“We had to prepare”, in Béziers, the businesses of the Allée Paul-Riquet took up the challenge of the Tour de France

Toute l’équipe du ptit Ju était aux couleurs du maillot jaune. LB

The event allowed traders on Allée Paul-Riquet, in Béziers, to obtain a very good result this Tuesday, July 16. From 10 a.m., we had to prepare for the arrival of customers who had exceptionally come to town.

From this late morning, the Paul-Riquet aisles are filling up more and more to attend the Tour de France, this Tuesday July 16. Although still calm , every business is preparing to have to step up the pace. And for good reason, the arrival of the runners, at 2 p.m., suggests a large crowd.

At "Le ptit Ju", everyone was prepared to take care of all requests as best as possible. "We have a no one more for the service. We have a lot of reservations where we were told that it was for the Tour, explains the Cordier family who own the brand. Having lived in Béziers for 13 years, they have never yet experienced the large loop, which had not passed through the city for 18 years. "We have a good setup. It will probably last until 2 p. is safe."

On the side of "La Paillote", still on the paths, the team anticipates an increase in the number of people at the end of the afternoon.& ;nbsp;"It's after the runners have passed that we risk having a rush of a good hour, explains Olivia Panepinto, bar manager. The clientele still looks very different this late in the morning. Of course, we find regulars, but also vacationers, foreigners or coming from the other side of France, wearing their favorite jersey. The bistro, however, has not decided to change its operation. "We are going to do as usual, it will obviously be a little tough. In any case, the terrace is not extendable", concludes the boss.

"A great experience"

At the beginning of the afternoon, the runners had barely left the city when the crowd was already starting to dissipate. "We managed quite a few people who came to see the cyclists. Once they passed, the crowd immediately subsided", explains the family.

Both traders and spectators were delighted by the event. "With all these people and these colors, we could almost have believed in a big carnival. It was a great experience." The shops on the Paul-Riquet alleys will only be even better organized for the next few times, hoping to see the Tour return to Béziers .