Follow the cyclists and experience your own Tour de France courtesy of New York Habitat

Every July, the sports world focuses its eyes on France to witness the longest, toughest, most renowned bicycle race in

the world, the Tour de France. This year, the race begins on July 5th in Brittany and will end, as always, down the Champs-Elysees in Paris’ 8th arrondissement on July 27th, while the cyclists face the mountains and plains of France (and with a quick stopover in Italy) in between. You can see the race for yourself as it travels through the South of France and ends in Paris with accommodations from New York Habitat.

The race enters the South of France on Friday July 18th, as the cyclists travel from Narbonne to Nimes.

Luckily for you, the South of France offers plenty of attractions. Arrive a few days early and enjoy some time in this 4 bedroom rental in Beaucaire, Avignon Region (PR-107), just minutes away from the center of Nimes. This beautifully-decorated large house offers sunny, open living spaces and recently renovated kitchen and bathrooms. The outdoor space, featuring a garden, patio, and pool provide a relaxing vacation spot before the excitement of the race invades the South. The town of Beaucaire itself, located on the Rhone river, is a picturesque small Provincial town but still near the larger cities, like Nimes.

The cyclists will only be in Nimes for a day; they leave and head for Digne-Les-Bains on Saturday.  After Digne, the cyclists will head to Italy but will return to the area by way of Embrun, located near Digne on Wednesday July 23rd, before heading north towards Paris. But don’t despair, Digne offers plenty to do in the meantime. Home to a thermal spa resort and a national park, this town offers something for everyone while also conveniently near some of the larger towns and fun events of Provence.

After watching the Tour de France loop through the south, hop on the TGV and head to Paris to wait for the grand finish down the Champs Elysees. Spend a few days shopping and eating as you wait for the cyclists. Stay in this fabulous 1 bedroom rental in Champs Elysees (PA-3448), located on Rue Balzac, just off the Champs Elysees. This lovely modern apartment features hardwood floors throughout, updated kitchen and bathroom, and a balcony. Take advantage of the washing machine, internet connection and parking space that come with the apartment! And on the morning of July 27th, all you have to do is walk a few feet for a front-row view of the exciting finish of the race.

If you’ve always wanted to see the Tour de France in person, now is your chance. New York Habitat offers great accommodations in Paris, as well as vacation rentals in the South of France, to catch many portions of the race or just to go sight-seeing around the region. Either way, it’s sure to be a great trip.

Do you follow competitive cycling? Have you even been to see the Tour de France yourself? Do you have any ideas on who will win the race this year? Please share with us in the comments section.