The 2026 Tour de France Femmes

Three stages between Provence and the Riviera

This year, the female cyclists will set out to conquer Mont Ventoux after cycling through the most beautiful wine-growing landscapes of the Rhône region. The following day, they will explore Sisteron and the rugged Verdon Gorges, before the final stage in Nice.

Rédigé par Audrey Salor

Published on 3 August 2026

Stage 7 : Heading for Mont Ventoux

The Tour de France is no longer just for men! Following the first women’s Tour de France in 1955, which was revived in the 1980s and became the Course by Le Tour de France from 2014 to 2022, the Tour de France Femmes brings together female cyclists from around the world every year. On 7 August 2026, during the 146-km Stage 7, the riders will set off from La Voulte-sur-Rhône, heading for Mont Ventoux. From the 53rd kilometre, the riders will enter the South via Grillon, an iconic example of feudal town planning, before reaching Richerenches, the European capital of truffles. Passing through Valréas, Séguret – listed among the most beautiful villages in France – Sablet, Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise, the rest of the stage promises to be an ode to the internationally renowned vineyards of Provence. After crossing the Col de Suzette (3.9 km at 6.4%), the route heads for the ‘giant of Provence’, which rises to 1,910 metres. The cyclists will need all their strength for these final 15 km, a climb averaging 8.8%!

Around the stage, for a short getaway

In Richerenches, the truffle market is in full swing from November to March – an experience well worth a visit, if only for the aroma that wafts across the square. Next, head for the vineyards: Séguret, Sablet, Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise can be explored just as easily by bike as with a glass in hand, between tastings of Côtes-du-Rhône or Muscat. As for Mont Ventoux, it’s a delight to explore at any time of year. Hikers and cycle tourists flock there all year round, and on a clear day, the view stretches as far as the Alps, and sometimes even to the sea.

Stage 8 : From Sisteron to Nice

Sisteron and its citadel in fine weather — ©
Sisteron, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
|
DR

The following day, 8 August 2026, the riders in the Tour de France Femmes will gather on the starting line in Sisteron, an iconic village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence with its medieval alleyways and, above all, its citadel, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the waters of the Durance. Volonne, Malijai, Mirabeau, Châteauredon and Barrême, the route of Stage 8 will be dotted with charming Provençal villages full of character and picturesque buildings, such as the Saint-Michel de Cousson chapel in Châteauredon, built atop a cliff at an altitude of 1,516 metres. On the outskirts of Saint-André-les-Alpes and Saint-Julien-du-Verdon, the route will then take the riders through the breathtaking landscapes of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, amongst lakes, canyons and mountains. Before reaching Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur, the runners will also pass through the pretty narrow streets of the village ofEntrevaux, known for its citadel and listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.

The most beautiful getaways along the route

In Sisteron, you don’t just admire the citadel from the road: you can explore it, and the view of the Durance from its ramparts remains one of the highlights of this stopover in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Further on, the Verdon Regional Nature Park offers a completely different experience – here, you can swim, paddle and walk, either around Lake Sainte-Croix or deep within the gorges. And then there’s Entrevaux. A drawbridge, a Vauban citadel perched above the rooftops and a village that seems to have stood the test of time. It’s enough to make you want to extend your stay before returning to the gentle charm of Nice.

Stage 9 : Around Nice

During Stage 9 on Sunday 9 August 2026, the riders will climb the legendary Col d’Èze (507 metres), which has already been crossed seven times by the Tour de France between 2019 and 2024. And 49 times by the Paris–Nice race. A true cycling classic, in short! Next up is the village of Èze. A gem of the Riviera, with the ruins of its castle surrounded by a vast exotic garden overlooking the sea and its Notre-Dame de l’Assomption church with its ochre façade, Èze exudes a very special charm. From there, the riders will set off for Villefranche-sur-Mer, a popular seaside resort in fine weather. Its citadel, one of the earliest examples of bastioned fortifications in Europe, is listed as a historic monument.

The best escapes along the route

Èze is well worth spending more than just a moment in, even if it’s only for a photo. The Exotic Garden, in particular, offers one of the most beautiful views on the entire Côte d’Azur: the Mediterranean stretching as far as the eye can see, from the ruins of the castle. A little further on, Villefranche-sur-Mer has something else to offer: a colourful old town, a deep harbour and pebble beaches where you’ll happily linger on sunny days. Between the two, the Moyenne Corniche offers plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a route best explored by car, by bike, or even on foot for those with strong calves.