The Etape du Tour de France 2026

Ready to play in the big leagues? 🚴 If the idea of sweating like a pro gets you buzzing, head to the Étape du Tour de France in July ⛰️. From Alpine valleys to the great Pyrenean passes, the organizers serve up a breathtaking route every time 💨. Like the Tour de France, the course is new each year 🔃. We’re generally talking about 170 km and 5,400 meters of elevation gain on those legendary Alpine climbs 🥵. Get mentally ready to raise your heart rate just by reading the menu 🍽️. No fewer than 4 iconic Tour de France climbs are waiting for you 🏔️.

Since 1993, this race has allowed amateurs to step into the shoes of Pogačar or Vingegaard for a day. A few days before the peloton’s big guns tackle the same passes, you’ll get to enjoy this unique experience: riding like a pro on roads that are 100% closed to traffic ❌. Picture yourself in the middle of an electrified atmosphere 🎉, surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery 🤩, cheered by the crowd like a cycling champion 🥇. Whether you’re a Sunday rider or a regular on the passes 😎, everyone is welcome (yes, even you who thinks “5,400 m of elevation gain” is a typo 🤓). The only condition? Be of legal age and firmly gripping your handlebars 🖐️. To keep the competition enjoyable, your bib number will be assigned based on your level, so the fastest won’t overshadow you 🌪️... nor you them (we’re nice like that 😌).

Over the years, cyclists have discovered postcard-worthy settings 🤩. We can’t list all the host towns, but remember these names: Albertville, Nice, Morzine, the Alpe d'Huez, Val Thorens, Annecy...Each year, the route gets even spicier 🌶️: Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe, Col des Saisies, Col de la Couillole—there’s a good chance you’ll end up climbing these behemoths if you sign up one day ✏️. The Étape du Tour is also primarily charity-focused 🫶. You can choose to take part with a charity bib by raising a minimum of €850 for Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque 🫀. Challenging the Tour de France summits under the same conditions as the pros to give children with heart conditions around the world a second wind—how wonderful is that? 😍

Let’s be honest: after 170 km of intense effort, you’ll have well earned a bit of rest and adventure 🌄. So, ready to take on the legendary passes? 😈 A little Cormet de Roselend goes down easy🍦, promise.