We joined the Tour at Stage 5 and followed the action through stages six, seven and eight.
For stage five we found ourselves parked just outside Caen, tucked beside the charming village church in Cairon. The local Maire had graciously suggested the spot, and before long, we were surrounded by a friendly community of camper vans—each of them waiting for the time trial in two days time.
The following morning, John set off to ride the race route while I wandered through nearby farm fields towards the village, where locals were already busy stringing up banners and decorations. Later that day we move down the road met up with the É Leclerc supporters group—a casual, welcoming bunch led by Enzo and Theo. We shared a relaxed evening in a beautiful spot, soaking in the atmosphere.
Before dawn the next day, we rolled out to a roadside location reserved especially for É Leclerc fans—our front-row seat to the Tour de France time trial. The air buzzed with excitement, and as a helicopter thundered overhead, we knew the pros were close, flying through the Normandy countryside at astonishing speed.
Being part of the very first É.Leclerc Club des Supporters for the Tour has been a fun and unique experience. The evening was full of fun, and while we enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere and meeting up with our friends who also follow the Tour, it quickly became clear that we were surrounded by some truly die-hard fans. We love the camaraderie and the spirit of it all — but we’re more about the fun and social side than full-blown obsession. We’re fans, just not fanatics!
Over the next three stages each morning starts the same, decking out our van in Tour colours and gear. Shortly after as soon as space allowed, locals would squeeze in anywhere they could and we all then wait eagerly for the caravan—a lively parade of floats and freebies that whirls by just before the riders whiz pass, it’s then time to pack up and move on, it’s a process we repeat for the next three stages.
We captured so many moments—from the peaceful dusks the night before, the incredible pace of the time trial and watching farmers transform their fields with vibrant flags and designs.
The entire event is fun, free, and for everyone. It’s a tradition, a celebration, and an unforgettable experience.
Vive le Tour!
Parked up for the night with Lorna and Pete enjoying the Tour snacks
This year the Tour celebrates its 50th anniversary of the iconic polka-dot jersey and we are given an array of spotty items from the supporters club
Tadej Pogačar whizzed past
Parked up waiting for some of the best cyclists in the world to thunder past us
A huge thank you to Enzo, Theo and the Leclerc team for making us feel welcome
When the caravan rolls in about an hour before the riders the excitement begins
They are a friendly bunch in Geveze
This year, a generous farmer welcomed Pete and Lorna to park in his field, which quickly became a warm and cheerful gathering spot for us too along with the farmer’s family and friends