Watching final stage of tdf in paris

Just sitting on the bus at Victoria ready to head to Paris. Just wondering if any of you have experience of watching the tdf there? I don't fancy standing for hours crushed against the barriers on the Champs Elysees are there any other less hectic places to enjoy it?

went last year - was on the opposite side of the road to where Norwegian corner is by the row of shops (Rue de Rivoli I think sort of opposite the big wheel) - pretty much where Wiggins kicked to lead off Cav - stood there for 6 hours but didn't get too jammed - after shelling out for numerous bottles of water (same shop doubling the price every couple of hours) I only realised after the finish that there was a pub with a load of brits on a side street 20 metres or so away... anyway that's a pretty good spot

We got ourselves stood about 300yds up from the finish line on that side last year - was a little busy but not uncomfortable, and had a view of a big screen television so could tell what was going on which was very welcome!

Both really helpful thanks, near a screen sounds like a good shout. Anyone have experience of the Tuileries tunnel area, apparently a nice park nearby until the action starts.

I think (but someone will correct me if wrong) that they emerge from teh tunnel just before that norwegian corner bit and then swing a left at that corner - yeah there is a big park with the wheel in, fairground rides etc

used to go with my parents when i was a kid on the right hand side of place de la concorde to the riders which is good but gets really rammed - be good if you got there early and stocked up on booze/water/food though

I was having a picnic on the banks of the river (opposite musée d'orsay) last year until 20 minutes before the peloton arrived for the first circuit. Simply climbed the steps, made my way to the front of a relatively crowd and was perfectly placed at the corner where the riders enter the tunnel.

Thanks for all the tips, ended up by the entrance to the tunnel next to the louvre. Perfect as the non cycle enthusiasts could chill on the grass and we got a great view of the riders. Then wandered up to the big screens for the finish, had a picnic and then wandered over to the place de la concorde and happened across the Sky bus and got up close with Froome, Brailsford and Porte! Amazing evening, really recommend getting over here for it.

Last year rode a week in the Pyrenees, finished up watching the finale in front OF the Automobile Club. Fantastic viewing. Glad to hear you had a good time.