Hosting the Tour can put even the smallest town on the map - with TV coverage reaching a potential audience of 2.5bn in more than 80 countries.

BBC: Tour de France: Yorkshire businesses 'glee'

For a flat fee of 130 Argentinean pesos, tour-goers receive an Italian crystal wine glass along with a map indicating each stop on the circuit.

BBC: Creative wine tasting in Buenos Aires

The tour progressed past a large flat-screen television on the wall projecting a map of the United States.

NEWYORKER: Happy Feet

But many of these locations are hard to pinpoint, so equip yourself with a reliable map and some sturdy walking shoes before heading out on a self-guided tour.

BBC: Hollywood and Venice: A love story