L’Étape du Tour 2027
French Alps cycling advice, planning and support
The 2027 route is expected to be announced in October 2026. I'll update this page as soon as the official route is revealed.
Planning to ride L’Étape du Tour 2027?
The official 2027 route and event details have yet to be announced, (late October 2026) but now is the time to start planning.
I’m Mike, a British cyclist living in the French Alps. I’ve completed L’Étape du Tour seven times, and I’ve spent years riding, exploring and working around the roads of the French Alps.
When the 2027 route is announced, I’ll update this page with everything you need to know about the course, climbs, logistics and preparation.
In the meantime, I can help you understand what it takes to ride one of the toughest amateur cycling events in the world.
What is L’Étape du Tour?
L’Étape du Tour gives amateur cyclists the opportunity to ride a mountain stage of the Tour de France on fully closed roads.
It is a serious challenge. The combination of long climbs, altitude, heat, steep gradients and thousands of other riders makes L’Étape very different from an ordinary sportive.
The route changes every year, but the challenge remains the same: you need to arrive prepared.
L’Étape du Tour 2027 – Coming Soon
The 2027 route has not yet been officially announced.
Once the details are confirmed, I’ll add:
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The complete 2027 route
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Total distance and elevation
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Detailed analysis of every major climb
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Key gradients and difficult sections
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Feeding and hydration information
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Recommended gearing
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Pacing advice
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Start and finish logistics
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Accommodation and transport considerations
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Training and preparation advice
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Local cycling and road information
Bookmark this page and check back after the official announcement in October.
My Experience of L’Étape du Tour
I’ve ridden L’Étape du Tour seven times, giving me first-hand experience of what it is like to tackle the event rather than simply analyse it from a map.
I know how different the Alps can feel when you're riding at your limit, and I understand the practical details that can make the difference between having a great day and struggling badly.
Living here also means I ride these roads regularly and know the climbs, valleys and surrounding routes well.
Watch my L’Étape du Tour experience
Finishing L’Étape doesn't always mean having an easy day. In this video, I share my experience of riding L’Étape du Tour 2023 — including the parts where things got seriously tough.
Planning Your L’Étape du Tour Trip
If you're travelling to the French Alps for L’Étape du Tour, I can help you plan your trip around the event.
Route & Trip Planning
Not sure where to stay, where to ride before the event or how to organise your days around L’Étape?
I can help you build a practical cycling itinerary based around your goals, ability and location.
Cycling Advice
I can help with route selection, gearing, pacing, preparation and the practical considerations of riding in the Alps.
Road & Vehicle Support
For groups looking for additional support, I also provide professional cycling road support and SAG vehicle services in the French Alps.
Support can include carrying your spare wheels and equipment, meeting riders at agreed locations, providing food and drinks and helping deal with mechanical or other problems during a ride.
Find out more about French Alps Cycling Support → click here
Preparing for the Mountains
Don't underestimate the climbing involved in L’Étape.
Even experienced cyclists can find the Alps challenging because the difficulty isn't simply the amount of climbing. Weather, altitude, accumulated fatigue and the length of the climbs all play a part.
If you're coming from outside the Alps, one of the best things you can do is spend some time riding long climbs before the event.
You don't necessarily need to replicate the exact 2027 route. What matters is building the ability to ride steadily for several hours while managing your effort, nutrition and hydration.
Cycling in the French Alps
The French Alps offer some of the world's most famous climbs, including:
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Alpe d’Huez
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Cote de Domancy
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Col de la Loze
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Col de la Colombière
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Col des Aravis
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Col de Joux Plane
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Col de la Ramaz
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Plateau de Solaison
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Col des Glières
The exact routes you should ride will depend on where L’Étape 2027 takes place.
Once the route is announced, I'll publish specific recommendations for pre-event rides, reconnaissance routes and places to ride during your stay.
L’Étape du Tour 2027 Updates
The 2027 event is still some way ahead, so details will evolve.
I'll update this page as soon as official information becomes available.
If you're planning to ride L’Étape du Tour 2027, bookmark the page or get in touch if you'd like help planning your trip.
About Mike
I'm a British cyclist who has lived in the French Alps since 2007.
I ride these roads regularly, have completed L’Étape du Tour seven times and have built my business around helping cyclists get the most from riding in the Alps.
Through BreatheBike, I provide cycling advice, trip planning and professional road support for cyclists travelling to the French Alps.
I also share cycling adventures, guides and information about riding in the Alps on my YouTube channel, Cycling in the Alps.
Watch Cycling in the Alps on YouTube → click here
Planning Your 2027 Cycling Trip?
Whether you're coming to the Alps for L’Étape du Tour, the Marmotte, the UCI World Championships or simply to ride some of the world's greatest climbs, I can help you make the most of your time here.
Get in touch to discuss your plans.
L’Étape du Tour 2026
So, what did L’Étape du Tour look like in 2026? This video gives you a feel for the roads, the climbs and the sheer scale of the event.
Every edition is different, but the challenge remains the same — thousands of riders taking on some of the toughest roads in the French Alps. Take a look at what the 2026 edition was like, and get an idea of what to expect when L’Étape returns in 2027.