Historically Belgium is not only known for its cultural and gastronomical assets but also for its cycling champions. In total the Tour de France has already crossed our Belgian borders about 47 times. This year, the 106th edition of the Tour de France, will be no different.
The official start of the event will take place on Saturday 6th of July near VIAGE, on the Grand Place in Brussels. It’s expected to be a very heavy race, with the highlight scheduled on Saturday the 27th of July. That day the finish line will be raised to a height of 2300 meters in the ski resort of Val Thorens. As the tradition requires, the Tour de France will come to an end in beautiful Paris.
Fast beating hearts and national pride
For the second time around our beloved capital will have to honor of kicking off this year’s edition of the Tour de France, fifty years after Eddy Merckx’s first tour victory. To relive and celebrate that moment all spotlights will shine on Eddy, “The Cannibal”, Merckx. Cycling fans all around will come together for this big national feast.
Of course we Belgians are proud of our cycling champions and we absolutely love to show that national pride. For the occasion one of the spheres of the Atomium will be partly covered in yellow as a symbol of the Grand Départ and our Manneken Pis will put on his original 1958 yellow sweater. Even the trees on the Mont des Arts and in front of the Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, as the rest of Brussels, will be colored in yellow. All to announce the legendary Tour de France.
YELLOW BAR, your finish for this Tour de France
The Tour de France revolves around excitement, enjoying nerve-racking moments together and of course a good party afterwards. And where else to celebrate good times than at VIAGE. With the YELLOW BAR, our cyclists’ quarter for July, you won’t have to miss a single moment of glory. In this brand new pop-up bar you can follow the entire Tour de France live, in a great atmosphere and with the necessary refreshments. The launch of this ground floor terrace will be given on July 1st and is open 7/7 from 12 a.m. to 8 p.m. Are you ready? Set? Go!
Are you taking home the polka dot jersey this year?
In the YELLOW BAR you’ll not only be able to follow every second of the Tour, you’ll also get the chance to actively ride on our bike simulator. That way you will have the opportunity to cycle a few tour stages live and race against colleagues or friends at the same time. Time to show once and for all who has the strongest legs. VIAGE keeps the score and announces a winner every day who will win a unique cycling shirt. In addition, there are many other great prizes to be won so definitely take your chance!
Do you need some time afterwards to catch your breath after a hellish climb? Or are you exhausted from all that cheering at the sidelines? No worries! Our YELLOW BAR has your back. Treat yourself to some French snacks from our food truck and various cocktails or soft drinks at the bar. You’ll be back on your feet, or shall we say on your bike, in no time. Get it?
Or maybe you’re in the mood for something firmer? Then indulge in culinary delights in RestoViage and discover our Tour de France three-course menu for only € 29.
At VIAGE, we go past the finish line!
Not cycled out yet at 8 p.m.? No problem! Just head over to the casino and the VIAGE cocktail bar. You might even ride home afterwards with a brand new Zannata bike! Between July 1 and July 14 there is a big competition in our Grand Casino Brussels VIAGE where you’ll have the chance to win great prizes. Not only the main prize is a real eye-catcher, the other prizes will also make you feel like a true champion. For example you might win the Tissot XL chronograph watch that was specially designed for the Tour de France 2019. Maybe you’ll go home with a treasure chest of champagne, wine or with one of the numerous other gastronomic prizes that are up for grabs. Who knows? So come and visit the VIAGE casino, register and maybe your name will be drawn on July 14!
Already excited and can’t wait until the event? Then be sure to take your chance at our online competition where you might win some nice gadgets from the comfort of your own seat. Lucky you!
On top of everything, the award ceremony will be a massive party. Not only does it take place on July 14, the National French Holiday, it’s also celebrated with many different activities. At 4 p.m. the event starts with a variety of French snacks and drinks followed by a live performance by Cloclo. The cherry on top? A DJ that will close the ceremony until 11 p.m. with a bang. Let’s dance!
A fantastic atmosphere, lots of fun and tasty customized snacks and drinks. In short, no better setting to follow Tour de France 2019! Discover the full program here.
Practical info
Where?
Grand Casino Brussels VIAGE (ground floor terrace + casino)
When?
- Casino competition: from 1/07 until 14/07
- YELLOW BAR: from 1/07 until 31/07 (daily from 12 a.m. until 8 p.m.)
What to expect?
- Great atmosphere to follow the Tour de France 2019 live
- Unique bike simulator to experience the tour yourself
- Fun gadgets, cycling shirts and other fantastic prizes to win
- Refreshing cocktails
- French snacks provided by our food trucks
