SoloSights

The Tour de France isn’t just a cycling race — it’s a national obsession, a summer tradition, and a fascinating reflection of French culture. Every July, millions of people follow the riders as they climb towering mountain passes, race through remote villages, and speed toward Paris.

But how much do you really know about this legendary race?

Here are five surprising facts you probably didn’t know — and one common misconception that might completely change how you see the Tour.

1. The Yellow Jersey Was a Marketing Move

The iconic maillot jaune — the yellow jersey worn by the race leader — wasn’t introduced for symbolic reasons. It was a branding decision. In 1919, the Tour’s organizer, the newspaper L’Auto, printed its pages on yellow paper. To promote the paper and make the leader more visible, the jersey was made yellow. A century later, the branding still sticks.

2. The First “Winner” Was Disqualified

Maurice Garin won the first-ever Tour de France in 1903. The next year, he crossed the finish line first again — but was later disqualified. Why? Accusations flew: taking trains, receiving illegal assistance, and even physical attacks by fans. Four of the top riders were disqualified. The scandal nearly ended the race forever. The Tour has always been dramatic — even in its earliest days.

3. Villages Pay to Be on the Route

Every year, small towns across France compete for a spot on the Tour route — and they pay for the privilege. Hosting a start or finish line can cost tens of thousands of euros. Why do it? Because the worldwide TV coverage brings in tourism, reputation, and long-term value. That’s also why the Tour route often features dramatic helicopter shots of castles, vineyards, and villages you’ve never heard of — it’s France marketing itself to the world.

4. The Champs-Élysées Finish is (Relatively) New

Most people assume the Tour has always ended in Paris, but that wasn’t the case until 1975. Before then, the finish line moved around — sometimes inside velodromes, sometimes in suburbs. The now-iconic final sprint on the Champs-Élysées was chosen for its dramatic setting, TV potential, and national symbolism. It worked — today, it’s one of the most recognisable finishes in sports.

5. There’s a Prize for Coming in Last

Being the slowest rider in the Tour doesn’t mean being forgotten. The so-called Lanterne Rouge — named after the red light at the back of a train — is the title unofficially given to the last-ranked cyclist. In some years, that rider even became more popular (and better paid) than mid-field finishers. That said, even finishing last means surviving one of the world’s most brutal races — which is a victory in itself.

Bonus: The Tour Isn’t Only About France

Despite its name, the Tour de France frequently goes beyond France’s borders. Past editions have included stages in Italy, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and even Denmark. In 2024, the Tour finished in Nice instead of Paris — a first, due to the Olympic Games. So the Tour has become a celebration not just of France, but of Europe as a whole.

Want to explore France at your own pace?

At Solosights, we believe discovery doesn’t require a bike, a helmet, or a mountain pass. Whether you’re walking through historic Paris neighborhoods or taking the scenic route in the countryside, we help you slow down, look closer, and explore deeply — one step at a time.