Florence welcomes the public the day before the starting gun

For its first departure from Italy, the Tour de France chose the cradle of the Renaissance: Florence. The Tuscan museum city became the destination for thousands of enthusiasts for the occasion. The day before D-Day, Friday, June 28, spectators and riders alike were delighted.

Under the eyes of Michelangelo’s David, the city center was transformed: flag, colorful 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 saffron sorbet was created. Behind the scenes, in these streets classified as UNESCO world heritage sites, 2,500 technicians, volunteers and security agents are busy at the start. Some museums, such as the Palazzo Vecchio, have exceptionally closed their doors to the public.