The Tour caravan is a colourful parade of vehicles and floats that travels ahead of the cyclists during the Tour de France. It promotes sponsors and brands with entertaining displays, handing out souvenirs to the crowds along the route.

Paris

The Tour de France caravan, known in French as 'La Caravane du Tour', is a long-standing tradition that precedes the arrival of cyclists along the race route. Comprising around 150 vehicles and 600 people representing over 30 brands, the caravan distributes more than 10 million gifts to spectators and creates a lively atmosphere. Many fans view the caravan as a highlight of the event, with some even aspiring to join its ranks. The caravan has been part of the Tour since 1930 and is credited with drawing nearly half of all spectators primarily for its festive parade.

Tour de France: What is the Tour caravan?

It is the opening act, a much-anticipated moment before the cyclists rush in. Called in French La Caravane du Tour, this convoy of the race's sponsors is, for many passers-by, as exciting as the cycling itself. The long procession of cars and floats is known for tossing out free gifts and getting the ambiance going. For the past 20 years, Damien Cansey has taken off work in the month of July so he can do his other job, honking and smiling his way across France in a Deux Chevaux. It's a moment we wait for all year long, for this month of July. It's an enchanted break, where we meet up with friends. It's a unique atmosphere, with the fervour of the public, being back on the roads of the Tour. Some 600 people and 150 vehicles make up the advertising caravan, representing over 30 brands and sponsors. Spaced out over 10 kilometres, the drive-by lasts half an hour, with over 10 million gifts raining down on eager spectators. The cyclists go by faster than the convoy, so better to take advantage of it. Some fans even dream of working for La Caravane du Tour. They throw lots of gifts to people, it creates a great atmosphere on the Tour, it's wonderful, we love getting them, so giving must be even better. I'd even take the summer off to do the Tour. Driving a float and managing its team is, for Caroline Lappert, a welcome change from the rest of the year. A speech therapist from Tahiti, she's been driving for the Tour since 2021. She says the pay, or some 2,000 euros for the month, isn't just what keeps her coming back. We come back because you can't do without it, this desire to experience these unique moments. An integral part of the Tour since 1930, the publicity caravan is also a team. One that not only gets millions of waiting fans roaring to go for the coming cyclists, the Tour says that some 47% of spectators come especially for the parade.

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