The world’s biggest cycling race, the Tour de France 2025, passed through Uzès this week—and I had a front-row seat to the action.
Friends had reserved a table at Café De L’Hotel (PMU) early in the morning—since 9 a.m.—to secure a prime viewing spot. By early afternoon, the town was buzzing. Locals and visitors lined the route on the circular road that wraps around the medieval center of Uzès, waiting for the moment the Tour would fly past.
Before the riders arrived, the caravane publicitaire—a parade of sponsor vehicles—came speeding through, tossing candy and souvenirs to the crowd. It’s part party, part tradition, and pure spectacle. The energy kept building.
Then came the peloton, just after 2 p.m. As the cyclists rounded the sharp curve near where I stood, it was startling how fast they were moving—far quicker than any car takes that turn. It was a split-second thrill, watching them lean in, their legs furiously churning, as team cars closed behind them. You don’t get this kind of adrenaline on television.
Tour de France 2025
After Uzès, the Tour de France route continued east through Gaujac and Connaux, then on to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a town better known for wine than racing. From there, the riders pushed on toward Bédoin and the punishing final climb up Mont Ventoux—one of the most famous stages of the Tour de France in the South of France.
Back in Uzès, the town didn’t settle down right away. Place aux Herbes was full, and the cafés along the route stayed packed with people reliving the moment. The Tour comes and goes in seconds, but the atmosphere lingers.
I’ve watched the Tour in other places—along the route to Uzès, in Nîmes, and on the way to Mont Ventoux—but seeing it in the center of Uzès is different. There’s something surreal about having the world’s biggest cycling event race through the streets where you shop and meet friends for dinner.
It’s not just another stage. Uzès is one of the best places to watch the Tour de France, and this year proved it.
Watching the Tour pass through Uzès never loses its impact. The riders come and go quickly, but the experience stays with you.
16 Responses
Thanks for putting this video together – such a great way to experience that energy of the race from San Francisco.
Wish you had been in Uzés, Don. It was beyond exciting! This is my fourth viewing of the Tour de France, and it’s fun everytime! Thanks for your note! Stay tuned!
We watched too, but from a corner just before the final climb up Mt Ventoux. So impressive!
The day I watched near Mt Ventoux was when they had a big spill. Just too exciting! I’m already looking forward to the next time! Thanks for letting me know you’re a Tour fan, too.
Hi Deb,
You show how fast the riders are going. You have two still picts of the Yates twins, Who ride for two different teams. Adam on the first picture in the white kit up front and Simon the 2nd picture in the middle of the picture with the yellow and black kit and yellow helmet. Cool.
Mike, I’m so glad someone knows who’s who. I am not a huge sports fan, so I know very little … except that it’s an exciting day when the Tour de France is anywhere near. Thanks for the info… and the head’s up. I’ll check it out!
Thanks for sharing! I could feel the excitement. We joked about ‘popping over’ (from Toronto!!) for the week to watch in person 😁 Instead it was an in-office day for me, and I rushed to work to try and catch it live online, but my timing was off and I missed it😒 Thanks again for sharing Uzès and this spectacular event with us! ❤️
So glad you enjoyed the post. It’s not quite like “popping over” from Toronto, but hopefully, you could feel my excitement. Can’t wait ’til it comes back again. Mark it on your calendar … and come on over! Thanks for touching base…
We were in a village in the mid Pyrenees in 2012 and they came through! We had travelled from Australia and rented a house in the village unaware they were coming through. We were already going to paris for the final day we had such a great party in the village and will never forget it viva Le Tour !!!
It’s really hard to describe the excitement around the Tour coming through town… my town! It’s pretty awesome to see it live from anywhere, but extra special when it’s coming around your corner! Thanks you for your note, and for following the Barefoot Blogger. Stay tuned!
Saw it in Uzes in one of Lance Armstrong’s years. Amazing spectacle.
Gonna be in Uzes in late August and early September. Can’t wait
OMG! I can’t imagine Lance Armstrong! How exciting that must have been. Where were you when viewing it? Hope you have photos! Please let me know when you’re in town so we might say “hi.” Thanks for your note and for sticking with the BFB!
Loved the video thank you. It very much felt like being there.
Thanks, Geoffrey. I still can’t believe I was able to get so close to the riders! It was truly thrilling. You’ll have to be here for the next!
My friend booked the AirBnB months in advance and had no clue the Tour was coming while we were there. The parade was fun and we caught the riders around the turn by the Cathedral. Once in a lifetime and we soaked it all in all day!
Susie, so glad you were in Uzés and had so much fun. This summer is turning out to be great! The weather is almost perfect now. You’ll have to come back!