Unveiling the 2025 Tour de France Route: Key Stages & Challenges
2025 Tour de France route promises a thrilling race
The 2025 Tour de France promises an electrifying journey for cycling enthusiasts, featuring a demanding route filled with legendary climbs, intense time trials, and breathtaking scenery. Kicking off on July 5th in Lille through to Paris on the 27th July, the race spans 21 stages, covering approximately 3,320 kilometers – this year, all within France.
Grand Départ & Early Stages
The Grand Départ in Lille sets the stage for sprinters to battle for the first yellow jersey on a flat opening day. Stage 2, from Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer, introduces punchy climbs, with the final 30 kilometers featuring steep ascents such as the Côte du Haut Pichot Côte de Saint-Étienne-au-Mont, and Côte d’Outreau. The stage culminates with a challenging 1.3-kilometer uphill finish in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
First Time Trial
Stage 5 delivers the first individual time trial - a crucial 33-kilometer loop starting and finishing in Caen. This stage presents a key opportunity for general classification contenders to gain valuable time.
Massif Central Challenge
On July 14th, Stage 10 takes the peloton through the rugged terrain of the Massif Central, finishing atop Mont Dore-Puy de Sancy. The 3.3-kilometer climb at 8% - alongside a relentless series of ascents and descents, will likely shake up the overall standings.
Pyrenean Battles
The Pyrenees will serve as a battleground for the general classification contenders, with three brutal mountain stages that could determine the fate of the race. Stage 12, from Auch to Hautacam, features a punishing final climb of 15.9 kilometers at 7.6%, where riders will be pushed to their limits. The following day, Stage 13 presents an 11-kilometer mountain time trial from Loudenvielle to Peyragudes, with an 8-kilometer climb averaging nearly 8% and concluding with a steep ramp to the altiport. On Stage 14, the peloton faces a grueling 183-kilometer trek from Pau to Luchon-Superbagnères, packed with legendary climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin and Col de Peyresourde, before the final 12.4-kilometer ascent to Superbagnères. With relentless elevation gain and high-altitude finishes, these Pyrenean stages are set to be decisive in the race for the yellow jersey.
Mont Ventoux & Alpine Showdowns
After a well-earned rest day in Montpellier, the race resumes with Stage 16 on July 22nd sending riders up the legendary Mont Ventoux. The 21.4-kilometer ascent at 7.5%—last featured in 2021 - promises to be a pivotal moment. Stage 18 sees another brutal test with the Col de la Loze following the Col du Glandon and Col de la Madeleine. The Alpine ordeal continues in Stage 19, concluding at La Plagne after a series of punishing climbs, including the Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine, Col des Saisies, Col du Pré, and Cormet de Roseland.
Grand Finale in Paris
The race concludes on July 27th with its traditional finish along the Champs-Élysées in Paris, marking a return to the capital after its absence due to the 2024 Olympic Games.
With its perfect blend of legendary summits, tactical time trials, and picturesque routes, the 2025 Tour de France promises an unforgettable spectacle for riders and fans alike.