On 24 July 2025, Stage 18 of the Tour de France will challenge the peloton with a gruelling 176.6-kilometre journey from Vif to the summit of Col de la Loze, a route dubbed the queen stage for its punishing climbs and breathtaking Alpine scenery. Cyclists will tackle three major ascents, including the Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, and the final climb to Col de la Loze, the highest point of this year’s Tour at 2,304 metres.
With over 5,500 metres of elevation gain, this stage is set to test the legs of the general classification contenders, offering a decisive moment for those vying for the yellow jersey. The route winds through the rugged beauty of the French Alps, passing through a handful of towns and villages that add character to this demanding day of racing.
The stage begins in Vif, a small town just south of Grenoble, known for its peaceful setting at the foot of the Vercors massif, where cyclists will start their day surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. From Vif, the peloton heads to Allemond, a quiet village in the Romanche Valley, its location at the base of the Col du Glandon marking the start of the day’s first major climb.
The route then descends to La Chambre, a modest commune in the Maurienne Valley, its open fields and traditional stone houses providing a brief respite before the ascent to Col de la Madeleine. After a long descent, the riders reach Moûtiers, a historic market town with a Romanesque cathedral, serving as a gateway to the Tarentaise Valley.
The final push takes the peloton through Courchevel, a renowned ski resort with luxury chalets and sweeping views, where the eastern approach to Col de la Loze begins. The climb to the finish line is unrelenting, with the final four kilometres averaging a brutal gradient, ensuring a dramatic battle among the climbers as they vie for stage honours atop the lofty summit.
This stage, with its blend of challenging terrain and Alpine beauty, offers a classic Tour de France experience, showcasing the resilience of the riders and the allure of the French mountains. Fans can expect a fierce contest as the peloton navigates this iconic route, with the outcome likely to shape the race’s overall standings.
