Incredible homes along the Tour de France route

This summer, France is a hub of sporting activity. From 29th June to 21st July, the Tour de France will enrapture cycling fans. 176 riders will tackle the 3,492km cycle race which spans four countries – Italy, San Marino, Monaco and France.

For the first time, the Tour won’t end at the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris. Instead, the route culminates in the spectacular South of France coastal resort of Nice. As the Olympic Games open in Paris five days after the Tour de France finishes, it felt too much was happening there at one time.

Throughout the Tour, the cyclists pass remarkable surroundings. With their heads down, they’re unlikely to notice but undoubtedly you will! Here, we share six gorgeous properties in desirable locations along the route that are available to buy now.

Stage 1: Florence

It may be entitled the Tour de France, but the race starts outside France. The start point for the 2024 Tour is the beautiful, historic city of Florence, Italy. The first three and a bit days of the race will be in Italy as the riders traverse the route from the Grand Départ in Florence to Rimini, Bologna and on to Turin. It’s a particularly hilly start, but that also provides spectacular views.

12 bedroom villa in Florence

Villa Clemente is a wonderful home surrounded by glorious countryside, just 15 minutes away from Florence. The villa itself is remarkable and comes complete with a four storey panoramic tower. The views from here are simply stunning. Alongside the main villa there’s a farmhouse, Tuscan-style barn and private chapel. The farmhouse and barn provide additional accommodation for guests or staff. The villa interior is light, spacious and luxurious with wonderful details including vaulted ceilings, parquet flooring and flourishes of marble.

With plenty of additional accommodation for guests and ample entertaining space, it’s an exceptional place to spend lazy summer days. Wander through the Tuscan olive groves, parkland and gardens. Relax and cool down by the outdoor swimming pool. And relax… Asking price: €10,850,000

Stage 12: Villeneuve sur Lot

Fast forward to stage 12, and the riders cycle the slopes of the Massif Central from Aurillac and end in Villeneuve sur Lot in Occitanie. En route they pass the historic shrine of Rocamadour, a pilgrimage site set in the side of a cliff. This area has several Bastide towns which are beautifully preserved mediaeval areas with historic buildings and streets.

Villeneuve sur Lot combines historic charm with modern amenities. Take in the views along the river, including the bridge that dates back to the 13th century. The surrounding countryside features picturesque hilltop villages and wooded valleys.

8 bedroom house in Montjoi

Privacy and seclusion are the order of the day in this hidden gem of a property. Nestled within verdant, tranquil countryside, this property comprises a breathtaking collection of period, limestone buildings.

The attractive home has been skilfully renovated to blend historic allure and modern comfort seamlessly. Enjoy historic period features along with immaculate finishes. Between the main house, guest wing and cottage, there’s plenty of room to accommodate 14 people comfortably.

Outside, multiple terraces, a pool area and tennis court give opportunities for fun, activity and relaxation. This location provides the perfect rural retreat. You can’t help but feel removed from the rest of the world and enveloped by nature. It’s an ideal property for grand gatherings, but also to escape and truly unwind. Asking price: €1,087,000

Stage 16: Nîmes

By mid-July, the cyclists leave The Pyrenees behind them and start leg 16 with a flat ride beside the sea in Gruissan. This stage incorporates vineyards, the plain around Languedoc and culminates in Nîmes. Dubbed the ‘Rome of Southern France,’ Nîmes is celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman remains which include an amphitheatre that still hosts events today.

Along with its well-preserved historic buildings, Nîmes boasts tree-lined boulevards and narrow streets that are so typical of this attractive area in the south of France.

4 bedroom villa in Nîmes

Outside the historic city of Nîmes, this exquisite, contemporary four bedroom villa is a real showstopper. After an architectural renovation in 2021, this ‘upside down’ house makes the most of its extraordinary views across Nîmes and to the Alpilles mountains beyond. With a spacious, open design and picture windows, you’re reminded constantly of your incredible location.

This luxurious villa is rated ‘A’ for energy efficiency – a welcome, environmentally conscious factor when you’re surrounded by natural beauty. It also benefits from central air conditioning, an alarm system and a heated swimming pool. The pool area is adjacent to two guest rooms and a great entertainment space – the perfect place to host summer gatherings. Asking price: €1,750,000

Stage 20 and 21: Nice

The coastline of Nice provides the spectacular end point of the Tour de France. But, it’s so amazing that the Tour visits it twice. From the beachside promenade, they tackle another day in the mountains. After that last gruelling day in the Alps, the final 33.7km from Monaco to Nice should be a relative breeze.

The French Riviera resort of Nice exudes old school glamour. The coastal city enjoys year round sunshine and endless opportunities for opulent experiences. From its legendary coastline and luxury beach clubs, to fine dining and cultural heritage, Nice is a unique place to be.

7 bedroom house in Nice

This remarkable, beautifully restored olive mill nestled in the hillside oozes authenticity and tradition. But step inside and you’ll be wowed by its exceptional style. Each of the seven bedrooms has a unique design, themed around a specific destination. The home showcases bespoke artistic creations commissioned from talented artisans. Each item of furniture or decoration is a collector’s item.

There are countless fascinating features in this extraordinary property. From the natural spring that powers the mill and nourishes the garden via the living room, to the Roman ruin within the estate. Utterly enthralling, it’s no wonder Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco, spent time here. Asking price: €7,950,000

Stage 21: Monaco

For the first time ever, the final stage of the Tour de France runs from Monaco to Nice. The cyclists will pass dramatic corniche roads with rocky cliff faces to one side and the glistening Mediterranean on the other.

Monaco may be the second smallest country in the world at a mere 200 hectares in size (only Vatican City is smaller), but it packs an incredible amount into that area. A playground for the rich and famous, Monaco is synonymous with Formula One racing, sailing and extravagant nightlife. Nowhere else boasts the same wealth density as Monaco.

2 bedroom apartment in Monaco

This superb, turnkey two bedroom, two bathroom apartment was designed by internationally renowned architect and designer, Emilie Dulva Barreca. The stylish, 18 storey building stands proudly in the legendary Jardin Exotique district.

There’s an elegant flow between the double sized living space, American style kitchen, sitting and dining areas. But it’s when you slide open the large, glass doors and step out onto the vast wraparound terrace that you can’t help but stop in your tracks. The panoramic views of the Med, the Palace of Monaco and the port are simply sublime. Drink in the views with your morning coffee, or sunset cocktails. Asking price: €13,200,000

View the finest international properties for sale