June 20, 2024 / Sport & Leisure

The Tour de France arrives in Ain on July 3, 2024. Everything about the Tour at a glance.

For its 111th edition, the Tour de France is back in theAin ! For its 5th stage, the cycling race will cross a real bike land. On July 3, the runners will cover 50 km through the Mounts of Bugey, along the Rhône. And for the first time in its history, the Tour de France will pass through the Ain plain.

Tour de France in Ain: everything you need to know

Tour de France vélo dans l'Ain en 2024

The tourist office shares with you all the Tricks to enjoy the legendary meeting place of our summers.

Good deals and discounts, best spots, to see/do on the road… Put on your prettiest bucket hat, let’s go!

Where to see the Tour de France in Ain?

After a passage between Savoie and Isère, the runners will head towards the Ain plain. The route winds between banks of the Rhône and mountains of bugey. Several towns will have the privilege of seeing the peloton pass by.

Among the villages that will see the kings of the little queen pass by: Lhuis, Priord, Montagnieu, Serrières-de-Briord, Villebois, Sault Brénaz.

Then it will be the final sprint, towards the Ain plain and the finishing village: St Vulbas.

The caravan, star of the Tour de France

As anticipated as the bikes themselves, the Tour de France caravan is one of the stars of the event. For almost 100 years, she has animated the route and this year again you will be able to find her throughout the stage. It’s an unmissable festive moment.

Caravane du Tour de France

After the caravan, it's time for serious things, it'sarrival of runners. Between excitement and adrenaline, it's the opportunity to experience the stage up close. Yellow, green, polka dot, you'll see all the colors!

St Vulbas, stopover village: all the activities

Everything is planned on site to have a good time: cycling exhibition, concert, fireworks, refreshments, parking and free shuttles. And so as not to miss anything, a Big screen will broadcast the progress of the runners live.

Finish line: 17:16 p.m., avenue des bergeries, at the end of a 2.2km straight line.

Le Tour de France arrive en 2024 sur la plaine de l'Ain, au village de St-Vulbas

Women's Tour de France in Ain

In Ain everyone is a “woman” of the Tour! The Pays de Gex will host the 7th stage of the Tour de France Women, on August 17.

DID YOU KNOW ? This stage includes two 4th category passes including the “Côte de Lhuis”. A climb that counts for the mountain classification (polka dot jersey) with 3 km of slope at 4,8%.

Around the Tour de France in Ain

Before or after the passage of the runners is an opportunity for the spectators to step in one of pretty villages on the banks of the Rhône, in the heart of Bugey.

Lovers of beautiful stones ? A collection of guided tours awaits you. To start with Perugia, unique Most Beautiful Village in France of Ain, but not only !

And if you prefer independent walks, you should listen to our audio tours. To know everything about Lhuis, Briord and Sault-Brénaz.

Ain, land of adventure. Sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted to explore this little-known region, which has a lot to offer.

  • Paddle, canoe, pedal boat… To cool down with the nautical club from Point Vert (Serrières-de-Briord).
  • To hurtle down the Bugey: rent off-road scooters electric in Sault-Brénaz.
  • Our tip / It is possible to take the cycle path of the Viarhona. By bike or on foot, you will cross the villages of the Tour, and many more.

Want to taste the specialties of Ain?

THEAin it is also a gastronomy, which deserves to be known. More discreet than the Lyon cuisine, it nevertheless brilliantly punctuates the menus of local restaurants. A brief overview of specialties to taste in Ain, on the Tour de France track.

Bugey wines

Vins naturels et vins du Bugey produits dans l'Ain à déguster à deux à la saint valentin ou entre amis pour un week-end gastronomique près de Pérouges à l'Est de Lyon

White or red, still or sparkling, AOC or independent, it is said that there is always a Bugey wine for your palate.

Montagnieu, 100% Ain bubbles

Vignes et vignobles des vins du Bugey de type Montagnieu ou Cerdon (Ain)

From the Montagnieu vineyard, this sparkling white wine is a fresh and tasty cousin of Cerdon (sparkling rosé), another local AOC.

Galette, Ramekin & co.

Galette de Pérouges et sa recette, spécialité de la cité médiévale à 45 min à l'est de Lyon dans l'Ain.

Around the Tour, there are many specialties to try. Perouges galette, Bugey ramekin, Dombes carp… Taste the Flavors of Ain®

Tour de France “serAIN”: best practices

To experience the Tour in the best conditions, here are the instructions to follow. Enough to make you the spectator’s “yellow jersey”.

  • Stay on the sides of the road.
  • Prohibition to cross the road. Don't worry, the gifts are distributed to each side.
  • Keep children under constant supervision.
  • Respect the premises by taking away your waste.

At the arrival village, traffic restrictions apply. Please read it before the big day.

Course cycliste - vélos du Tour de France
  • Stay vigilant after the caravan has passed. Other vehicles follow the route.
  • Strict ban on running near or touching cyclists.
  • No selfies or autographs allowed.

Good tip: Waze is an official partner of the Tour de France. Find all the information in real time on the app. Practical for enjoying the Tour.

Published by

Emilia

Assistant Director

Adopted from Lyon, she let herself be won over by the hidden and preserved gems of Ain. In search of calm and authenticity, she found here everything she needed to nourish her tender heart.

 

Absolute fan of: culinary discoveries
Nature favorite: the moss-filled forests of Bugey (see the cool walk along the water trail in Chaley)
Cultural favorite: the exhibitions of the Cultural Meeting Center in Ambronay.