{"id":76559,"date":"2025-12-16T16:28:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T15:28:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=76559"},"modified":"2026-03-31T12:05:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T10:05:54","slug":"tour-de-france-experience-alps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/tour-de-france-experience-alps\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to see the Tour de France 2026 in the Alps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The French Alps, with their legendary mountain passes and breathtaking scenery, are often at the heart of the Tour de France. In 2026, we invite you to discover all the magic of this legendary race through the eyes of S\u00e9bastien Jarrot, a local cycling ambassador. Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or simply a fan of major sporting events, here are the key dates, the official route and tips for watching the Tour de France in the mountains.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Book a chalet in the Alps<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n <\/use><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n .<\/span>.<\/span>.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n <\/use><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n See all of our partner chalets<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

The Tour de France in the Alps: milestones and key dates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tour de France Men<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
\u00a9 Le Tour de France<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

From Champagnole to Plateau de Solaison<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong> 15<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Sunday 19 July
Resorts near the finish line<\/strong>: Le Grand-Bornand, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Morillon, Samo\u00ebns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This major mountain stage could prove crucial. Challenging even for climbers, the nearly 5km ascent of the Col de la Croisette has an average gradient of 11.2%. The finish line at the Solaison plateau is reached via a narrow road through the villages of the Bornes massif, a perfect place to cheer on the riders!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From \u00c9vian-les-Bains to Thonon-Les-Bains<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong> 16<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Tuesday, 21 July
Resorts near the finish line<\/strong>: Abondance, Ch\u00e2tel, Saint-Jean-d\u2019Aulps, Morzine, Avoriaz.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letour.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After a rest day, the peloton connects two spa towns. However, there will be no relaxation for the cyclists, who will have to demonstrate their versatility on a route that\u2019s a third climbs, a third descents and a third flat terrain. This is an excellent stage to observe the changes in pace of the race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From Chamb\u00e9ry to Voiron\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong> 17<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Wednesday 22 July
Resorts near the finish line<\/strong>: Saint-Pierre-d\u2019Entremont, Aix-les-Bains, L\u2019Alpe d\u2019Huez.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letour.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The hills of Les Bauges and La Chartreuse should not deter climbers, although they will need a good deal of tenacity before the final sprint to Voiron. The stage will provide the ideal terrain for athletes to push their limits. It is a great opportunity to experience all the excitement of the Tour de France up close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"Cycliste
\u00a9 S\u00e9bastien Jarrot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

From Voiron to Orci\u00e8res-Merlette<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong> 18<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Thursday 23 July
Resorts near the finish line<\/strong>: Orci\u00e8res, Chaillol, Ancelle, Laye, Serre-Pon\u00e7on.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letour.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At this stage in the competition, the podium is still up for grabs and the best climbers still have a few stages to go to reach the top of the table. The climb to Saint-Nizier, followed by the sustained ascent to Orci\u00e8res-Merlette, promise to be breathtaking and will reveal the full intensity of the Tour de France in the Alps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From Gap to L\u2019Alpe d\u2019Huez\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong> 19<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Thursday 24 July
Resorts near the finish line<\/strong>: Auris en Oisans, Vaujany, Oz 3300, Les Deux Alpes.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letour.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

These two successive stages towards Alpe d\u2019Huez feature two very different routes. Stage 18 promises to be dynamic, and the most daring riders will probably attack from the very first kilometres. However, they will have to hold out until the Col d\u2019Ornon before tackling the legendary climb with 21 hairpin bends to get to the Alpine resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From Bourg d\u2019Oisans to L\u2019Alpe D\u2019Huez<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong> 20<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Saturday 25 July
Resorts near the finish line<\/strong>: Auris en Oisans, Vaujany, Oz 3300, Les Deux Alpes.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letour.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This is the Tour\u2019s most monumental mountain stage, with a cumulative elevation gain of 5,600 metres. The riders will tackle the Col de la Croix de Fer and then the Col du T\u00e9l\u00e9graphe, before facing the legendary Col du Galibier. The final climb to Alpe d\u2019Huez will be via the Col de Sarenne for the first time in the history of the Tour. A historic day lies ahead, when the mountains will tremble under the force of the riders\u2019 pedals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are renting a chalet in the Pyren\u00e9es<\/strong><\/a> this summer, you may be interested to know that the third stage of the 2026 Tour de France, scheduled for 6 July, will link Granollers to Les Angles, passing through Font-Romeu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Tour de France Women<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
\u00a9 Le Tour Femmes<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

From Lausanne to Lausanne<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage 1<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Saturday 1 August
Resorts near the finish line<\/strong>: Les Paccots, Villars-sur-Ollon, Leysin, Champ\u00e9ry, Ch\u00e2tel.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letourfemmes.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Riders hoping to win the first ever Yellow Jersey in 2026 will need to shine on both flat terrain and short climbs. A loop leading to Lake Neuch\u00e2tel will be followed by two closely-spaced climbs, before a final 2.5km climb at 4.6%. Come and congratulate the participants at the end of their first stage, on Place Saint-Fran\u00e7ois in Lausanne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From Aigle to Geneva<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage 2<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Sunday 2 August
Resorts near the finish line<\/strong>: Archamps, Annecy, Le Grand-Bornand, La Clusaz, Manigod.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letourfemmes.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After about 30 relatively flat kilometres through Montreux, cyclists will have to tackle a series of short climbs that could test the less resilient riders. However, we can expect the peloton to regroup before the finish line for a spectacular sprint on the Quai du Mont-Blanc, a magnificent setting to cheer on the riders as they pass by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From Geneva to Poligny<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong> 3<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Monday 3 August<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letourfemmes.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Things get tougher as the cyclists enter the Jura, with a cumulative elevation gain of 2,400 metres and the climb up the Col de la Faucille from the 25th kilometre. The descent will be punctuated by the Col de la Savine, then by the C\u00f4te de Chaux-Champagny, about 25 kilometres from the finish. A breakaway will then have to hold out until the final sprint in Poligny, as in the 19th stage of the 2023 Tour de France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong> 4<\/strong>
Date<\/strong>: Tuesday 4 August<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Image \u00a9 letourfemmes.fr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This short stage in C\u00f4te d\u2019Or is a nod to the department\u2019s number: 21 kilometres through the heart of department 21. Halfway through, the riders will face the short but intense Marsannay-la-C\u00f4te climb, with a gradient of 6.9% over 1.8 kilometres. The second half of the race will delight the sprinters, right up to the finish line in the capital of Burgundy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n Find out more about this stage<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

A cycling ambassador: S\u00e9bastien Jarrot\u2019s passion and experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover our interview with S\u00e9bastien Jarrot (@cycliste_tricolore on Instagram<\/a><\/strong>), who allowed us to find out more about his personal experience of cycling in the Alps and the Tour de France\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"The
\u00a9 S\u00e9bastien Jarrot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

OVO Network: As a cycling enthusiast and content creator for several brands, you\u2019ve had the opportunity to experience the Tour de France in many different ways. What was your most memorable experience?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

S\u00e9bastien Jarrot:<\/strong> Ever since I was a child, I\u2019ve been fascinated by the Tour de France, whether in front of the TV screen or at the roadside to experience the event live. The Tour is an open-air spectacle that forges heroes, and each edition is unique, with its own context and its own stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a producer, this year was particularly memorable, as I was lucky enough to follow Team UAE and Tadej Poga\u010dar, the winner of this edition, during the time trial in Nuits-Saint-Georges. Spending a whole day at the heart of the race, close to the riders and staff, was an unforgettable experience. What struck me was how serene and relaxed they were, despite the enormous pressure. Team UAE stands out for its approach: they cultivate an openness rare in the business, with warm-ups accessible to fans, which is not common among all teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a personal level, sharing the experience with my children at the roadside on local stages was also magical. It\u2019s a party that lasts all day, from the excitement of the publicity caravan to the passage of the riders, a unique and unforgettable moment.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"The
\u00a9 S\u00e9bastien Jarrot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

OVO Network:<\/strong> This year, a few important stages of the men\u2019s and women\u2019s Tour de France will be held in the Alps. Why do stages in the Alps always make such an impression?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

S\u00e9bastien Jarrot: <\/strong>The Alps, with their spectacular scenery and legendary passes, symbolise the essence of the Tour de France (again this year with the Col de la Madeleine). This year, they will host two stages for men and two for women, including a decisive final stage with a finish in Ch\u00e2tel. With the gaps in the competition becoming ever tighter, these stages promise an intense battle, like last year on Alpe d\u2019Huez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OVO Network<\/strong>: How to get the most out of the Tour de France (whether you\u2019re a cycling fan or not)?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

S\u00e9bastien Jarrot<\/strong>: The Tour de France is much more than just a race: it\u2019s a unique, festive event to be experienced at least once. To make the most of it, here are a few tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Choose stage starts rather than finishes<\/strong>. Starts are often less crowded than finishes, and riders are generally more accessible for exchanges or photos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Get organised<\/strong>. Visit the official Tour de France website to find all the practical information you need: access, timetables and spectator zones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Bring water and appropriate clothing<\/strong>. In July, temperatures can be high, so remember to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Pay attention to your surroundings.<\/strong> Whether you\u2019re watching the publicity caravan or the riders, stay alert to avoid any incidents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. For cycling fans<\/strong>. Why not live the experience to the full? Riding a stage on the eve of the race is an unforgettable experience, with a friendly atmosphere thanks to the fans already set up along the route.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Plan accommodation nearby.<\/strong> Coming together is the best way to share this amazing experience during and after the race.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Whether you\u2019re a cycling enthusiast or simply curious, the Tour de France is an open-air celebration to be enjoyed without moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"A
    \u00a9 S\u00e9bastien Jarrot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    OVO Network<\/strong>: Do you have any recommendations for a holiday that\u2019s all about the Tour de France in the Alps?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    S\u00e9bastien Jarrot<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Explore mythical routes out of season.<\/strong>
      From the end of April, take advantage of iconic routes like the queen stage between Albertville and La Plagne, ideal at this time of year thanks to reduced traffic and pleasant temperatures. For the perfect stay, OVO Network\u2019s Chalet Pajules<\/a><\/strong> near Valmorel <\/strong>is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area, or you can also choose to stay in the Portes du Soleil, which will host the finale of the Tour de France Femmes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Ride in the footsteps of the pros.<\/strong>
        The Portes du Soleil, with its accessible passes and varied routes, offers superb terrain for the final stage of the Tour de France Femmes. This region is perfect for loops, with a view of Mont Blanc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Meet the pros outside the race.<\/strong>
          After the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9 in early June, most of the professional teams come to reconnoitre the Alpine stages. It\u2019s a great opportunity to meet riders in full preparation. A word of advice: they often enjoy a break in the local caf\u00e9s around 3 p.m., after their training sessions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Plan ahead.<\/strong>
            Tour days attract huge crowds: remember to book your accommodation early.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            With a little planning, your Tour de France holiday is sure to become an unforgettable experience!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n\n\n\n

            Your cycling holiday in the Alps with OVO Network<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Chalet Confidentiel \u2013 Valmorel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            This superb chalet for 12 people (10 adults), with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, is located in the heart of nature and has been awarded the OVO Network \u201cCycling Friendly\u201d label, a guarantee of the best facilities and equipment for your group of cyclists.
            What\u2019s more, its location in Doucy, near Valmorel, gives you easy access to several stages of the Tour de France 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            \n Book Chalet Confidentiel<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

            Chalet Mevi \u2013 Crest-Voland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            Head to Chalet Mevi in Crest-Voland for a prime spot as the riders pass through on stage 19 of the Tour. This property will allow your group of up to 13 holidaymakers (11 adults) to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this legendary event, without even needing to take your car!
            What\u2019s more, the chalet has all the equipment cyclists could need, as guaranteed by its OVO Network \u201cCycling Friendly\u201d label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
            \n Book Chalet Mevi<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

            Your stay in the Alps with OVO Network\u2026<\/h2>\n\n
            \n
            \n
            \n <\/use><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
            \n \n
            \n .<\/span>.<\/span>.<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
            \n
            \n <\/use><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
            \n\n\n\n

            The Tour de France is more than just a cycling race \u2013 it\u2019s an experience that brings people together in celebration of sport, culture, and nature. Whether you\u2019re cheering on the riders from the roadside or cycling the iconic routes yourself, the Alps offer something unforgettable for everyone. Plan your perfect stay with OVO Network and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don\u2019t wait \u2013 book your Alpine adventure now!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            And if this article interested you, take a look at these other ones below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n