Christmas traditions and Savoyard gastronomy thro…
An interview blending Christmas traditions and Alpine flavors that will make your mo…
June 26, 2023
The countdown is on! On 19th July, the Tour de France will pass through the resort.
The Tour de France in Méribel: the perfect opportunity to experience the excitement of this cycling competition in the heart of the Alps. The riders will take to the mountain roads, with the legendary Col de la Loze in their sights. 🚴♂️
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, a nature lover or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is not to be missed.
In this article, you’ll find all the practical information you need to prepare for the event: how to attend the stage, specific parking constraints, the best spots to watch the riders, where to stay and much more.
Get ready for an unforgettable day at the heart of the Tour de France action.
The Tour de France, a true sporting institution and a global event, makes the hearts of cycling fans beat faster every summer. This 110th edition promises to be spectacular and captivating.
No fewer than 176 riders will be taking to the roads of France, braving the legendary cols and vying for the yellow jersey.
Among them will be around thirty French riders who will arouse the enthusiasm of the public: Julian Alaphilippe, David Gaudu, Bryan Coquard, Thibaut Pinot, Romain Bardet,… to name but a few.
The Tour de France is more than just a high-level sporting event. It is also a popular event, attracting thousands of spectators along the roads. The Tour caravan, a colourful parade of sponsors and partners, creates a festive and dynamic atmosphere.
Imagine yourself, on 19 July, under a bright summer sun in Méribel. The streets of the resort vibrate with a unique energy as the Tour de France riders enter the town. 🌞
Tour fans flock to the roadsides to cheer on their favourites and watch the spectacle live.
Méribel then becomes the scene of a historic moment where sport, the beauty of the landscape and the enthusiasm of the fans come together to create an unforgettable experience. 😍
Cyclists will set off to tackle the formidable Col de la Loze, a route reserved exclusively for bikes that offers sporting challenges and breathtaking scenery.
Culminating at an altitude of 2,304m, this iconic pass reveals steep slopes with up to 23% gradients. 🥵
Once up there, a reward awaits: a 360° panoramic view and the pride of having conquered one of the Tour de France’s most impressive mountain passes before heading to the finishing village: Courchevel.
To prepare for the Tour de France’s passage through Méribel on 19 July, here are the times to remember:
👉 Méribel-Village will be the first point of passage for the caravan at 3.05pm, followed by the passage of the peloton between 4.34pm and 5.05pm.
👉 In Méribel-Centre, the caravan will make its appearance at 3.09pm, followed by the peloton between 4.38pm and 5.09pm.
👉 The caravan is due to pass over the summit of the Col de la Loze at 3.28pm, followed by the peloton between 4.55pm and 5.28pm.
Please note: only the light vehicles in the Tour caravan will take the route up to the Col de la Loze.
To make the most of the event, a number of facilities will be available for the general public.
The Saulire Express Fan Zone, run by the sports club, will feature a giant screen, a snack bar, a refreshment stand, an official shop and even a stand selling bananas from Guadeloupe, from 9.30 am.
In the centre of Méribel, run by the Tourist Office’s Tourist Events and Activities Department, you can also enjoy a giant screen from 12.00 noon, as well as shops, bars and restaurants, and even a concert at the end of the day.
The shopkeepers, bars and restaurants of the Méribel valley are delighted to welcome you to the Tour! Get ready for a day of 100% cycling and 100% festivities in the unique atmosphere of Méribel.
Parking, traffic and cyclists
Are you planning to attend the Tour de France or do you live in the resort and are looking for practical information about the riders’ visit to Méribel? Then you’ve come to the right place. 👇
From Tuesday 18 July at 8 a.m. to Wednesday 19 July at 6 p.m., parking will be prohibited:
You can park for free at the Maison des générations, Raffort, Méribel Village (please note that the car park is inaccessible during road closures), Dou du pont, the stadium, Chaudanne, Rhodos, Ruitor bas, Plan ravet and Rond-point des pistes (please note that the car park is inaccessible during road closures).
Traffic will be closed in both directions on Wednesday 19 July from 11am to 6pm:
Traffic on the free Méribus shuttles will be disrupted between 11am and 6pm, except on the Méribel centre > Méribel-Mottaret line.
To mark the Tour de France’s visit to the resort:
You will not be able to cycle up the Col de la Loze from Tuesday 18 July at 6pm to Wednesday 19 July at 7pm. However, you will be able to support your favourite cyclists along the Col de la Loze road, on foot from the footpath on the Loze.
Good to know: access by bike is possible via the Col de la Loze on the Courchevel side until 2.30pm on 19 July.
Méribel, which was the finish and start town for the Tour de France in 2020, is a must-see destination for cycling enthusiasts. This year, despite being a stopover town, the resort still offers a unique experience for cycling enthusiasts.
Make the most of a short stay in the resort to get close to the action as you climb the Col de la Loze. And then, after the cyclists have passed, why not take up the challenge and try out this legendary climb for yourself 😉
You are now ready to experience all the excitement of the Tour de France in Méribel. You’ve got all the practical information you need to attend this event as it passes through the resort.
Join us on site and let your applause resound as you cheer on the riders on the final climb.
If you can’t be there in person, we hope you’ll follow this historic stage from your television screen or smartphone.
May this day, 19 July 2023, remain etched in your memories! 🚴♂️