BV25-43 TDF 2021

(Most) every year, the Tour de France finishes with Stage 21 in Paris. This gives those of us who live here an easy opportunity to ride a stage of the Tour without much hassle. The official routes often start outside of Paris and finish within the city. This route is based on the 2021 Tour stage: you ride out to the start, follow the course, and then switch to a normal route as soon as you enter Paris proper. The Tour’s exact path through the city might be fine when the roads are closed and there’s a police escort, but on a regular day it’s not recommended — hence the change.

The race started in Chatou, which is about 17 km from the city center after following the river out and cutting through the Bois de Boulogne. While it was festive on race day, the route is a bit city-heavy until you reach Saint-Germain-en-Laye. After climbing up past the château and continuing across to Poissy, you cut south toward a Category 4 climb. Once you crest it, you descend and make your way across rolling farmland as you head toward Versailles. You pass directly in front of the château and continue on toward Paris, opting for the infamous “Wall,” the Côte du Pavé des Gardes. On TV everyone looks relaxed and chatty, but the 15% grade feels a bit different in real life.

After dropping down to the quai, you continue back the usual way along the river, rather than cutting east and returning through the dense city as they did in the race. I typically prefer heading farther south for 75 km rides, but this is a fun option to change things up, and it’s always satisfying to ride where the pros have and then check out the Strava segments afterward.

GPX File