First held in 1903, the race covers over 3,500 km across France and beyond, featuring iconic mountain climbs, time trials, and thrilling sprints. Whether you’re a dedicated cycling enthusiast or a traveler looking to experience the excitement, exploring Tour de France routes offers a chance to ride on legendary roads and witness history in the making.
1. The History of the Tour de France
The Tour de France was created in 1903 by French newspaper L’Auto to boost circulation. Over the years, it has grown into the biggest event in cycling, known for its grueling 21-stage format, unpredictable terrain, and legendary winners such as Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Chris Froome.
The race traditionally ends on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, but the route changes every year, showcasing different regions of France and sometimes venturing into neighboring countries.
2. Legendary Tour de France Mountain Climbs
One of the most thrilling aspects of the Tour de France is its iconic mountain climbs, where the world’s best riders battle fatigue and gravity in dramatic uphill showdowns.
Alpe d’Huez – The Most Famous Climb
- Distance: 13.8 km
- Average Gradient: 8.1%
- Why Ride Here: One of the most legendary mountain finishes in Tour de France history.
- Experience: The 21 hairpin bends make this climb a true test of endurance and strength.
Mont Ventoux – The "Giant of Provence"
- Distance: 21 km
- Average Gradient: 7.6%
- Why Ride Here: One of the toughest climbs in the Tour, with extreme winds and a barren lunar-like landscape at the top.
- Experience: A grueling challenge for even the most experienced cyclists.
Col du Tourmalet – The Heart of the Pyrenees
- Distance: 17.1 km
- Average Gradient: 7.3%
- Why Ride Here: The most frequently used mountain in Tour history, featured over 80 times.
- Experience: A breathtaking ride through the Pyrenees, with stunning alpine views.
3. Tour de France Flat and Sprint Stages
Not all Tour de France stages are about climbing mountains. Some are designed for high-speed sprints and exciting finishes in France’s countryside and coastal roads.
Champs-Élysées – The Grand Finale in Paris
- Why It’s Special: The final stage of the Tour de France, where the race ends in a dramatic sprint finish.
- Experience: Cycle through Paris’s most famous avenue, passing by the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde.
Loire Valley Stages – Rolling Hills and Castles
- Why Ride Here: A scenic and relatively easy ride through vineyards, medieval towns, and châteaux.
- Experience: Ideal for those who want to combine cycling with cultural exploration.
4. How to Experience Tour de France Routes as a Cyclist
Even if you’re not a professional racer, you can still ride on Tour de France roads and experience what it’s like to cycle in the footsteps of legends.
Guided Tour de France Cycling Experiences
- Official Tour de France Sportive Rides – Participate in L’Étape du Tour, a one-day amateur race on an actual Tour de France mountain stage.
- Cycling Tours in the Alps and Pyrenees – Companies offer fully guided multi-day cycling trips on famous Tour climbs.
- Self-Guided Bike Rentals – Rent a high-performance road bike and explore Tour de France routes at your own pace.
5. Best Time to Visit Tour de France Locations
The Tour de France typically takes place in July, making late spring to early autumn (May to September) the best time to ride its iconic routes.
- May – June: Fewer crowds, good weather in the Alps and Pyrenees.
- July: Experience the race live, but expect busy roads.
- August – September: Great weather, post-race excitement still in the air.
6. Watching the Tour de France Live
If you prefer to watch the race rather than ride, here are the best ways to experience the thrill of the Tour de France live.
- Mountain Summit Viewing – Watching riders battle uphill on Alpe d’Huez or Mont Ventoux is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Team Time Trials – See high-speed racing on flat roads as teams push the limits in precision and speed.
- Final Stage in Paris – The Champs-Élysées sprint finish is an iconic moment that every cycling fan should witness.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as roads close hours before the race passes.
7. The Future of the Tour de France
As cycling technology evolves, so does the Tour de France. Modern bikes feature lightweight carbon frames, aerodynamic designs, and advanced power meters, pushing riders to achieve faster speeds than ever before. Sustainability is also becoming a key focus, with organizers reducing environmental impact and encouraging green tourism in host regions.
