Tour de France

Our Tour de France event in Canterbury brought the countryside into the heart of the city and challenged public perceptions of ‘place’. In July 2007, the Tour de France cyclists returned to the UK, their route winding through the Kent countryside and culminating in Canterbury.

Whitefriars Square, a bustling shopping precinct, was transformed into a quintessential village green, complete with turf, bunting, hay bales, and a maypole. This (extra)ordinary patch of grass took on the relaxed atmosphere of a French village fête or an English family gathering. The transformation of the public space visibly relaxed the shoppers, creating a welcoming environment.

Hanging the French Tricolour and Union Jack flags side by side encouraged people to focus on the similarities between their communities rather than the differences.

Children wore Tricolour and Union Jack flags in a procession celebrating both French and English cultures, where Giants and bands entertained the crowds.