So one of the benefits of retirement is flexibility with your time. I'd noticed that the early stages of the TDF was starting up in Northern France which is very reachable from the UK. And about a week before it was obvious it was gonna be a lovely few days, and I'd nothing specific in the diary.
So, I booked a cheap ferry, a couple of AirBnBs and off I went. I'd completely forgotten to check insurance, UK stickers etc on the car - but it all seemed OK once I'd remembered.
I drove from Calais to Bethune, waited 3 hours, caught some sweets from Asterix, and then they sped past at 40 mph.....which took precisely 7 seconds !
I then drove to Amiens. Lovely place, nice cathedral (and beer).
They were starting the tour there the day before, so I got to watch the French go mad for anything the sponsors give away for free.......
For my second day watching, I did it much better. I drove into the country, found a fine Bistro, had lunch, and then a 5 minute drive up a country lane to the route about 20 mins before - much better way to do it
This bunch of Belgium's had "been on it all day" - they knew how to have fun
I then made my way to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, (very nice) for a cool little BnB and some lovely beach riding.
It was a GREAT trip