The 2026 Tour de France Femmes takes place from August 1 to August 9, with 9 stages covering 1,175 kilometers from Lausanne, Switzerland, to Nice, France. The route includes three flat stages, three hilly stages, two mountain stages and one individual time trial.
Key stages include the 21-kilometer time trial on Stage 4, the Mont Ventoux summit finish on Stage 7 and the mountainous finale around Nice on Stage 9.
Last updated: August 3, 2026. Route and distances verified against the official Tour de France Femmes schedule.
Tour de France Femmes 2026 Dates
- Start Date: August 1, 2026
- End Date: August 9, 2026
- Duration: 9 days
- Total Stages: 9
The race follows a compact multi-stage format, combining different terrains and race types into just over a week of intense competition.
Route Overview: From Lausanne to Nice
The 2026 edition introduces a strong international dimension, starting outside France.
- Grand Départ: Lausanne, Switzerland
- Finish: Nice, France
- Terrain: Flat, hilly, and mountain stages
This cross-border route reflects the growing global reach of women’s cycling and highlights the sport’s expanding audience.
Tour de France Femmes 2026 Quick Facts
- Dates: August 1–9, 2026
- Start: Lausanne, Switzerland
- Finish: Nice, France
- Total distance: 1,175 km
- Total stages: 9
- Stage types: 3 flat, 3 hilly, 2 mountain and 1 individual time trial
- Total elevation gain: 18,795 meters
Tour de France Femmes 2026 Stages
| Stage | Date | Route | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 1 | Lausanne → Lausanne | Flat | 138 km |
| 2 | Aug 2 | Aigle → Genève | Flat | 147.9 km |
| 3 | Aug 3 | Genève → Poligny | Hilly | 156.5 km |
| 4 | Aug 4 | Gevrey-Chambertin → Dijon | Individual time trial | 21 km |
| 5 | Aug 5 | Mâcon → Belleville-en-Beaujolais | Hilly | 140 km |
| 6 | Aug 6 | Montbrison → Tournon-sur-Rhône | Hilly | 153.4 km |
| 7 | Aug 7 | La Voulte-sur-Rhône → Mont Ventoux | Mountain | 146.8 km |
| 8 | Aug 8 | Sisteron → Nice | Flat | 171.9 km |
| 9 | Aug 9 | Nice → Nice | Mountain | 99.2 km |
Key Stages to Watch
Stage 4: Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon
The race’s only individual time trial covers 21 kilometers and may create important gaps in the general classification.
Stage 7: La Voulte-sur-Rhône to Mont Ventoux
The 146.8-kilometer mountain stage finishes on Mont Ventoux and includes 3,565 meters of elevation gain, making it one of the most important stages for the overall contenders.
Stage 9: Nice to Nice
The race concludes with a 99.2-kilometer mountain stage around Nice, giving the general classification contenders one final opportunity to change the result.
Total Distance and Race Format
The 2026 race covers 1,175 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 18,795 meters. The nine stages include three flat stages, three hilly stages, two mountain stages and one individual time trial.
The general classification is decided by cumulative time. The rider with the lowest total time after Stage 9 wins the Tour de France Femmes.
Why the 2026 Race Matters
The 2026 edition sets race records for total distance and elevation gain while connecting a Swiss Grand Départ with a mountain finale in Nice. It also gives women’s professional cycling greater international visibility.
Riders choosing kit for their own routes can explore Jelenew’s women’s cycling clothing.
Tour de France Femmes 2026 FAQ
When is the Tour de France Femmes 2026?
The race takes place from August 1 to August 9, 2026.
Where does the 2026 Tour de France Femmes start and finish?
It starts in Lausanne, Switzerland, and finishes in Nice, France.
How many stages are in the 2026 Tour de France Femmes?
The race has nine stages: three flat stages, three hilly stages, two mountain stages and one individual time trial.
What are the key mountain stages?
Stage 7 finishes on Mont Ventoux, while Stage 9 is a 99.2-kilometer mountain stage starting and finishing in Nice.
