg-breaking climbs heading to the sea. A long, tense stage with small hills in Artois and along the Opal Coast, finishing explosively in Boulogne. Puncheurs will love it, sprinters less so.
🟡 Monday, July 7
STAGE 3
Valenciennes > DUNKERQUE – 178 km
Change of pace with a more rolling stage heading north. Watch out for the wind, echelons, and peloton tension. If it stays together, it’ll be a sprint finish; otherwise, some leaders could lose precious seconds.
🚴♂️ Why is it so cool that the Tour starts in Lille?
Because the North isn’t for the faint of heart :p Here, we ride against the wind, in the rain, on cobbles, and with a fired-up crowd!
That said, let’s hope for the nicest sunshine the North can offer in early July. Bring on the bucket hats and caps… especially the caps! Just SAYYYIIIING!
Starting the Tour in Lille sends a clear message: the Grande Boucle kicks off where cycling is a popular religion. Lille and Roubaix aren’t just dots on a map — they’re cycling country, land of races, clubs, pubs… and snack bars serving fries!
📌 THE HELL OF THE NORTH
And speaking of which, the Hell of the North is never far away. Just a few kilometers from the start are the most famous cobbled sectors in the world — the ones that make water bottles shake and hearts race. The 2025 Tour won’t take the cobbled sectors, but Roubaix’s aura still hovers over the peloton.
📌 CYCLING CULTURE
By the way, the region has a strong cycling heritage, so if you’re a fan of bike culture, I highly recommend reading my full article — I’ve listed exhibitions, concerts, and bike rides to enjoy in Lille. Bike Exhibitions, Concerts & Rides: Celebrate the 2025 Tour de France in Lille!
🏆 Winners of the Last 3 Editions & the 2025 Favorites
The last three years of the Tour have been a showdown between heavy hitters. From the Danish-Slovenian duel to the rise of fearless new challengers, it’s been quite a ride..
2022 : Jonas Vingegaard, calm and sharp like a Nordic blade, blew Pogacar away in the Alps.
2023 : Déjà vu. Vingegaard did it again, putting on a masterclass.
2024 : Pogačar fought back and took his third Tour. A classic Tour with flair, long-range attacks, and a true champion’s attitude.
And what about 2025?
The battle looks epic:
👉 Vingegaard, if he’s back at 100%, remains a metronome.
👉 Pogačar, more showman than ever, will want to double down.
👉 Roglič, always classy and unpredictable.
👉 And why not a Van der Poel who decides not to sleep for three weeks?
Not to mention the rookie who’ll set the race on fire, but we haven’t seen him coming yet.
So yeah, bets are open. And if you’ve got a favorite, now’s the time to rock the cap in your rider’s colors.
😎 Where to Watch/Follow the Tour de France 2025?
You can watch it from the couch, the pub, your home trainer, or right by the roadside — the Tour is everywheeeere.
📺 On TV:
For all the global broadcast info, the organizers share the official list right here: letour.fr/en/broadcasters
📻 On the radio:
Live info right here: letour.fr/en/radio-tour
💻 Streaming :
On france.tv, GCN+, or Eurosport Player, so you don’t miss a thing even at work (promise, I won’t tell your boss).
Come feel the buzz by the roadside, that’s where you smell the real sweat and sausages.
And for that, I’ve put together a special article on fan zones and the best spots to live it all in person:
Tour de France 2025 in the North: best spots, fan zones & addresses to soak it all up
🎬 Get in the Mood: Tour de France Movies & Series
Feeling like warming up before the big start? Grab a seat, grab an isotonic drink (or a Northern beer, or a little shot from the South, that works too), and dive into the world of the Tour with these gems:
🎥 Tour de France: Inside the Peloton (Netflix)
A behind-the-scenes dive into the peloton, “Drive to Survive” style, with mic’d-up radios, team directors yelling, and tears under the helmets.
🎥 Le Vélo de Ghislain Lambert – FR
The story of a Belgian rider from the 70s, ready to do anything to reach glory. It’s funny, sweet, and smells like mustaches and warm beer.
🎥 La Grande Boucle – FR
A clueless dad who sets off on the Tour route a day before the pros. A heartfelt French comedy that makes you want to drop everything and chase the caravan.
🎥 Slaying the Badger
The legendary doc about the Hinault vs Lemond showdown. Betrayal, pride, mullet haircuts — a true two-wheeled thriller.
🎥 Icarus
A hard-hitting doc on doping, part geopolitical thriller, part shady lab drama. Less glamorous, but a must-watch to understand the dark side.
➕ And of course, the best Tour moments are on YouTube and the French INA channel: black-and-white archives, perfectly timed sprints, epic climbs, tearful interviews… everything that makes us love this sport.
🏠 Looking for a place to stay along the Tour de France route?
Got an article for you if you’re looking for places to stay around the Lille area: 👉 Where to Sleep in Lille and Roubaix: Great Stays You’ll Actually Love
By the way, not sure if you’ve seen it, but Airbnb offers places to stay along the route, with some special experiences too: airbnb.fr/tourdefrance25
💛 Don’t forget your perfect gear, made in Roubaix!
Whether you’re cheering the riders at the start or following the caravan like a kid, my bike accessories made in Roubaix are ready to make you live the Tour in style.
Cyclist caps, neck gaiters, musettes for the feed zones — everything is lovingly crafted in Hauts-de-France to add a local, original, and comfy touch to your Tour de France experience. A little textile wink to the biggest cycling event in the world.
Discover my La Folie Caravane Collection — available late June
So go ahead, check out my products. Gear up like a true Tour de France fan!
Come visit my shop VERA CYCLING at 36 rue du Général Sarrail, 59100 Roubaix.
It’s not just a shop: it’s the one and only cap paradise in the whole world. Yes, you read that right. A real must-stop before heading out to feel the Tour vibes on the road! 😉🚴♂️💛
