Tour de France 2026: The Grand Départ & Catalonia

Overview

In 2026, the Tour de France begins in Barcelona for the first time ever, and you’ll be there from the very start. You’ll kick off your adventure with two unforgettable days of Tour de France access at the Grand Départ in Barcelona. First, you’ll get exclusive entry to the Stage 1 Starting Village, where you can tour the EF Pro Cycling Team bus and watch the world’s greatest riders prepare for cycling’s most prestigious race. The next day, you’ll ride the official Stage 2 course up Montjuïc—the same roads, the same gradients, the same switchbacks the pros will tackle hours later—before crossing the actual finish line and watching the stage finale from VIP grandstand seating. Then, you’ll head to Girona, the adopted home of professional cyclists from around the world, tackling challenging climbs like Els Àngels and Mare de Déu del Mont, circling the serene shores of Lake Banyoles, and getting rare access to the EF Pro Cycling Service Course, the World Tour team’s operations hub where race bikes are prepped and logistics are coordinated. From there, it's on to the L'Escala region on the Mediterranean coast, descending into the medieval coastal town of Tossa de Mar along Costa Brava’s dramatic cliffs. Between rides, you’ll explore medieval villages, tour Salvador Dalí’s castle in Púbol, and discover why Catalonia has become the training ground for pro riders. This is where your passion for cycling meets the spectacle of the Tour de France. Experience the build-up to cycling’s greatest race with two extra days in Barcelona before the Grand Départ. You’ll explore Gaudí’s whimsical architectural masterpieces—from the mosaic-filled Park Güell perched on Carmel Hill to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família, where construction continues toward the architect’s visionary dream more than a century after his death. The highlight comes on July 2nd, when you’ll witness the official Tour de France Team Presentations—a dazzling parade where every team and rider is introduced to fans in a spectacle of color, music, and anticipation. This open-air celebration draws fans from around the world for a chance to see the riders up close, snap photos, and soak in the pre-race excitement. With extra time to discover Barcelona’s vibrant neighborhoods, sample tapas, and feel the anticipation building throughout the city, you’ll be perfectly positioned to experience the Grand Départ.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included