100% French - The 2025 Tour de France will remain entirely within French borders. Something that hasn’t occurred since 2020. The race will traverse 11 regions and 34 departments and promises an unforgettable journey through France’s most stunning landscapes. From rugged mountains to charming villages and vibrant cities, each stage offers a unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and thrilling race-day atmosphere.
The ornate Vieille Bourse building and surrounding Flemish-style architecture in Lille’s Grand Place under a clear blue sky.
The start of the 112th edition of the Tour de France will be given from the European Metropolis of Lille on Saturday 5 July 2025. The Hauts-de-France Region, the Department of Nord and the Lille European Metropolis have joined forces to bring the Grand Départ back to France after three successive excursions beyond French borders.
Lille, a city renowned for its Flemish architecture and lively cultural scene, offers visitors a blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Stroll along the sloping cobbled lanes of Lille’s old town and look up to scan the facades of the Flemish-inspired houses. Try to find the lion, which is the symbol of the capital of Flanders, and experience the legendary friendliness of the people of the North.
Cultural tip: Lille is a cultural treasure trove, home to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the largest fine arts museums in France, showcasing masterpieces from Rubens to Goya.
Culinary tip: While in Lille, don’t miss Carbonade Flamande - a hearty Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in dark beer and often served with golden fries or fresh bread.
Mont-Saint-Michel rises from the tidal flats at the edge of Normandy and Brittany, framed by a tranquil river and wide-open skies.
The Tour is heading to Brittany where windswept shores, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages steeped in Celtic heritage can be discovered. From fresh seafood to ancient stone paths, this region offers wild beauty and timeless traditions at every turn.
And with Saint-Malo, start town of stage 7, there is no better place to explore the coastal beauty and rich history of the north coast of Brittany. This historically beautiful town impresses with its picturesque location and especially during summer you can enjoy the sun here frequently. Golden sandy beaches and the nostalgic charm of an old town wrapped in sturdy stone walls give this place its unique character.
Beach tip: Located to the west of the old town, Plage du Môle offers clear waters and is ideal for a safe and enjoyable swim. This popular beach is supervised by lifeguards and vendors are offering tasty snacks and refreshing drinks for a perfect beach break.
Cultural tip: The Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and is one of Europe’s most unforgettable sights. Set in a mesmerising bay shared by Normandy and Brittany, the mount draws the eye from a great distance. Mont-Saint-Michel can be reached by car in just under an hour from Saint-Malo.
People stroll and relax along the Garonne River in Toulouse at sunset, with the dome of La Grave hospital visible across the water.
Enjoy the first rest day of the Tour in the city of Toulouse. The city renowned for its pink stone featured on the route of the Tour’s first edition in 1903. Experience the charm and “joie de vivre” as you wander through the city center. This vibrant university town pulses with youthful energy and a spirited Latin Quarter atmosphere. It’s easy to explore on foot, moving seamlessly from one district to another. Lonely Planet has named Toulouse the top urban destination to visit in 2025.
Culinary tip: Starting the day with a pain au chocolat and a coffee at a terrace café to take in the views of the river Garonne.
Day trip: An hour's bus ride from Toulouse a real highlight can be discovered: The city of Carcassonne. A fortified site that is unique in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Criss-crossed by narrow, restored streets, the city is a must-see for visitors, giving them a chance to explore medieval life, the feudal era and Occitan culture.
Cyclists climb a winding mountain road in the Pyrenees, cheered on by crowds against a backdrop of dramatic green valleys and rugged peaks.
On stage 12 the Tour tackles the Pyrenees with start in AUCH and finish in HAUTACAM. The peloton initially must tackle the Col du Soulor via Ferrières (11.9km at 7.3%), before advancing to the Col de Bordères. Then comes a real moment of truth in the shape of the 13.6km climb to Hautacam, where the gradient averages 7.8%.
The ascent to Hautacam rewards visitors with sweeping views of lush valleys and dramatic mountain peaks - a breathtaking panorama at every turn. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, exploring traditional mountain villages, and experiencing a unique culture.
Cultural tip: Just a short drive away lies Lourdes, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage sites, offering a peaceful and spiritual complement to the Tour adventure.
Culinary tip: A specialty of the Pyrenees and a must try is the so-called Spit Cake which is The Pyrenean cake. It is quite long and painstaking to make, which makes it even more exceptional. It is baked around a cone-shaped mould and on a spit, which explains its unusual shape with lots of little spikes.
Aerial view of the Arc de Triomphe at the center of Paris, with sunlit boulevards radiating outward across the city at sunset.
A return to both tradition and to the Champs-Élysées. After Nice stepped in for the capital during the Olympics last summer, the Tour will return to Paris. And this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the first finish on the Champs-Élysées.
The city's landmarks - the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre - offer endless exploration opportunities. Stroll along the Seine, savor French cuisine at world-class restaurants, and immerse yourself in the art and history that permeate the city. Experiencing the Tour's finale here combines the excitement of the race with the timeless allure of Paris.
Culinary tip: Follow the scent of fresh-baked bread to one of Paris’s many neighborhood boulangeries. From flaky croissants to perfectly crisp baguettes, each bite is a delicious expression of French craftsmanship and daily life.
Cultural tip: Montmartre is a hill located in the north of Paris, 130 meters high, having its name to the surrounding neighborhood. It is best known for the white-domed Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, at the top. If you have time, do visit the Square of Tertre, few blocks from the Basilica. There are many artists setting up their easels to paint tourists or exhibit their work.
The 2025 Tour de France, featuring a fully French route, promises 21 stages of breathtaking landscapes and demanding terrain. From mountain climbs to coastal roads, this year’s edition offers a rich and varied experience - perfect for an unforgettable cycling adventure across France.
