The 2026 Tour de France in the Southern French Alps

Two stages between the Alps and Provence

Wondering which stages of the 2026 Tour de France will be in the French Southern Alps? And which mythical cols of our mountain area will the racing cyclists be going over? Here you’ll find everything you need to know about this great summer sports event. And the Alpine heartthrobs that we’ll point out after the peloton has been through.

Written by Audrey Salor

Stage 18

Around Orcières-Merlette

On Thursday, 13th July, the cyclists will leave Voiron, in the department of l’Isère, heading for the Sud! For this 185-km 18th stage, the cyclists in the Tour de France will reach the Hautes-Alpes via the famous Route Napoléon, the itinerary taken by the emperor in 1815 on his return from the island of Elba. They will ride through the village of La-Fare-en-Champsaur, perched at 963 metres at the limit of the Champsaur and the Dévoluy. Napoleon stopped there at the hamlet of Les Barraques. They’ll need a trong pedal stroke and endurance to climb the 1237-metre rise leading to Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, a family ski resort in winter. Surrounded by lush green prairies, this authentic Alpine village with its wooden chalets is overlooked by its bell-tower and its medieval chateau. Now for the most cardio part of the stage, just before the finish at Orcières-Merlette at 1825 metres. Winter sports, hiking, trail, MBK, swimming… in summer and in winter, the village is a joy for all outdoor activity enthusiasts.

Stage 19

Start in Gap

The next day, Friday 14th July, the racing cyclists of the Tour de France will set off from Gap, the gentle capital of the French Southern Alps with its colourful houses, and head for l’Alpe d’Huez. 128 km of pure pleasure! The first part of the stage will be marked by the ascent of two cols. Col Bayard, at an altitude of 1246 metres, was the first Alpine pass to be crossed by the Tour de France in 1905. Since then, the cyclists have climbed it no less than 27 times! And then Col du Noyer, at 1664 metres, which has already been on the route 5 times. The racers will then go through the commune of Dévoluy, in the massif of the same name, with its 4 villages and around thirty hamlets with their typical mountain atmosphere. It is also known for its vast ski area, which groups the resorts of Superdévoluy and La Joue-du-Loup.

Succumb to 3 Alpine pleasures

When the peloton has been through

Walk around the mysterious Pateau de Bure, with its 6 imposing parabolic aerials which permanently scour the sky
Bite into the tourtons of the Champsaur
Discover aromatic, culinary and medicinal plants at the Écomusée La Maison de la Botanique du Noyer