Following the Tour de France through the streets of Paris

The annual Tour de France cycling competition has long been considered France's gift to the sphere of international sports. Dating back to start of the 20th century this annual race is considered as the blue ribbon event in world cycling. The first ever Tour de France began as a six day affair backed by the L'Auto newspaper in 1903. The competition consisted of five day long stages starting in Paris and stopping respectively at Lyon, Marseilles, Bordeaux, Nantes and finally winding up in Toulouse. The race attracted about 80 entries most of them from amateur cyclists and adventurers. Many labeled the first ever Tour de France as a failure but it appears they spoke to soon as evidenced by the tour's continuing popularity more than a century after its inception.

In following years, Le Tour de France grew in all aspects; be it commercially, the number of stages, the number of entries and public interest. Today the Tour de France lasts for 21 days and covers a total of 3,600 kilometers coursing throughout the country. Following its somewhat shaky beginnings the tour gained iconic status within the sport and is now considered to be the most prestigious among cycling's three grand tours.

A number of traditions have been built up around the tour such as the 'yellow jersey", which is awarded to the fastest rider on each stage. Among the winners of the Tour de France is charismatic American Lance Armstrong who courageously fought testicular cancer to win the tour a record breaking seven times. His back to back wins from 1999 to 2005 remain one of sport's most inspiring stories.

The actual route of Le Tour de France changes each year but ends in Paris, with the final stage being run through the historic Champs- Elysees. This historic boulevard lined with some of the most beautiful architecture in Paris provides a fitting climax to this historic race. A Paris luxury hotel near the Champs-Elysees such as the Le Royal Monceau, Paris France is great place to catch the final stage of the tour. A 5 star hotel Paris pampers guests with famous French hospitality and makes for an unforgettable vacation.