Tour de France 2024 to follow 'dazzling' route from Florence to French Riviera

The route embarks from Florence on June 29 and features four high altitude finishes as the race crosses the Alps twice and squeezes in two time-trials, including a potential high drama final day run from Monaco to Nice on July 21.

It is the first time the race does not finish in Paris which is off limits as it prepares to host the Olympic Games.

As spectacular as it is atypical, the route was revealed at a Gala overseen by Christian Prudhomme, president of the organisers ASO in front of almost 4000 guests and many of the expected competitors, mayors from along the route and a large press pack at a conference centre in Paris.

The Florence start and Nice finish were already known, prompting much excitement about not only the first ever Grand Depart in Italy, but the race's first ever finale outside Paris.

"It's difficult to replace Paris, so what better scenery could we give than than a dazzling Monaco to Nice time-trial," said Prudhomme.

Instead of the traditional last day parade along the Champs Elysees, fans can instead anticipate a potentially decisive individual time trial down the Riviera coastline and in the hills between Monaco and Nice.