By Sarah Bellamy
The Tour de France, one of the world’s most prestigious cycling events, is not only a thrilling race but also an opportunity to discover the diverse cultures and flavours of France. While the country is renowned for its wine, it is also home to a burgeoning beer scene that is worth exploring.
In this article, we invite you to join us on a virtual tour as we pedal through the picturesque landscapes of France, savouring the delightful beers along the 2023 Tour de France route – with the help of Owayo’s interactive beer map.
Stages of the Tour de France
The Tour de France is divided into 21 stages over three weeks. There’s typically one stage per day, with a combination of mountain stages, flat stages, hilly stages, individual time trials, and rest days making up the race.
This event primarily takes place in France, but the route will also sometimes cross over into Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and other nearby countries, depending on the exact path set.
Stage 1: Bilbao
The opening stage of the Tour de France is a hilly course in Bilbao. A city in Spain, Bilbao is known for its Guggenheim Museum, the medieval Casco Viejo district, and the Nerviรณn River. Here you can pick up a beer from Singular Bar for โฌ6.
Stage 4: Dax to Nogaro
This flat stage sees riders cycling from Dax to Nogaro on July 4th. The last bit of this route takes place on the Circuit de Nogaro motorsport race track. It’s also the location of one of the cheapest beers on the route. You can grab a drink for โฌ4 at Chez Quentin.
Stage 10: Saint-Ours-les-Roches to Issoire
The stage after the first rest day, the Saint-Ours-les-Roches to Issoire segment is a hilly part of the race. This day will see racers heading to Issoire, a place famous for its historic buildings and religious sites. Here you can get a beer from Kyllian’s Pub for โฌ5.50.
Stage 15: Les Gets to Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc
A mountain stage, and the last segment before the second rest day, here riders move from Les Gets to the market and spa town of Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc. Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc is known for its snow sports during the cooler months. Here, Les 3 Mousquetons sells beer for โฌ6 per pint.
Stage 21: Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines to Paris
The last stage of the Tour de France race in 2023. This flat segment sees cyclists finishing up in Paris’ Champs-Elysรฉes. It’s been a tradition of the Tour to finish here for many years. Stage 21 has some of the most expensive pints of the race, with a pint from The Freedom Pub for โฌ7, and celebrate the conclusion of this epic race.
The Tour de France not only showcases the stunning landscapes and cultural heritage of France but also provides an opportunity to explore the country’s thriving beer scene. Beer enthusiasts can plan their virtual or physical journey along the Tour de France route, ensuring they don’t miss the chance to sample some of the finest brews in each region. So, raise a glass, toast to the spirit of the race, and discover the delightful beers that add flavour to the enchanting journey through France’s diverse beer trail. Santรฉ!
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Iโll stick with the wine, thank you