The most famous of professional cycling’s three Grand Tours, the Tour de France (Tour of France) is a 3 week long multiple-stage race held every year, primarily in France.
The yellow jersey (maillot jaune) is given to the General Clarification winner of the Tour de France, with four riders winning the race on five occasions – Jacques Anquetil of France, Eddy Merckx of Belgium, Bernard Hinault of France and Miguel Indurain of Spain.
When is the Tour de France?
The Tour de France is held annually, usually over 3 weeks in the month of July coinciding with Bastille Day – the national day of France.
Where is the Tour de France?
The Tour de France is predominantly held in France, although stages have passed through or started in a number of different countries including: Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
The start of the Tour, known as the Grand Départ takes place in a different town each year, with the right to host being highly sought after. It has also become common for the Grand Départ to take place outside of France to increase international interest in the event. Starts to the Tour outside of France, include the following:
- 1954: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 1958: Brussels, Belgium
- 1965: Cologne, West Germany
- 1973: The Hague, Netherlands
- 1975: Charleroi, Belgium
- 1978: Leiden, Netherlands
- 1980: Frankfurt, West Germany
- 1982: Basel, Switzerland
- 1987: West Berlin, West Germany
- 1989: Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- 1992: San Sebastián, Spain
- 1996: Den Bosch, Netherlands
- 1998: Dublin, Ireland
- 2002: Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- 2004: Liège, Belgium
- 2007: London, United Kingdom
- 2009: Monte Carlo, Monaco
- 2010: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- 2012: Liège, Belgium
- 2014: Leeds, United Kingdom
- 2015: Utrecht, Netherlands
- 2017: Düsseldorf, Germany
- 2019: Brussels, Belgium
- 2022: Copenhagen, Denmark
- 2023: Bilbao, Spain
The final stage is traditionally held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
How do I get there?
There are major airports in Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse among others which between them serve many destinations across Europe and the World.
Thinking of flying? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.
Hotels for the Tour de France
Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in France by clicking here.
Further Information
Tour de France Official Website
Last Updated on July 5, 2023 by Sports Tourist