France loves and lives for cycling: across the country, there are hundreds of events, large and small, for amateur cyclists. The cyclosportives, gran fondos and randos take riders up legendary Tour de France climbs such as Alpe d’Huez, Col du Galibier, Mont Ventoux and the Ballon d’Alsace. Racing on routes steeped in cycling history – a must for all Tour fans. L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes is growing in popularity and is carving out a place for itself among France’s most important races. This year’s event is already sold out – starting places are now only available through alternative channels. But it will be well worth taking part in 2027 too – on a new route, of course.
The L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes Concept
L'Étape du Tour de France Femmes with Zwift is a public cycling race held annually as part of the Tour de France Femmes. The basic concept is that amateur cyclists ride exactly the same queen stage the day before the professionals do, the same stage that the women’s peloton will tackle the following day.
The four key pillars:
- The same professional course – Participants experience the same roads, mountain passes and climbs as the professional cyclists.
- Road closures – The entire route of the L'Étape du Tour de France Femmes is closed to traffic and will be professionally secured.
- Open to everyone – L'Étape du Tour de France Femmes is open to men and women aged 18 and over
- Professional infrastructure – Official timekeeping, refreshments, medical support and mechanical assistance ensure a professional experience.
L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes, 6 August
L’Etape du Tour de France Femmes is already sold out – anyone who still wants to take part will have to dig deeper into their pockets. Various tour operators offer packages including a starting place (e.g. 445 Cycling Tours or Sportive Breaks). There is also a charity organisation that combines starting places with fundraising for children’s heart health. Here you can sign up for the Waiting list enter the race. The stage starts on the edge of the Roman ruins of Vaison-la-Romaine and covers 120 kilometres with 3,000 metres of elevation gain to the finish. The final 70 kilometres are identical to the route taken by the professional female cyclists. The highlight is the legendary climb up Mont Ventoux via Bédoin (15.7 km at an average gradient of 8.8%). The climb from Bédoin passes Chalet Renard and promises the most visually stunning finale through the rocky wasteland below the summit. The finish line is in view for a long time and riders are usually particularly exposed to the sun.
www.letourfemmes.fr
That’s why the Tour de France is such a cult event
Mont Ventoux is the epitome of Tour de France legend. The death of Tom Simpson, Tony Martin’s missed stage victory, Chris Froome’s ‘mountain run’ and the Vingegaard-Pogačar duel are just a selection of the dramatic cycling moments that the mountain has witnessed. In the meantime, a cycling tourism scene has developed around Mont Ventoux, attracting cyclists from all over the world. L'Étape du Tour de France Femmes will tackle a particularly challenging climb in 2026.
Road cycling events in France
The names of events can be confusing. The international term ‘Gran Fondo’ is increasingly being used for timed events. Traditionally, a distinction is made between timed competitive races (Cyclosportives or ‘Cyclo’) and untimed events (Randonnées or ‘Rando’) or cyclotourism. For races with a ranking list, a racing licence or a current medical certificate confirming fitness for sport must be presented in France.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
