2012 Tour Of France --- I need some info

Hi
I’m going to spend about 20 days around France, Spain, Italy this year over the dates of the tour.
Can someone suggest 2-3 stages that are a must see please?
I’m wanting something that I don’t have to turn up 2 days before the bikes come through to get a good spot to view.
Any information and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

One of the mountain stages - oh there are none…

I’l be at Rouen stage 4 for the finish and start of stage 5,

In france and italy for the month of July, i’m also taking a bike.

Give us a buzz if ya want.

Watch a couple of days in the mountains, action will be in the pyrenees this year. You don’t have to turn up 2 days early to get a spot to watch.

If you have a bike, then stay close to some stages and ride to the summit , you have all day as the riders won’t get there until 4-5pm. the final climbs are usually closed for cars early in the morning or the night before.

If you have a car you could stay further away and drive in on the day but be prepared to park and walk a long way (10-15km). Traffic will be feral. or park further away and take a bike with you.

Get over to the UK to watch the olympic road race and TT, I’ll buy you a pint- also consider if you’re around the tour of spain La Vuleta, far less congestion, but spectacular scenery and cycling, better coffee than France too.
I was thinking of popping over for a few days when they are in the North.

Im heading over for June and july. Planning on doing a few big rides in June, then seeing a few stages in July. Im thinking a nice Aussie FOA meet up and beer could be in order. If any one needs a place to crash in Paris i got an apartment. Let me know.

I’ll be in Liege for the prologue and first stage. Timing with a work conference I was already booked to go to in the Netherlands turned out to be perfect!

Its getting closer…