Tour de France is heading our way this week!

With Tour de France fever in full swing at the moment, the excitement is heading Chamonix's way later this week as Stages 16 and 17 come right past our doorstep....well almost.

After yesterday's exciting stage finish in Verbier, Switzerland , a first in the Tour's history, the riders are on a rest day in the area today before tackling both the Grand and the Petit cols du St Bernard en route from Martigny to Bourg St Maurice. If you zip through the Mont Blanc tunnel tomorrow you'll be able to catch a glimpse of that yellow jersey as they pass through Morgex and Pre St Didier (just the other side of Courmayeur) before starting the steep climb through La Thuile and on up the Col du Petit St Bernard. The Tour Caravane (the parade of sponsors who throw out endless freebies at the gathered spectators) is due to arrive in Morgex at around 2pm followed by the lead riders from approx. 3.30pm.

If you can't make it tomorrow then you'll get a second chance to see them on Wednesday as Stage 17 follows the 165kms between Bourg St Maurice and Le Grand Bornand. The route takes the riders over the Col des Saisies before dropping down to Notre Dame de Bellecombe, Praz-sur-Arly, Megeve, Combloux and then Sallanches before finishing the stage in Le Grand Bornand. Fans can see them in Megeve from around 2.45pm or Ave de Geneve in Sallanches from 3pm (seriously 15 minutes?? I don't think I've even driven that stretch of road in 15 minutes...!).

For true die hard fans, Thursday's stage is also within easy access of Chamonix - a 40km time trial around the edge of Lake Annecy.

Apart from the sheer volume of people who flock to support the Tour as it makes its way around the country, the whole build up and the promotional caravan all really add to the atmosphere and the enjoyment of the day so allow plenty of time to find yourself a prime freebie catching spot!