A Paris Weekend for the Tour de France Finale

Paris in late July offers a unique blend of cultural indulgence and sporting excitement. This extended weekend itinerary is crafted around the grand finale of the 2025 Tour de France, which concludes in Paris on Sunday, 27 July:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Over four days – from a Friday morning arrival to a Monday afternoon departure – you’ll witness the iconic race finish on the Champs-Élysées and still have time to explore world-famous sights like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Versailles. Along the way, savor classic French cuisine, from flaky croissants to hearty bistro fare. With a polished touch and a dash of magazine-style flair, here’s your guide to an unforgettable Parisian weekend.

Friday: Arrival, Louvre Marvels & Eiffel Tower Magic

Morning: Arrive in Paris on Friday morning and dive straight into the city’s café culture to shake off any travel fatigue. Stop at a local boulangerie for a buttery croissant and a café crème – there’s no better introduction to Paris. Properly fueled, make your way to the Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art museum that houses approximately 35,000 works of art. Enter via the modern glass Pyramid into what was once a royal palace. Given limited time, focus on the highlights: gaze into the enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa, admire the graceful Venus de Milo, and stand awestruck before the winged glory of Nike of Samothrace (Winged Victory). Wandering the ornate halls, you’ll also glimpse the opulent Palais décor – a reminder that this museum was a seat of kings before it became a treasury of masterpieces.

To beat the crowds, consider visiting on Friday afternoon or early evening – the Louvre stays open late on Fridays (typically until about 9:45 PM). As you exit, stroll through the Tuileries Garden just outside. The manicured lawns and fountains offer a tranquil breathing space, with the Luxor Obelisk of Place de la Concorde visible at the far end. From here, you’re at the historic axis of Paris: looking west, the Champs-Élysées extends toward the Arc de Triomphe, and looking east, the Louvre beckons. It’s a perfect spot to pause on a park bench with a jambon-beurre (ham and butter baguette sandwich) picked up from a nearby kiosk, enjoying a quintessential Parisian lunch al fresco.

Evening: As twilight falls, make your way to the Eiffel Tower, the Iron Lady of Paris. Watching this iconic structure transition from day to night is pure magic. At dusk, the tower’s golden lights blink on, and once darkness settles, a sparkling spectacle begins. For five minutes at the start of each hour, 20,000 flashbulbs twinkle across the Eiffel Tower’s frame, enchanting onlookers with a dazzling light show. Try to arrive on the hour to catch the first sparkle – in summer, the show usually starts around 10 PM when night has finally fallen. A fantastic vantage point is from the Trocadéro Gardens across the Seine, where you can watch the Eiffel Tower shimmer in full view. Take time to ascend the tower (if you’ve reserved tickets in advance) or simply enjoy it from ground level. As you linger, perhaps with a glass of French wine or a scoop of gelato from a nearby stand, you’ll understand why Paris is called the City of Light. To cap off your first day, indulge in a classic French dinner. Nearby, in the charming streets of the 7th arrondissement, cozy bistros offer favorites like soupe à l’oignon (French onion soup) – a rich, slow-cooked onion broth crowned with gooey melted cheese – or steak-frites, that timeless pairing of seared steak and crispy fries that’s beloved in France and beyond. Bon appétit!

Saturday: Versailles Day Trip & Montmartre Evening Charm

Morning: Start early for a half-day excursion to the Palace of Versailles, the gilded château of Sun King Louis XIV. (Note: Versailles is closed on Mondays, so Saturday is ideal for this visit.) Hop on an RER C train from central Paris and in about 40 minutes you’ll arrive in the town of Versailles. Aim to be at the palace gates by opening time (around 9:00 AM) to beat the crowds. Inside, you’ll traverse a succession of lavish State Apartments until you reach the pièce de résistance: the Hall of Mirrors. Here, 357 mirrors adorn the walls, reflecting crystal chandeliers and gilded sculptures – it’s easy to imagine courtly balls and historic treaties (like the Treaty of Versailles of 1919) enacted under its painted ceiling. Step out into the French Gardens, where manicured hedges, flowerbeds, and dancing fountains (set to classical music on show days) stretch to the horizon. The view down the Grand Canal is splendid; consider renting a rowboat or simply walking the grounds to Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet for a glimpse of royal pastoral fantasies.

After feasting your eyes, it’s time to feed your appetite. Near the palace or back in Paris, enjoy a leisurely lunch. This is the perfect opportunity to try something traditional: perhaps croque monsieur, the classic grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich enriched with béchamel sauce (often served with a green salad), or a savory buckwheat crêpe (galette) from a crêperie, filled with ham, cheese, and egg – a staple of Brittany that Parisians adore at midday. Pair it with a glass of cider or a light rosé wine for a truly local meal.

Afternoon: Return to Paris by early afternoon and dive back into city life. Now is a great time to explore Montmartre, the bohemian hilltop quarter famed for its artsy vibe and stunning city vistas. Wander up the cobbled lanes to Sacré-Cœur Basilica, whose chalk-white dome crowns the highest point in Paris. Step inside the basilica’s cool, hushed interior to admire its grand mosaic, then step back out to soak in the panoramic view. All of Paris lies at your feet – you can spot the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the sprawling cityscape. As the sun begins to lower, the atmosphere on the Sacré-Cœur steps turns festive. Street musicians often serenade the gathering crowd, and a bottle of Bordeaux shared here is a popular tradition for both locals and visitors. (Be mindful of your belongings, as crowds anywhere can attract pickpockets.) As sunset nears, the sky over Paris often blazes orange and pink, silhouetting the distant Eiffel Tower. It’s a memorable sight, albeit a shared one – Montmartre at sunset draws many people, creating a lively, if crowded, scene of camaraderie and cheer.

Evening: For dinner, Montmartre presents an array of delightful options. You might choose a rustic Montmartre bistro like Le Relais Gascon or Chez la Mère Catherine on the quaint Place du Tertre (known for its plein-air artists) – here you can sample dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, a Burgundy beef stew slow-cooked in red wine, or confit de canard, duck leg lovingly cooked in its own fat until fork-tender. Each bite feels like a hug from a French grandmother. If you have a sweet tooth, this is also the night to treat yourself to Parisian desserts: maybe a crème brûlée with its caramelized sugar crust, or a visit to the legendary Moulin de la Galette for a slice of tarte Tatin (caramelized apple tart) at their historic windmill-turned-restaurant. Montmartre’s romance lingers in the air as you make your way back to your hotel, walking past the glowing marquee of the Moulin Rouge cabaret or the windmills along Rue Lepic, feeling as though you’ve stepped into a Toulouse-Lautrec painting.

Sunday: Champs-Élysées Glory – Tour de France Finale

Morning: Sunday in Paris begins leisurely. After Saturday’s adventures, take the morning to relax and recharge – you’ll need energy for the excitement ahead. Sleep in a bit, then head to a corner café for a classic Parisian petit déjeuner. Order café au lait and orange juice, and nibble a pain au chocolat or baguette tartine (baguette slices with butter and jam). With no dietary restrictions to hold you back, perhaps also sample a decadent éclair or a fruity tartelette from a patisserie – after all, you’re fueling up for a day of celebration. If you’re near one of Paris’s open-air food markets (like Marché Bastille on Sunday mornings), stroll through to see stalls brimming with cheese, charcuterie, and fresh produce; the vibrancy of local life is on full display.

Afternoon (pre-race): The grand finale of the Tour de France awaits this evening, but preparations and road closures will shape your day. The 2025 Tour de France, in its 112th edition, culminates in Paris today after winding over 3,300 km through France. The final stage customarily departs from a town in the afternoon and reaches Paris by early evening. Around 3–4 PM, head towards the Champs-Élysées or its vicinity. The race route into Paris varies slightly each year, but it always finishes with multiple laps of the Champs-Élysées (a tradition since 1975). In a “normal” year, riders will loop around eight times before the final sprint, so positioning yourself along this circuit ensures repeated thrills. A clever tip from seasoned spectators: stations like Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre put you near the Rue de Rivoli/Tuileries section of the loop, which tends to be less crowded than the wide Champs-Élysées proper and still offers fantastic views as the peloton whizzes past.

By mid-afternoon, the Caravan – a festive parade of sponsor vehicles – will roll through, tossing freebies and pumping up the crowd. The atmosphere builds with each passing minute: families picnic curbside, fans wave flags from around the world, and anticipation crackles in the summer air. Secure your spot early (front-row views are claimed hours in advance, especially by shorter spectators who need the barrier advantage). Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and perhaps a collapsible stool if you plan to wait long – it can be a test of endurance for spectators, too! With luck, the weather cooperates, but be prepared for anything; late July can bring scorching sun or an odd thunderstorm in equal measure.

Evening (race and celebrations): By approximately 7:00 PM, the Tour’s final stage reaches its climax in Paris. You’ll know the riders are near when you see helicopters hovering and hear the growing roar of the crowd down the avenue. Suddenly, the yellow jersey (overall leader) and the elite peloton appear, hurtling down the Champs-Élysées’ famed cobblestones. The first lap is somewhat ceremonial – a moment of pageantry as the riders salute Paris – but once the circuits begin in earnest, the race for the prestigious stage win is on. The speeds intensify lap after lap; the sound of whirring chains and the cheer of spectators rise to a crescendo. Perhaps you’ve positioned near the Place de la Concorde end, where riders navigate the curve around the obelisk, or closer to the Arc de Triomphe end where the finish line lies – either way, the energy is unforgettable. Cameras flash, cowbells clang, and in a blur of colored jerseys the sprinters battle for the final dash. In a heartbeat, it’s over – a rider throws his arms up in victory amidst the deafening applause.

Don’t rush off just yet. After the finish, the riders take slow, celebratory laps, and an awards ceremony follows on a podium typically set up near the Arc de Triomphe. Many spectators begin to disperse, so if you linger you might wiggle closer to the front for a glimpse of the winners receiving their trophies (and perhaps the indulgent sight of exhausted cyclists sipping champagne, a Tour tradition on the final day). The Champs-Élysées itself becomes a grand street party – patriotism and festivity blend as French fans celebrate and visitors revel in the communal joy. Once the roads reopen, you could stroll the Champs-Élysées, now post-race, imagining the sprint finish that just thundered by. For dinner, join the revelers at a brasserie on or near the avenue. This is an evening to toast with champagne – you’ve witnessed sporting history! Pair your bubbly with a plate of steak tartare (if you’re adventurous – finely minced seasoned raw beef, a French classic) or the safer but always satisfying entrecôte grillée (grilled rib steak) with herb butter. For a final bite, order profiteroles – cream-filled pastry puffs drizzled in chocolate – as a celebratory dessert. Under the Paris sky, with the Tour de France champion crowned and the monuments illuminated around you, Sunday night will be one for the memory books.

Monday: Art, Reflection & Au Revoir Paris

Morning: Your last day in Paris has arrived, but there’s still time for one or two gems. Since you depart Monday afternoon, use the morning to soak up a bit more of Parisian culture at a relaxed pace. If art and history are your passion and you didn’t fully satiate at the Louvre, consider a morning visit to the Musée d’Orsay (if time allows and remembering it’s closed on Mondays, an alternative could be the Musée de l’Orangerie to see Monet’s Water Lilies, as it opens on Monday). Alternatively, since Notre-Dame Cathedral has triumphantly reopened after years of restoration (as of December 2024), you might wander over to the Île de la Cité. At Notre-Dame, admire the restored Gothic architecture – its flying buttresses and newly gilded spire gleam again. Step inside if the queues aren’t too long, to behold the rose windows and feel the awe of eight centuries of history. Nearby, the Sainte-Chapelle offers a jaw-dropping display of medieval stained glass, a kaleidoscope of colors especially radiant in the morning light. Walking through the atmospheric Latin Quarter, perhaps pick up some last-minute souvenirs (a baguette to-go, or that bottle of Bordeaux you’ve been eyeing) and enjoy the riverside views along the Seine.

Lunch & Departure: For a final meal, embrace a long Parisian lunch – an institution in its own right. Find a classic bistro on a quiet side street (the 5th or 6th arrondissement near the Sorbonne has plenty). Order something you might have missed: maybe coq au vin, the Burgundy-style chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and lardons, or a simple omelette aux fines herbes with a side of mesclun salad, showcasing how even humble ingredients sing in French cooking. Don’t forget a decadent last treat: a box of macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé makes a sweet memento to take home, if not devoured on the spot. With your taste buds delighted and your camera roll filled, it’s time to bid adieu to Paris. Head to your departure point (whether airport or train station) a bit early to account for post-Tour traffic or Metro crowds from weekend festivities.

As you depart on Monday afternoon, reflect on the extraordinary long weekend you’ve just experienced. In the span of four days, you stood before timeless art and architecture, cheered among thousands as cyclists conquered the Champs-Élysées, and savored the best food on offer in the culinary capital of the world. Paris has a way of weaving together history, sport, and joie de vivre into an unforgettable tapestry. Whether it was the hush of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, the thrill of that final sprint, or the simple pleasure of a perfect croissant, these moments will linger like a beautiful French refrain. Au revoir, Paris – until next time.

Must-Try French Delicacies

Fresh Baked Pastries: Start your day like a Parisian with croissants or pain au chocolat – delightfully flaky and buttery.
Cheese & Baguette: Visit a fromagerie for local cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Comté) and enjoy with a crisp baguette; this simple combo is a French staple.
Soupe à l’Oignon: The famed French onion soup topped with melted Gruyère – comforting and packed with flavor.
Escargots: Garlic and parsley butter-bathed snails – an iconic French appetizer for the adventurous palate.
Steak-Frites: Juicy pan-seared steak paired with golden fries – a brasserie classic and must-try for meat lovers.
Boeuf Bourguignon & Coq au Vin: These hearty Burgundy recipes (beef stew in red wine, and red-wine braised chicken) showcase France’s rich provincial cuisine.
Crêpes & Macarons: For something sweet, indulge in crêpes sucrées (try one with Nutella or Grand Marnier) and delicate macarons – the jewel-like almond cookies in an array of flavors.
Vin & Bubbly: Of course, accompany your meals with French wine – a glass of Bordeaux or Burgundy – and raise a toast with champagne on your Tour de France Sunday!

Each of these delights is a chapter of French gastronomy. As you taste your way through Paris, you’ll find that the food is not just nourishment but an essential part of the cultural experience – bon voyage and bon appétit!