2009 TOUR DE FRANCE MONACO
Monaco, early July
The 96th Tour de France is scheduled to commence in the Principality of Monaco on the Cote d'Azur in 2009. It is not the first time that the Tour de France has visited the second smallest state in the world but it is with great enthusiasm that it is welcomed back.
Since HSH Prince Albert II has taken on the role vacated by his late father Prince Rainier III he has firmly established his support and interest in all things sporting and the 2009 Tour de France will be a new world standard event to add to an already impressive calendar of events.
These include the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, Monte Carlo Tennis Masters, Monte Carlo Rally, International swimming Meeting, International Show jumping, Herculis Athletics Meeting, European Supercup and The Iron Man Challenge.
The dates2nd JulyThe official presentation of the teams will take place on Thursday 2nd of July 2009 which will be centred around the Port Hercule and will employ the same space and facilities as are used by the International show jumpers and the F1 Grand Prix teams.
The Grimaldi Forum will house the Tour de France HQ and press centre which is situated at 10, Ave Princess Grace.
4th JulyThe first stage will be held on Saturday 4th July, starting and finishing in the Port Hercule.
5th JulyThe second stage and official ceremony will be held on Sunday 5th July.
The routeThe first stage is a 15km time trial that will include 7km in Monaco and 8km through France. It will climb to a steepest point of 207 metres above sea level with slopes that rise 6%-10% presenting some challenge to the riders.
The riders will set out at 1 minute intervals from a start point on Boulevard Albert Ier which sees the route run concurrent with the Grand Prix circuit if only briefly.
They will climb towards the world famous Casino where the riders will depart the GP track and take a sharp left and climb towards the Jardin Exotique whereby they will exit Monaco and take the Moyenne Corniche road.
They will then begin to double back towards the ancient hilltop village of Roquebrune, U-turn again to bring them back towards Monaco and finally finish the stage back on the Port Hercule via the same tunnel made famous by the Grand Prix.
The route of the second stage has yet to be decided but it will include many of the famous Formula One landmarks before exiting Monaco.
The Tour de France in MonacoThis is not the first visit of the Tour de France to the shores of the French Riviera or Monaco. The first trip south occurred in 1939 when the 12th, 13th and 14th stages were run including routes from Saint-Raphael to Monaco, Monaco to Monaco and Monaco to Digne-les-Bains.
It returned in 1952, 1953, 1955 and, the last time until now, in 1964 with routes taking in places such as Sestiéres to Monaco, Monaco to Aix-en-Provence, Marseille to Monaco, Monaco to Gap, Briancon to Monaco and Monaco Hyéres.
The last victors in Monaco in 1964 were Jacques Anquetil on stage 9 and Jan Janssen on stage 10 with the yellow jersey going to George Groussard.
Getting to Monaco and where to stay in MonacoYou will find all the information that you need with regards to getting to Monaco in our 'Explore the Riviera' section with detailed guides on where to go, where to eat and what to see when you are not cheering on the riders.
Accommodation in Monaco is limited at the best of times and it can be expensive. Beausoleil, on Monaco's doorstep, represents a good value and convenient alternative to the Principality if you are finding that the holiday apartments and villas are hard to find.
Please click on 'Browse Rentals' to see what we have available to rent during this time or send us an enquiry and we will help you find the type of short break holiday accommodation whether it is a grand villa or a holiday apartment.
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