Tour de France 2024 – Why Florence is the Must-Visit Destination!

For the very first time in its long and celebrated history, the iconic Tour de France 2024 will kick off from the picturesque city of Florence, Italy. As unveiled in Paris, the 111th edition of this premier cycling event is set to begin on the 29th of June 2024. Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cornerstone of art, culture, and history, will be the backdrop for the Grand Départ. Dive deeper with us to uncover why this union of Florence and the Tour de France promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.

The First Time Beyond France

This is not the first time that the Tour has started outside France – it has done so 25 times since the tradition began in 1954 in Amsterdam.

However, starting from Italy, and specifically Florence, is a first in the Tour’s 121-year history. This departure is monumental as it marks the first time the Tour is starting from a UNESCO heritage site, weaving the old-world charm of Tuscany with the energy and spirit of the race.

An Ode to the Rich Cycling History of Tuscany

Florence’s Mayor, Dario Nardella, who also serves as the president of the Institutional Committee of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2023, expressed immense pride in this honor. He commented, “This Tour is one of many firsts – starting from Italy, starting from Florence, and starting from a UNESCO World Heritage site. Add to this the rich legacy of cycling champions from Tuscany, like Bartali and Nencini, and you have an unforgettable experience. Watching the teams ride past the world-renowned monuments of Florence will revive their legacies and ignite the passion of fans worldwide.”

Tour de France 2024: Building Up to the Grand Départ

In anticipation of the Tour’s kick-off, Florence is buzzing with excitement.

On the 21st of March, 2024, the city will be awash in yellow for a grand event, marking the beginning of a digital countdown 100 days before the race, in the Piazza della Repubblica.

Team presentations will take place on the 27th of June, 2024 at the Piazzale Michelangelo, and the headquarters for the Grand Départ will be established at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

Route Through the Tuscan Landscape

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The race itself, on the 29th of June, will navigate from Cascine to Piazza della Signoria for the official ribbon-cutting and ceremonial start.

From Florence, the racers will make their way to Rimini, journeying through the Metropolitan City of Florence, touching towns like Bagno a Ripoli, Pontassieve, Pelago, Rufina, and more. As they cross the Tre Faggi pass, the caravan will head towards Romagna.

Spotlight on Tuscany

This historic departure ensures unmatched global visibility for Tuscany. With an anticipated 1.14 billion contacts across 190 countries and live coverage on 100 TV channels, the world’s eyes will be on this beautiful Italian region.

Inception of the Idea

Interestingly, the decision to commence from Florence was birthed during the global pandemic. As Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour de France, shared, he and Mayor Nardella exchanged messages in March 2020. With Florence in lockdown and its streets deserted, the two found hope in the possibility of the Tour starting from this Italian gem.

As preparations ramp up for the Grand Départ, the world waits in eager anticipation to witness this exceptional blend of sport, culture, and history in the heart of Tuscany.