Streets were decorated, celebratory events took place and Sheffield watched in amazement as thousands of visitors swarmed into the city. We quickly learned new phrases such as peloton (a group of riders) and Grand Depart, the name of the annual start to the big race, which usually starts abroad these days. Wincobank became the most fashionable part of town as the riders tackled its wicked hill climb on Jenkin Road.
Here we look back in pictures to the big event.
13. Pop art
A 'Banksy style' stencil of Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker riding a bike near the Workstation, Sheffield in June 2014. The artist Stewy, based in Bristol, had permission to create the works of art from property owners in West and South Yorkshire in the build-up to the Tour de France Grand Depart Photo: Tom Maddick
14. Spotted a mile off
The Bank View Cafe at Langsett near Sheffield was visible from miles around as owner Pete Sparks painted it white with red spots to welcome Le Grand Depart to Yorkshire Photo: Scott Merrylees
15. Dry stone wheels
A dry stone wall erected for the Tour de France, cleverly using Sheffield grindstones as wheels Photo: Andrew Roe