It consisted of 17 stages over 2,806 km (1,744 mi), ridden at an average speed of 35.684 km/h (22.173 mph).

Jacques Anquetil started the race with the intention of winning it and becoming the first cyclist to win all the three grand tours.

His Saint-Raphaël–Helyett team dominated the race, with the team taking the leaders jersey after the second stage of the race.

Rudi Altig and Seamus Elliott both wore the jersey with Altig taking it off the shoulders of Elliott after winning the final individual time trial on the 15th stage.

Altig became the first German winner of the event.