There’s something magical about combining France’s timeless tourist treasures with the electric energy of the Tour de France. My recent journey took me from the bustling streets of Paris to the rugged beauty of Brittany, culminating in witnessing one of the most dramatic stages of the 2025 Tour de France.
Paris: The City of Light Never Disappoints
Starting in Paris, I embraced the classic tourist experience with no apologies. The Eiffel Tower still takes your breath away, no matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos. But the real surprise was Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has recently reopened its doors after the devastating 2019 fire. Walking through those restored halls felt like witnessing a phoenix rising from the ashes.
The Arc de Triomphe commands the Champs-Élysées with the same regal presence it has for centuries, and there’s nothing quite like strolling down this famous avenue, watching the world go by. I opted for the hop-on, hop-off Big Bus tour to get my bearings and see the entire city loop – sometimes the tourist classics exist for good reason. They offer that perfect overview that helps you fall in love with a city all over again.
Journey North: From City Lights to Celtic Culture
Trading the Seine for the rugged Breton coastline, I boarded a train bound for Saint-Brieuc, then settled into the charming village of Canihuel as my base. What followed was a week of discovery that reminded me why Brittany holds such a special place in French hearts.
Mont Saint-Michel rose from the morning mist like something from a fairy tale – this UNESCO World Heritage site never fails to inspire awe. The tidal island, with its medieval abbey perched impossibly on rocky foundations, embodies the mystical quality that defines this region.
The Celtic spirit of Brittany came alive at the festival in Lorient, where traditional music filled the air and local pride was palpable. I savored fresh mussels in the seaside town of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, their briny sweetness perfectly complemented by crisp white wine as waves crashed nearby.
Local culture beckoned at every turn. The bustling market (marché) in Lannion showcased the region’s agricultural bounty, from artisanal cheeses to the famous Breton galettes. In Plesidy, ancient monoliths stood as silent sentinels, reminders of the area’s mysterious prehistoric past.
But there was another festival atmosphere brewing in Guerlédan – the anticipation of the Tour de France’s arrival.
Stage 7: Where Dreams and Hills Collide
The main event awaited just 20 kilometers (about 12.4 miles) from our base in Canihuel: Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan, the finish line for Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France. On July 11th, this small Breton town became the center of the cycling universe.
Stage 7 was a 197-kilometer epic journey from Saint-Malo to Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan, and what made it special was the brutal double ascent of the iconic Mûr-de-Bretagne climb. This wasn’t just any stage – it was where the race would truly begin to take shape.
The atmosphere was electric as passionate Breton fans lined the route, their enthusiasm creating an almost festival-like environment. Local riders launched attacks throughout the day, though the relentless peloton, controlled mainly by UAE Team Emirates and Alpecin, kept shutting down early breakaway attempts from cyclists like Wout van Aert and Mauro Schmidt.
The hilly terrain, combined with strong crosswinds and narrow country roads, made this stage both physically demanding and tactically complex. As the riders approached those two decisive climbs of Mûr-de-Bretagne, you could feel the tension building in the crowd.
In the final kilometers, the general classification contenders came to the fore in dramatic fashion. Remco Evenepoel showed incredible form, setting up what looked like it might be his moment. But it was Tadej Pogačar who delivered the decisive blow, sprinting powerfully to claim his second stage win of the 2025 Tour and, crucially, taking the yellow jersey.
Watching Pogačar surge past Evenepoel in those final meters was breathtaking – the kind of moment that reminds you why the Tour de France remains cycling’s greatest spectacle. The victory solidified Pogačar’s status as a race favorite while opening up significant time gaps among the other contenders, making Stage 7 a pivotal moment in the fight for the podium.
The Magic of Following Le Tour
What struck me most about this experience was how perfectly the Tour de France showcased both sides of France – from Paris’s grand monuments to Brittany’s wild beauty. The race serves as a moving celebration of French culture, bringing together international competition with deeply local pride.
Standing on that climb at Mûr-de-Bretagne, surrounded by enthusiastic Breton fans cheering in both French and Breton, watching world-class athletes push themselves to their limits against a backdrop of classic Breton landscape – it was a reminder of why the Tour de France is more than just a bike race. It’s a celebration of human endurance, French culture, and the pure joy of sport.
The combination of tourist highlights in Paris with the authentic local experience in Brittany, all tied together by the excitement of the Tour, created memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re drawn by the iconic landmarks, the rich Celtic culture, or the thrill of professional cycling, this corner of France offers something magical for every traveler.
From the Eiffel Tower to the Mûr-de-Bretagne, from Notre-Dame’s resurrection to Pogačar’s sprint finish, this journey reminded me that the best travel experiences happen when you combine the must-see classics with unexpected discoveries. And sometimes, if you’re very lucky, you get to witness history being made along the way.