When will the Tour de France pass through Pau in 2026?

The Tour de France will be in Pau on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026. On 8 July, Pau will host the finish of the Lannemezan–Pau stage. On 9 July, the city will host the start of the Pau–Gavarnie-Gèdre stage.

Where can you watch the Tour de France peloton pass through Pau?

To soak up the atmosphere, head to Boulevard des Pyrénées, Place Royale or Place Gramont. The parade gets things underway before the cyclists: get ready – things are about to get lively in town!

What time will the cyclists arrive in Pau on 8 July?

The riders are expected to arrive in Pau between 5.37 pm and 5.55 pm, depending on their average speed. The promotional convoy will cross the finish line from 4.15 pm onwards.

Where can I meet the runners and ask for an autograph?

Meet up on the day of the start at the Tissié Stadium, in front of the Tour des Géants and the autograph podium. It’s the perfect spot to try and get an autograph or a selfie with the stars of the Tour de France.

How can you get around and park in Pau during the Tour de France?

The simplest thing to do is to check the practical guide to parking and traffic before you come. Conditions change whilst the Tour is passing through, so it’s best to plan your journey in advance so you can enjoy the festivities without any worries.

Can we bring our dog?

Yes, but be careful. In town, with all the crowds, bikes and the hustle and bustle of the caravan, a lead and a muzzle are essential. For a more peaceful outing, why not consider a walk in the countryside around Pau?

Pau: a showcase for the Tour de France 8 and 9 July 2026

Pau is one of the capitals of the Tour de France. After Paris and Bordeaux, Pau is the third city to have hosted the Tour so frequently. Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, it is a natural stop on the premier race of French cycling. Proof of this is the Tour des Géants, an open-air museum that pays tribute to the legends of the race. It’s also a huge public festival with a friendly, good-natured atmosphere, where you can bump into the biggest names in international cycling around the city. Come on, we’ll take you on a tour!

The Cycling Festival The Tour de France is in Pau

The crossing of the Pyrenees is a highlight of the Tour de France and every year (or almost every year), cycling fans know that the route passes through Pau! In 2026, as the starting city, the royal city will be the only stage in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Wednesday 8 July
Pau will be the finish to a stage starting in Lannemezan, covering 158 km with a total climb of 1,600 metres.
The race will set off from Lannemezan at 2.15 pm, and the riders are expected to arrive in Pau, depending on their average speed, between 5.37 pm and 5.55 pm.
The promotional convoy will cross the finish line from 4.15 pm onwards.
Thursday 9 July
Stage: Pau – Gavarnie-Gèdre, covering 186 km.
A mountain stage in the Pyrenees, with a total ascent of 4,150 metres via the Col d’Aspin and the Col du Tourmalet, before reaching Gavarnie-Gèdre at the end of a 20-km climb.

Entertainment begins at the Tissié Stadium from 9.00 am.
The promotional convoy sets off at around 10.10 am.
The riders’ parade through the town begins at 12.25 pm.

The Tour de France is like a small town on the move: the caravan, the riders, the support staff, the journalists… Nearly 4,500 people will be setting up camp in Pau… not to mention the spectators who have travelled from all corners of the world to celebrate the event!

2026 The 77th edition of the Tour de France passes through Pau

Pau and the Tour de France – it’s a love story that’s lasted for 77 years! It is the third city to have hosted the Tour so often. With the Boulevard des Pyrénées, the castle, the Palais Beaumont and the view of the Pyrenees, it provides a superb setting for the race – the most exciting event of the summer! And the Tour has also featured a number of cyclists from Pau: Victor Fontan (1926 and 1928), Arnaud Geyre (1956), Stéphane Augé (2000 to 2010), Mathieu Ladagnous (2006 to 2023) and Nicolas Portal (rider and team manager).

The Tour of the Giants

In 2019, to mark the centenary of the yellow jersey, Pau paid a rousing tribute to the Tour de France by launching the Tour des Géants. The golden legends who created the legend were all there: Bernard Hinault, Raymond Poulidor, Eddy Merxx, Greg Lemon, Alberto Contador… All the greats have left their mark in Pau: that is why the capital of Béarn has marked its love affair with the Tour de France with yellow totems at the Tissié Stadium.

Discover the Tour des Géants

In 2019, Julian Alaphilippe marked the centenary of the yellow jersey’s debut in the Tour de France with his victory in Pau. This jersey distinguishes the race leader (individual general classification by time) and the overall winner of the Tour.

Practical info

A Practical Guide to Parkingand traffic

It’s not always easy to find your way around when it comes to parking and getting about whilst the city is hosting the Tour. Use this guide to find all the answers to your questions!

View the traffic guide

The programme

Full details of the 2026 Tour de France stage and the race caravan’s visit to Pau on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July 2026…

See our events calendar.

View the calendar

A break in the countryside

Fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of the caravan park? Head off down our walking trails!
Whether you’re walking alone along the water’s edge or with your family through the vineyards, from a simple stroll to a GR hike…

Take your pick

With my dog

If you’re bringing your dog, a lead and a muzzle are essential! With all the crowds and cyclists about, Fido might not enjoy his visit to Pau…

Pau with his dog

The Easy Tour Good to know!

The caravan

Before the Tour sets off, it kicks things off.
Often starting from the Stade Tissié, the best spots to watch it are still:
> Boulevard des Pyrénées
> Place Royale
> Place Gramont

Traditionally, the symbolic start is given at Parc Beaumont. After a loop through the city centre, the peloton sets off as it leaves the urban area, depending on its destination.

The most beautiful viewpoints

On the hunt for autographs

The hunt for autographs is on!
Fancy meeting the stars of the Tour de France? Nothing could be simpler.
Meet at 11am on the day of the start at the Tissié Stadium, in front of the Tour des Géants and the ‘Podium signatures’.
It’s the best way to get an autograph or a selfie with your favourite stars!