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.
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.
3 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!