Le Tour de France 2009
It's not all about the bikes! Le Tour 2009 is a great opportunity to get yourself around some of the most stunning areas of France. Stage by stage we are compiling some of the best tips along the peloton's route so when you're done with two wheels you can enjoy the rest of what the country has to offer.
See stages 13 to 21 here
See stages 13 to 21 here
Roll through this area straight into the healing waters of Vittel, a second time stage host. You'll need it if you've been indulging in the vineyards of Tonnerre
Talk about small town living. Both these stops on theTour are tiny - but beautifully formed with 12th Century castles and glassy lakes
From an old hand to a new host, stage 10 will see the riders rolling through the beautiful scenery of the French Lake District
Here come cols! the road starts going uphill in a mjor way now as we head through the French Pyrenees. Both towns are long-time Tour stages
Back into France and through the Massif de l'Arize, ending up in the picturesque town of St Gaudens, famous for its markets and local beer
And then came the mountains. The first big climb of the tour sees the riders hit Andorra - and finish 2,200 metres above sea level. Stunning
The Tour moves into Spain for the sixth stage giving you a chance to explore the great tips on Girona and Barcelona and to indulge in some sangria
Perpignan has a strong Catalan influence sitting as it does, right on the border with Spain. Get down there for tapas and sunshine
Fab beaches and brilliant weather, Montpellier is great as a destination or as a launch pad for a journey into southern France
Head to the port city of Marseille for fabulous food, pass through Arles for great scenery and end up in La Grande Motte for amazing architecture
Ever heard of the Medieval town of Brignoles? Well now is your chance. And check out our guide to Nice which the peloton pass through
It all begins with a time trial on the Cote d'Azur. Monaco kicks off Le Tour 2009 with all the glory it can muster - not hard for such a glamorous place
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