It may be the most spectacular tourism promotion ever, and it happens every July, the Tour de France brings the world’s best cyclists and the assorted circus of followers, media and groupies through some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. Here is wehre to watch out for:
Spain (Stages 1–3)
- Barcelona (Stages 1 & 2 finish): World-famous for Gaudí’s architecture (Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló), vibrant La Rambla, beaches, Montjuïc hill (with Olympic sites and castle), and Catalan culture/food. The TTT and hilly finish highlight iconic urban sights.
- Tarragona (Stage 2 start): UNESCO-listed Roman archaeological ensemble (amphitheatre, circus, aqueduct) right by the Mediterranean. Known for its ancient history, beaches, and tapas scene.
- Granollers (Stage 3 start): Charming Catalan town near Barcelona, with a historic market square, medieval roots, and proximity to wine/countryside areas.
- Les Angles (Stage 3 finish): Pyrenean ski resort in the Pyrénées-Orientales with lakes, hiking, and mountain scenery—great for outdoor activities.
Southwest France – Pyrenees & Occitanie (Stages 4–6)
- Carcassonne (Stage 4 start): Iconic medieval fortified city (La Cité) with dramatic walls, towers, and castle—a UNESCO site that looks like a fairy-tale fortress.
- Foix (Stage 4 finish): Picturesque town with a striking medieval castle on a rock outcrop, surrounded by Pyrenean foothills—ideal for history and nature lovers.
- Pau (Stage 5 finish & Stage 6 start): Elegant city with a grand château (birthplace of Henry IV), boulevard views of the Pyrenees, and a refined atmosphere with parks and museums.
- Gavarnie-Gèdre (Stage 6 summit finish): Dramatic high-mountain area featuring the UNESCO-listed Cirque de Gavarnie (massive natural amphitheatre with waterfalls and peaks)—one of the Pyrenees’ most spectacular sights.
Western & Central France (Stages 7–10)
- Bordeaux (Stage 7 finish): Renowned for wine (UNESCO-listed vineyards and châteaux), elegant 18th-century architecture, the Garonne River waterfront, and food scene.
- Périgueux & Bergerac (Stage 8 area): Dordogne region gems—truffle/pâté country with medieval towns, riverside charm, prehistoric caves (nearby Lascaux), and countryside châteaux.
- Massif Central spots (e.g., Aurillac, Le Lioran – Stage 10): Volcanic landscapes, plateaus, and rural charm with hiking, cheese/heritage, and quieter French countryside vibes.
Eastern France – Vosges, Jura & Alps (Stages 13–20)
- Belfort & Le Markstein (Stages 13–14 area): Historic citadel town and Vosges mountains—known for engineering heritage, nature, and the Ballon d’Alsace area.
- Plateau de Solaison (Stage 15 summit finish): New high-mountain finish in the Alps with stunning panoramic views and challenging climbs.
- Évian-les-Bains & Thonon-les-Bains (Stage 16): Lakeside towns on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) famous for mineral water, spas, elegant resorts, and Alpine views.
- Orcières-Merlette (Stage 18 finish): Alpine ski resort with dramatic high-mountain scenery.
- Gap (Stage 19 start): Gateway to the Southern Alps with historic old town and mountain access.
- Alpe d’Huez (Stages 19 & 20 finishes): Legendary Tour climb with 21 hairpin turns, epic Alpine views, and a famous ski resort—iconic for cycling fans and hikers.
- Le Bourg d’Oisans (Stage 20 start): Base for Alpine adventures, near glaciers and national parks.
Finale
Paris – Champs-Élysées (Stage 21 finish): The classic closing sprint on the world’s most famous avenue, with the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and all the city’s iconic landmarks nearby.
