Wout van Aert denied Tadej Pogacar a prestigious stage win, but Pogacar is still partying in Paris having retained his Tour title. That's his fourth Tour triumph overall... now let's see if he goes for the Grand Tour treble later this year. Until then, it's 'au revoir' from the Champs-Elysees.

"I spoke to Jonas today. We've been racing each other for five years now and we have raised each other to a higher level," he said.

"Battling against Jonas was a tough experience," Pogačar added. "Much respect and much congratulations for his fight. Great race."

The roads were dangerously slippery after heavy rain.

There were the usual final-day pleasantries in the first half of the stage: group photos, friendly chats and a pace that any amateur could happily match.

France on Monday called on the European Union to pressure Israel to agree to a two-state solution with the Palestinians, the latest escalation from France as it seeks an end to the deadly Gaza war days after pledging to recognize Palestine as a state.

Leaders from Europe's two largest economies have led a chorus of gloomy reactions to the trade deal struck between EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump.