before the start, Florence puts on the colors of the race

For its first departure from Italy, Saturday June 29, the Tour de France chose the cradle of the Renaissance: Florence (Italy). The Tuscan museum city becomes for the occasion the destination of thousands of enthusiasts. The day before D-Day, Friday, spectators and riders alike were delighted.

Under the eyes of Michelangelo’s David, the city center has been transformed: flag, colorful shop windows, and even an ice cream parlor… The colors of the Tour are everywhere. To attract the 900,000 tourists expected this weekend in Tuscany, a yellow sorbet with saffron has been imagined. Behind the scenes, in these streets classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 2,500 technicians, volunteers and security guards are busy preparing for the big start. Some museums, such as the Palazzo Vecchio, have exceptionally closed their doors to the public.