Every summer, the toughest stages of the ‘Tour de France’ come as the cyclists hit the ski resorts of the French Alps.
This year is no exception, with a special focus on the resort of Alpe d’Huez, which features in a unique stage that will see cyclists on the epic climb twice on the penultimate days of the race.
Stage 18 – Voiron → Orcières-Merlette (Thursday 23 July)
This 185 km stage is the first of three Alpine stages. The route heads from Voiron (near Grenoble) climbing steadily into the ski resort of Orcières‑Merlette at 1850m.
Stage 19 – Gap → Alpe d’Huez (Friday 24 July)
Perhaps the image everyone thinks of when they hear ‘Tour de France’ is the legendary climb to Alpe d’Huez – with its 21 hairpin turns, this climb is one of cycling’s most iconic.
Starting from Gap, the peloton will tackle relatively short, but tough mountain stage to the finish in Alpe d’Huez.
Stage 20 — Le Bourg-d’Oisans → Alpe d’Huez (Saturday 25 July)
If Stage 19 was a challenge, Stage 20 promises to be legendary. If climbing to Alpe d’Huez wasn’t tough enough, in 2026 riders on the Tour will have to do it twice!
This gruelling 171km stage will take the cyclists on a brutal loop through hard mountain passes such as the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe (via Valloire ski resort), and the Col du Galibier (the highest point of the race).
The finale climbs back up to Alpe d’Huez, via the previously less-used route on the Col de Sarenne (which skiers will know as a famous black run), adding a fresh twist for both riders and fans.
Watch the Tour
Whether you’re planning to watch in person, follow every kilometre on TV, or simply soak up the storytelling from afar, the Alpine stages of the 2026 Tour de France are where legends will be made.
In the meantime, if you’d like to discover Alpe d’Huez or the mountains this winter, then please contact our team on 01822 617761 now.