Pau showcases the Tour de France July 12 - 13, 2024

Pau is one of the capitals of the Tour de France. After Paris and Bordeaux, Pau is the 3rd city to have hosted the Tour so many times. At the foot of the Pyrenees, Pau is a natural stop-off point for France’s premier cycling race. The proof is in the Tour des Géants, an open-air museum that pays tribute to the legends of the race. It’s also a popular, fun-filled event, where you can meet some of the biggest names in international cycling. Come on, we’ll take you on the Tour!

Cycling festival The Tour de France comes to 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 it passes through Pau! In 2024, the royal city will be the only stage in the Atlantic Pyrenees, as both the finish and start town.

July 12: The Tour will enter Pau at around 5:20 pm via avenue Alfred Nobel, then boulevard du Corps Franc Pommiès /49ème RI, boulevard Tourasse, avenue de l’Université, boulevard Jean Sarrailh, avenue Jean Mermoz, rond-point du Souvenir Français, boulevard Champetier de Ribes, rue Michelet and rue du Maquis de Béarn. The finish will be at the Rue Bordelongue crossroads.
July 13: after a city loop starting at 1:10 p.m. from avenue Gaston Lacoste, at the Tour des Géants, the official start for the riders will be at the Tunnel de Franqueville in Bizanos.

The 152 km stage passes through Lourdes and Argeles Gazost before climbing the famous Col du Tourmalet (2166 m) to finish at the Pla d’Adet (1669 m) in Saint-Lary-Soulan.

Discover the event

The Tour de France is a small town on the move: caravan, riders, staff, journalists… Nearly 4,500 people will be staying in Pau over two nights. Not to mention the public from all over the region who come to celebrate the event!

2024 75th Tour de France in Pau

Pau and the Tour de France have a 75-year love affair! Pau is the 3rd city to have welcomed the caravan so many times. Between the boulevard des Pyrénées, the château, the Palais Beaumont and the view of the Pyrenees, it provides a superb backdrop for the most exciting race of the summer! And the Tour also boasts a number of local cyclists: Victor Fontan (1926 and 28), Arnaud Geyre (1956), Stéphane Augé 2000 _ 2010), Mathieu Ladagnous (2006 to 2023) and Nicolas Portal (rider and sporting director).

Tour des Géants

In 2019, for the centenary of the yellow jersey, Pau paid a vibrant tribute to the Tour de France by inaugurating the Tour des Géants. The golden men who created the legend were there: Bernard Hinault, Raymond Poulidor, Eddy Merxx, Greg Lemon, Alberto Contador… All the great names have set their wheels in Pau: that’s why the capital of Béarn has marked its love affair with the Grand Boucle with yellow totem poles at the Tissié stadium.

Discover

In 2019, Julian Alaphilippe marked the centenary of the yellow jersey’s appearance on 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

Circulation/parking

It’s always difficult to get around in the center of Pau and along the route during the Tour de France. Prepare your visit!

The program

Full details of where the Tour de France and the caravan will pass through Pau on July 12 and 13.

Nature break

If you want to escape the noise and fury of the caravan, take a trip to the parks for a moment of nature or a picnic break.

With my dog

If you’re bringing your dog, a leash and muzzle are a must! Between the crowds and the cyclists, Médor may not enjoy his visit to Pau…

The easy tour Good to know!

The caravan

Preceding the start of the Tour, the caravan officiates at the opening of the ball.
Traditionally departing from Parc Beaumont, the best spots to enjoy it:
> Boulevard des Pyrénées
> Place Royale
> Place Gramont

Traditionally, the fictitious start is given from Parc Beaumont. After a loop in the city center, the peloton sets off at the exit of the town, depending on its destination.

The most beautiful viewpoints

On the hunt for autographs

The autograph hunt is on!
The teams stay in hotels throughout the city. The day before arrival (or even two days before), team trucks set up in front of the hotels. A great way to get your bearings! On the big day, all you have to do is watch for your favorite stars to come out and get an autograph or a selfie!

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