The final stage begins in Marcoussis and the general classification leaders gather before the stage gets underway

Spectators take up the best vantage points in Paris several hours before the race is due to arrive in the French capital

There is drizzle in the air in Paris but the waiting masses are kept entertained by giant screens showing the race

Spain's Alberto Contador holds a 23-second advantage over the field as the stage gets off to a reasonably relaxed start

Seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong chats to former team-mate George Hincapie as the race meanders on

The pace is pedestrian as is generally the case on the final stage but the fireworks will begin when the riders enter Paris

The landmarks come thick and fast as the peloton leaves the Paris suburbs behind and arrives in the city centre

The race starts to stretch as the riders pick up the pace on the first of eight laps around Paris's cobbled streets

A group of 10 break away but Contador is content to stay with his team and negotiate the final few kilometres in safety

The leaders are reeled in with five kilometres remaining setting up a bunch sprint which Italy's Daniele Bennati takes

Bennati holds off a spirited challenge from Thor Hushovd and Erik Zabel to claim his second stage win of this year's Tour

Colombia's Barloworld rider Juan Mauricio Soler is crowned the King of the Mountains and receives the polka dot jersey

And Belgium's Quick Step rider Tom Boonen holds on to the green points jersey that he has worn on all but three stages

But the yellow jersey is Contador's after he finishes in the peloton to win in an overall time of 96 hours and 26 seconds