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The Tour de France is not just a test of endurance for cyclists; it’s also a visual feast for spectators. The route winds through some of France’s most charming and picturesque villages, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. Here are five must-visit villages along the Tour de France route.
This little village in the Haute-Vienne province of Limousin, east of Limoges, grew into an important medieval pilgrimage hub, with visitors lured by the tomb of Saint-Léonard. With its rich medieval legacy, the town is centred around its Romanesque college cathedral, which is classified on the UNESCO list of routes to Santiago de Compostela. The narrow streets surrounding it are lined with medieval structures. The lovely old houses here are organised in a medieval street system, with several streets intersecting in a public space beside the former abbey church. Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat was well-known for its wood, leather, and porcelain craftsmanship. The location is a favourite overnight stop on the Tour de France.
This fortified harbour town at the junction of the Dordogne and the Isle has a rich history associated with the trade in wool, wine, salt, and timber. The 13th-century port is located northeast of Bordeaux and serves as the core of the Libournais wine-producing district. In the Middle Ages, Libourne produced wines that were shipped overseas. While here, visit Château Coutet, which produces wines using biodynamic agriculture, with no pesticides and only natural compost. Stroll around the quays on the Isle and Dordogne rivers. Visit the weekend market on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. The clocktower gate was built in the 14th century, while the town hall was built in the 16th. Check out the collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts at the Museum of Fine Arts on the second floor of the town hall.
This town is well-known for the Brou Royal Monastery, a work of spectacular Gothic art. The municipal museum houses magnificent collections of French, Flemish, and Italian art from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Several evocative old timber-framed mansions from the 15th and 16th centuries, such as the Gorrevod House and the Hugon House, still survive here. Explore the old quarters with its Jacobins Door, a relic of an old monastery, and the Cathedral of Our Lady, built in a mix of Renaissance and flamboyant Gothic styles. Close to the town centre is the Bouvent Leisure Park, with a 21-hectare lake, beach, water sports centre, and golf course.
Located on the banks of the Loire in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the city's rich history dates back over 2,000 years. The cuisine in this quaint river town, which boasts a gorgeous marina, is also well-known. Try local fares such as Charlieu andouille, Mons cheeses, Praluline®, and Révillon chocolates. Hikers will appreciate the accessibility of the Loire Gorges, while those who enjoy stunning architecture and history will enjoy strolling around the bustling metropolis. The canal's quays are ideal for walking. Visit the Joseph Déchelette Museum, housed in an 18th-century townhouse, which features an Egyptian collection, an archaeological collection showcasing life in Roanne during the Gallo-Roman era, and a collection of ancient and contemporary ceramics (from the 15th to the 19th centuries).
The mountain village of Combloux is popular as a ski resort hub. Combloux has been called "the pearl of Mont Blanc" since it constantly offers a clear view of the mountain. Additionally, the village is home to France's first swimmable ecological lake, which is heated by the sun during the summer. It is perfect for outdoor pursuits like hiking, trekking, cycling, and horseback riding because of the forests and alpine landscape. Combloux is a lovely community with retained traditions and authenticity, characterized by its rural hamlets and still-operating farms. The town has a strong cultural identity due to its history and built heritage.
