Tour de France via student rail pass

Saturday June 17, 2006

Americans have a new love affair with the Tour de France after Lance The Man Armstrong's seven year stretch of total world domination over the century-old race ended in 2005. If you want to see this awesome clash of the road warriors, even sans Mr. Don't Mess With Texas, hit the Tour de France starting line in Strasbourg, join the race enroute in Caen, Rennes, Bordeaux, or Carcassone, or follow along for up to three unlimited travel days with a student-discounted $149 France rail pass. Book now if you want to be one of the champagne-drinking throng on Paris' Champs d'Elysees as the winners bring it home July 24. Plan your stay in the City of Light with a list of top Paris hostels and the top five free things to do in Paris.

Tickets on the high speed TGV Thalys train to and from Paris are on sale in two ways now, too. Buy tickets by August 14 for travel through August 31.