We were away from the aire before 8am to get find a place close-by to park along the route in readiness for the passing of the peloton. The view of Château Bruniquel from the other side of the valley was quite spectacular. You can see why this site was chosen, 1400 years ago to guard the route through these two valleys. 
No sooner had we left the village that we came across people, cars and vans already set up to view the day’s racing - still 5 hours to go at this stage!
But plenty to keep everyone entertained; from the French drivers not wanting to obey road- closed signs,
gilet jaune (yellow vest) folk being search by the Gendarmerie,
to various sponsor vans passing through.
The carnival atmosphere grew as people continually filled all the spaces along the route under the high cliffs.
After the excitement of the sponsor caravans there was a wait of another hour and half before the main game arrived. Whoosh - and then it was gone!
And, within a few minutes the show was over! Le Tour moved on!
No sooner had we left the village that we came across people, cars and vans already set up to view the day’s racing - still 5 hours to go at this stage!
But plenty to keep everyone entertained; from the French drivers not wanting to obey road- closed signs,
gilet jaune (yellow vest) folk being search by the Gendarmerie,
to various sponsor vans passing through.
The carnival atmosphere grew as people continually filled all the spaces along the route under the high cliffs.
Shortly after 1 pm the Caravan arrived at this point of the course when we saw the fun commence! As one expat-local said, “Don’t get between the French and a freebie!”, and he was right! (Perhaps we all have a bit of that in us!) Over a period of 30 minutes sponsors vehicles passed, throwing out products to the spectators along the route - what a show! Reminded me of a book I’m reading describing how some of the aristocracy that threw “crumbs” to the peasants back in the day.
After the excitement of the sponsor caravans there was a wait of another hour and half before the main game arrived. Whoosh - and then it was gone!
Leading riders in the peloton chasing the breakaways who were about two minutes ahead of them.
More support cars than riders. Could believe the number of cars involved - of all persuasions.
The whole event was rather spectacular, and it showed just how it impacts on the French. All ages were out in force early to be part of the celebration. We had the Unions represented, setting up a tent and handing out union material to all present. We saw the gilet jaune (yellow vest) represented - with Gendarmerie keeping a close eye on their movements. Met a few Aussies too - a family over in France to see their daughter marry a Frenchman. And, within a few minutes the show was over! Le Tour moved on!
We decided to return to the Bruniquel aire for the rest of the afternoon. It was amazing to see the extent of the support for Le Tour - cars were parked in all directions, kilometres away from where race passed. It was a very slow trip back to the aire with traffic clogging the roads all around the village.
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