On 23 July 2025, Stage 17 of the Tour de France will see cyclists pedal 160.4 kilometres through the picturesque landscapes of southern France, from Bollène to Valence, in a stage tailored for sprinters eager to claim glory before the gruelling Alpine challenges. The route, a relatively flat 100-mile journey, weaves through the Vaucluse and Drôme regions, offering a blend of scenic beauty and tactical racing as teams position for a high-speed finish. With gentle rolling roads giving way to a nervy final third where wind and direction changes could stir the peloton, this stage promises a thrilling sprint showdown in Valence, a town known for its cycling pedigree, having hosted victories by the likes of André Greipel, Peter Sagan, and Mark Cavendish.
The stage kicks off in Bollène, a market town in the Vaucluse, where historic stone buildings and a bustling weekly market create a lively backdrop for the race’s start. Cyclists will roll out from this Provençal hub, passing fields of lavender and vineyards that define the region’s rural appeal. The route then meanders through Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, a small town with a rich Roman heritage, its ancient cathedral and narrow streets offering a glimpse into France’s storied past. As the peloton pushes north, they’ll cross Pont-Saint-Esprit, a riverside settlement on the Rhône, known for its medieval bridge, one of the oldest in France, spanning the water with 26 arches.
Further along, the riders will pass through Bourg-Saint-Andéol, another Rhône-side town with a mix of Romanesque architecture and a relaxed atmosphere, its historic centre a favourite among visitors exploring the Ardèche. The route continues to Saint-Marcel-d’Ardèche, a quieter village surrounded by orchards and rolling hills, where the rural charm of southern France comes to the fore. The peloton will then skirt Pierrelatte, home to a striking rock formation and a crocodile farm, adding a quirky touch to the journey. As the race enters the Drôme, it passes through La Garde-Adhémar, a hilltop village with panoramic views over the Rhône Valley, its medieval walls and church making it a hidden gem.
The final stretch brings the riders to Crest, a town dominated by its towering 12th-century keep, one of the tallest in Europe, offering a dramatic sight as the peloton speeds by. From there, it’s a flat run to Valence, the stage’s finish line, a lively city on the Rhône with a blend of modern energy and historic sites, including its cathedral and verdant Parc Jouvet. The flat terrain and long finishing straight in Valence set the stage for a frenetic sprint, where positioning will be key as teams jostle to deliver their fast men to the line. This stage, with its blend of history, scenery, and tactical racing, offers a classic Tour de France experience, showcasing the beauty of southern France as the sprinters chase victory.
