Me and my family made the trip to the Champs Eleysees this year to see the Tour de France. As I couldn't find any detailed guides s here is what I single handedly found out. I would also like to say that circumstances and events may be different in different years so always ask at information desks to check.
Travel
The first hurdle is travelling to the race. We went on the train and the metro to the champs. It was relatively low cost and the scenery was beautiful on the way into Paris. Our trip was about 30 mins long and the train was very comfortable and easy to use.
The metro is easy too. Our train tickets were conveniently compatible with the metro and it let you through the metro gates all day.
On the metro we went from Montanas to the Champs Eleysees metro station. Route 13. There are a couple of metro stations along the Champs Eleysees. And they Gordon the top to the arc d'triomphe.
Some Metro Stations do close so don't just rely on one metro station.
The Champs Eleysees station come out on the opposite side to the finish and there is a big screen to your right. This screen can just be seen from really far down.
Also note that some metro stations can be used to get to the other side of the course.
Timings
You will need to cross reference train and Tour de France CARAVAN times to get there at the right time, add and hour or two of leeway and time to get the perfect spot. (I will come on to that later.) Also find out when the women's is on and plan accordingly. The women's race is really good fun and totally gets you in the mood to watch this glorious race.
I recommend the Tour de France app which has live updates or following the tour on Twitter so that you know when the riders will appear.
Where to watch
If your getting there early you will be able to find a good spot. With a bit of searching on course. You will want to be on the barriers so bring flags (they can be Gaffer taped to the barriers) and be prepared to camp out. On the barriers is the place to be so be prepared to defend your position to those who have turned up later than you. The tour is amazing for bringing people who you wouldn't have met to one place so try to talk to people.
Me and my family watched at the roundabout halfway down the Champs Eleysees. This place is a bottle hotspot so you will want to be at the side closest to the finish so you can pick them babies up!!
Food and Drink
There are some food stalls down the Champs Eleysees but I recommend to buy some baguettes and some ham/saussiucon to have for lunch. Then you don't lose your spot and is a bit cheaper.
If it is swelteringly hot you will need to keep up the fluids. Take water with you but expect to run out. There will be water available to buy so don't worry.
Toilets
There is no doubt that you will need go to the loo. Paris doesn't really have any public toilets so you could go a bar or walk to a public toilet.
Security
In some places the French police were doing spot checks so the Champs Eleysees is quite secure.
Clothing
Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. So wear light breathable clothing/footwear which you can stand in all day long.
Kit list
Money
Phone
Country flags
Gaffer tape
Food
Drink
Rucksacks
Drawstring bags
Train time tables
Tdf time table
Tube map
This document
Chairs
A rug
A lot of patience
Sun cream 20°/30°
Sun hat
Sun glasses
Rain coat (if necessary)
Jumper
Cow bells
Stuff to do whilst waiting (books, music etc.)
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