How Long Is the Tour de France?

The Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España are also Grand cycling tours, but why does the Tour de France have a larger viewership and unparalleled global prestige? It’s because the Tour de France is a cultural juggernaut—the oldest and most storied race in the cycling world.

It’s a century-old legacy drawing star power from legendary riders and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. While the Giro d’Italia is also a century-old race, the Tour de France simply has more star power and global reach.

Tour de France

Started in 1903, the Tour de France is an annual men’s multi-stage cycling race primarily held in France. However, the tour occasionally also passes through neighbouring countries. Usually held in the month of July, the race has 21 stages spread over three weeks.

Each stage challenges riders with different terrains, including flat sprints, rolling hills, and gruelling mountain climbs in the Alps and Pyrenees. The race tests their endurance, strategy, and teamwork as they compete for the prestigious yellow jersey awarded to the overall leader. In addition to the Yellow Jersey, riders also compete for the polka dot jersey (the best climber), the green jersey (the top sprinter), and the white jersey (the best young rider).

Elite cyclists representing their teams work together to secure stage wins, protect their team leaders, and execute race strategies.

Length of the Tour de France

The first Tour de France, sponsored by the newspaper L’Auto, now known as L’Équipe, was held in 1903. It featured six stages covering 2,428 km (1,509 mi). The race started on July 1 and concluded on July 19, with Maurice-François Garin as the first winner. The modern Tour de France has 21 stages spanning three weeks and two rest days.

Length of the Last 10 Tour de France Races:

Year	Distance (km)	Distance (miles)
2024	3,492	2,170
2023	3,405	2,116
2022	3,328	2,068
2021	3,414	2,122
2020	3,484	2,165
2019	3,366	2,091
2018	3,351	2,082
2017	3,540	2,200
2016	3,529	2,193
2015	3,360	2,088

How long is the Tour de France 2025?

The Tour de France 2025, set to begin on July 5, will span a total distance of 3,320 kilometres (2,063 miles). This prestigious cycling race, known for its challenging routes and breathtaking scenery, will feature 21 stages, including flat sprints, mountainous climbs, and time trials.

Here is a breakdown of Tour de France 2025:

Stage	Type	Start	Finish	Distance (km)
1	Flat	Lille Métropole	Lille Métropole	115
2	Hilly	Lauwin-Planque	Boulogne-sur-Mer	131.73
3	Flat	Valenciennes	Dunkerque	110.6
4	Hilly	Amiens Métropole	Rouen	107.5
5	Individual time-trial	Caen	Caen	20.5
6	Hilly	Bayeux	Vire Normandie	124.9
7	Hilly	Saint-Malo	Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan	120.5
8	Flat	Saint-Méen-le-Grand	Laval Espace Mayenne	108.1
9	Flat	Chinon	Châteauroux	105.6
10	Mountain	Ennezat	Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy	101.3
–	Rest Day	Toulouse
11	Flat	Toulouse	Toulouse	95.7
12	Mountain	Auch	Hautacam	112.5
13	Individual time-trial	Loudenvielle	Peyragudes	6.8
14	Mountain	Pau	Luchon-Superbagnères	113.7
15	Hilly	Muret	Carcassonne	105.01
–	Rest Day	Montpellier
16	Mountain	Montpellier	Mont Ventoux	106.9
17	Flat	Bollène	Valence	100
18	Mountain	Vif	Courchevel Col de la Loze	106.3
19	Mountain	Albertville	La Plagne	80.8
20	Hilly	Nantua	Pontarlier	115.0
21	Flat	Mantes-la-Ville	Paris Champs-Élysées	74.6

Adam Gill

Adam Gill is the owner and lead guide at Bikestyle Tours, bringing years of experience in organising world-class cycling holidays across Europe and Australia. A passionate cyclist and former Ironman competitor, Adam is dedicated to creating unforgettable adventures for riders of all levels. His expertise and enthusiasm ensure every Bikestyle Tours guest enjoys a memorable and inspiring journey.