Tour de France travel

Bicycling's toughest race has moved into the toughest part: the the Tour de France riders are into the mountains, where the men see what the boys are made of. If you're going to be in the race's neighborhood, go -- the crowd along the mountain route get to get up close and personal with passing racers. Follow along for up to three unlimited travel days with a student-discounted $149 France rail pass.

The crazy-tough cyclists wind into Paris June 23; if you'll be in the champagne-drinking throng of thousands cheering along Paris' Champs d'Elysees, book your hostel right now with a list of top Paris hostels. Check out the top five free things to do in Paris, too.

• France train pass -- buy direct
• France Rail Europe train route map
• Learn more about student discounted Eurail passes
• See the Tour de France route map and stages
  How much do those guys make, anyway? Tour de France winners aren't in it for the moolah, but it sure can't hurt to have a few mil stashed upon retiring, as did uber rider Lance Armstrong after his record seventh victory in 2005.
  • Tour de France winners prize money 2005

^{Related: Buy a France youth rail pass direct | Learn more about single-country Rail Europe passes at student discounts | Paris high-speed train sale | Under 26? Learn more about Rail Europe student travel discounts}