The 2026 Tour de France began on July 4th in Barcelona and ends in Paris on July 26th - in between the riders will cycle 3,333 kilometres, taking in brutal mountain climbs, terrifying descents and very uncomfortable cobbles.
Once again, the Paris stage will include three climbs up the Rue Lepic in Montmatre before the riders go up the Champs-Elysées for the traditional finish in front of the Eiffel Tower.
READ ALSO: MAP: All the stages of the 2026 Tour de France cycle races
Since 2020, there are no more podium girls to kiss the winner of the day on the cheek. The reason for abandoning this tradition was a mix of sexism concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic. Surprisingly enough, there have been multiple cases of Tour cyclists marrying podium girls.
Another change from the glory days of the Tour is no more 'drinking raids' - where cyclists would stop at cafés along the route to grab any alcohol they could find and bike off without paying.
These days support staff give the cyclists drinks, which tend to more sports drinks than Champagne.
But even without kisses and alcohol, there is still plenty to interest a casual viewer in the Tour - in fact, even if your interest in cycling is close to zero, there are still plenty of good reasons to watch.
Unless you’re a die-hard fan, watching four hours of cycling a day might be an overkill. Instead, we recommend you tune in for the final 30–60 minutes of a stage, and you’ll get most of the action, including incredible scenery and sharp commentary.
In France, the Tour will be broadcast by France Télévisions on France 2 and France 3 and by Eurosport.
1 It’s the most French thing you can watch
Watching the Tour de France is like taking a crash course on France: from helicopter shots of hilltop châteaux to villages decorated in Tour de France yellow, it's an immersive ride through French culture, identity, and pride.
Over three weeks, the race brings out the best of local traditions, quirky customs, and national spirit. Even if you know nothing about the sport, the Tour gives you a better sense of France than any travel guide ever could.
In the lulls between cycling action, the TV commentators will bring you segments of local colour and fun facts about the French region the peloton is passing through.
2 A return to Paris with Montmartre as final hurdle
After the success of the Olympic cycling in Paris in 2024, when huge crowds flocked to Montmartre to watch cyclists take on the tricky, narrow, cobbled streets of the hilltop district, organisers decided to replicate this for the final part of the 2025 Tour.
It wasn't without controversy with some cyclists saying it was too dangerous but for spectators it brought a welcome jeopardy to the final day and once again huge crowds turned out to watch.
So it's back this year - riders will climb the Montmartre hill a total of three times before reaching the finish line.
3 The roadside atmosphere is half the fun
If you ever get the chance to see the Tour de France in person, go.
The crowds, costumes, and chaos are just as exciting (maybe more?) than the cyclists racing by. Fans line the route hours in advance, waving flags and cheering on every team, while the caravane publicitaire, a parade of sponsor vehicles, distributes toys and snacks.
Whether you're in a packed village or at a hairpin turn in the Alps, watching the Tour live is one of the best and most characteristic experiences France has to offer.
The fans themselves are something else.
READ ALSO: In pictures: The scene-stealing Tour de France fans
If the men's Tour doesn't come near you, the women's Tour later in the summer might, as organisers try to ensure that they cover different areas of France, with the slight caveat that mountains are favoured for obvious reasons.
4 It doubles as a summer travel planner
The 2025 route criss-crosses the country in a beautiful itinerary offering some of France’s prettiest places, ranging from the Jura wine region to sun-drenched Provençal villages and dramatic Alpine climbs.
While watching the race, you’re also exploring the rich diversity of French landscapes. Every day will offer new inspiration for your next vacation in France.
5 You'll see the 'penis eraser'
The Tour has a huge cast of people working behind the scenes, including the effaceur de zizis (willy eraser).
His job is to go ahead of the peloton and check for any obscene graffiti on the route (the classic 'cock and balls' drawings are usually popular) and erase it by turning the drawing into a cute owl, butterfly or rabbit.
We're not joking about this - effaceur Patrick Dancoisne became quite famous due to this role, find out more about him here.
6 It will teach you some very French phrases
Apart from offering cultural and historical insights, listening to the French commentary will also be very good for your French, even though a chunk of what you’ll hear will be jargon. To give you a head start, here are some key phrases to know:
Le peloton – The main group of riders in the race.
Une échappée – A breakaway; riders who go ahead of the peloton.
Le maillot jaune – The yellow jersey, worn by the overall race leader.
Le col – A mountain pass (where the toughest battles happen).
Un grimpeur – A climber; a rider who excels on steep ascents.
Une chute – A crash. Unfortunately common in the race.
La caravane publicitaire – The sponsor parade that passes before the riders, tossing out free goodies.
Emma Pearson
Ben McPartland, The Local
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