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A historic return to the French soil
Since its creation in 1903, the Tour de France has always been an international event. It is a vector of social cohesion and sharing. Historically, the Tour de France has started in France 85 times, but it has also been hosted in foreign countries on 26 occasions. The Lille Metropole has already hosted this major event, notably in 1960 and 1994, and has once again done so on July 5th, 2025.
On a broader scale, the Grand Départ has also been organised in cities within the Lille Metropole territory, such as Roubaix and Dunkirk. The Tour de France has been part of the DNA of the Hauts-de-France region for years, with numerous stages and even finishes held in cities of the metropolis. Therefore, hosting this major sporting event is a historic moment for Lille Metropole and represents a major project for all stakeholders involved.
Lille Metropole and its cycling legacy
For the past three years, the Grand Départ of the Tour de France has taken place in foreign countries: Copenhagen in Denmark, Bilbao in Spain, and Florence in Italy. This is why the 112th edition has generated particular excitement, as the start returns to France. On July 5th, a large crowd turned up to witness the Grand Départ.
Moreover, this event is particularly appealing to neighbouring countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands, which are also cycling strongholds located near Lille Metropole. Beyond its historical significance, the Grand Départ of the Tour de France is also a major international event, offering a free and accessible experience to all who wish to attend.
An organisation to ensure everything runs smoothly
Winning the bid: a regional alliance
In France, the Tour de France is organized by ASO — the Amaury Sport Organization. ASO determines which city, region, or municipality that is granted the honour of hosting the Grand Départ. Each year, candidates submit their applications, and the ASO selects the most suitable one. For the 2025 edition, Lille Metropole joined forces with the Hauts-de-France Region and several municipalities to win the bid.
The organization was structured into two main components. First, the hosting fees: any host city must pay a fee to the ASO in order to participate in this major sporting event. Second, the organizational requirements: several criteria had to be met, including the preparation of the start zone, the team presentation area, and the start and finish zones. Once all these requirements were met, the Tour de France could officially begin.
From fees to festivities: behind the scenes of the Grand Départ
Lille Metropole set up a comprehensive plan for the occasion. The festivities began on July 3rd with the official team presentation. The Grand Départ followed on July 5th with a first loop of 185 kilometres. Leading up to this, Lille Metropole organised a series of internal events for its staff in five stages, including photo booths, conferences, themed days, and more. The final highlight of these initiatives was, of course, the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.
The impact of the Tour de France in Lille Metropole
Global reach, local pride
The Tour de France is the third most-watched sporting event in the world, after the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, with approximately 3.5 billion television viewers. In France alone, it reaches about 80% of the population. From this perspective, the Tour is a powerful tool for promoting the heritage of the Hauts-de-France region. ASO selects regional landmarks that are showcased throughout the event. For example, during quieter moments of the race, broadcasters highlight cultural or historical sites, offering them exceptional visibility.
Lille Metropole’s European ambition on the display
The Tour de France is also a perfect opportunity to highlight the European and international dimension of Lille Metropole. Its ability to host such prestigious events reflects a strong desire to increase its presence on the international stage.
As a matter of fact, Lille Metropole already hosted several Olympic qualifying events in 2024. The Grand Départ of the 2025 Tour de France further confirms Lille Metropole’s status as a capable and ambitious European metropolis. This momentum underscores its commitment to hosting large-scale events, not only in sports but also across various sectors.
Want to learn more ?
You can check out this great video of the event on the Tour de France website.
