Hours before the Tour de France peloton was due to pass through Montmartre on Sunday, thousands of fans packed the streets, eager to claim a prime spot to watch riders climb the iconic hill during the final stage of the race.
The Tour is breaking with tradition this year as organizers look to build on the popular success of the Paris Olympic road race. During last year's Olympics, massive crowds lined the streets of Montmartre - a neighborhood in northern Paris famous for its artistic heritage and sweeping city views - to cheer on riders.
Inspired by the frenetic atmosphere, Tour organizers decided to include the Montmartre climb in this summer's route. Riders will ascend the hill and pass beneath the Sacre-Coeur basilica before heading to the finish on the Champs-elysees.
Spectators began arriving early Sunday on the cobbled Rue Lepic, well before race leader Tadej Pogacar and his rivals were expected to tackle the steep ascent. Fans also filled the stairs beneath the Sacre-Coeur to ensure they didn't miss a moment of the action.
Riders will also pass the Moulin Rouge before climbing to the Butte Montmartre. To mark the occasion, dancers in tricolor costumes will perform a French Cancan outside the cabaret.