2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France race, which kicks off June 29 in the beautiful yet rugged Mediterranean island of Corsica (incidentally, Napoléon’s birthplace). Whether you regard the sport of cycling with respect or polite disdain, Le Tour is still one of cycling’s most prestigious events. Even after a century (no pun intended), it has still managed to capture the attention of countless Europeans, Francophiles and cycling enthusiasts who love watching the fastest riders pedal throughout Western Europe’s largest country and its tallest mountains for three weeks.
In honor of Le Tour, we decided it would be à propos to peddle some of the most elite French properties from Coldwell Banker Previews International®. And without further adieu…
Èze, France
$51,377,650 USD
Èze is a coastal commune not far from the city of Nice, where Stage 4 of the tour begins. This entirely renovated seven-bedroom, 8,611 square-foot French Mediterranean stunner rests on beautiful landscaped parkland and features sweeping panoramic views from the bay of Monaco to the Cap Ferrat.
Arbonne, France
$3,895,596 USD
True, the closest the 2013 riders will ever come to Arbonne is Bagnères-de-Bigorre in Stage 9. But we couldn’t help but include this contemporary, south-west facing 5,382 square-foot house with its spacious terrace and infinity pool on our wish list. Since the tour route changes each year…one can hope?
Neauphle Le Chateau, France
$4,552,450 USD
A tiny village about 30 minutes outside of Paris, Neauphle-le-Chateau is home to this beautiful 7,535 square-foot eighteenth century chateau, touched with orchards and large park overlooking a magnificent view over the valley. You won’t see elite cyclists here this year either…but there is just something so Francais about a pastoral country estate. It’s almost worthy of an Impressionist painting.
Paris, France
$14,958,050 USD
The pièce de résistance of Le Tour, is of course, the final day, which ends in Paris at the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, where the riders take their final victory lap. You’ll find a magnificent viewing location of the special festivities at this posh apartment near the Arc de Triomphe. Set on one of the higher floors of the building, the spacious abode of 3,531 square feet offers a beautiful view of Paris, the Eiffel Tour and the Bois de Boulogne, thanks to its expansive windows and terrace.
Where would you rather be cheering on your favorite riders for the next Tour de France?
