Le Tour de France 2013

I saw a sign about the Tour de France bike race - which would be coming through Aix-en-Provence. It seemed like a fun way to start the 4th of July!  So I decided to go out to watch! The Caravan takes place about 2 hours before the riders come by and lasts for about 30 minutes.

The Caravan is an exciting part of the Tour.  There are lots of cars, trucks, and other vehicles all decorated by the sponsors of the Tour - and along with all that - music, horns honking, and lots of yelling on loud speakers!

 Besides spraying water on the people watching the Caravan parade, there were lots of promotional items thrown out - candy, hats, stickers - all sorts of goodies!

This is the Boutique on wheels - the shop for all Tour items, such as your very own yellow jersey!

Stage 6 of the race began in Aix-en-Provence.  Here is the car leading the riders as they start.  See the "DEPART" flag.

The riders go by so fast - maybe 28mph - that this part is over in a minute or so!