The 2026 edition of Etape du Tour will take place on Sunday 19 July 2026. The route will be the same as a stage 20 of the Tour de France, the pro teams will follow five days later.

From Le Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez, take on the mythical Alpine climbs in a day that’s both breathtaking and fiercely demanding. A 170 km route, 5,400 m of elevation gain, and 4 spectacular climbs await you.

This route is without doubt one of the toughest in recent years. It will test both your legs and your mind on the legendary slopes of the col de la Croix de Fer, col du Télégraphe, col du Galibier, and col de Sarenne.

General Entry Registration opens on Monday 3 November at 1pm UK time with standard entry at 175 Euros. Standard entry will sell out quickly, after which there will be higher-price package options still available with hotels and travel agencies – see How to Register on the Etape website for more details.

Priority entry opened to some groups on Thursday 24 October, for example if you are a previous participant in the Dragon Ride or a member of the Tour De France Club – details were sent by email and offers will be available for a few days until this wave sells out.

Accommodation will get booked-up very quickly. If you are planning on entering you are strongly advised to book a hotel or Airbnb immediately, if you’re lucky you may be able to find somewhere with free cancellation. It’s best to build-in a few days around the event, eg arrive on Wed/Thu and leave on Mon/Tue so you can explore the area or maybe watch a stage nearby.

Travel to the start town Le Bourg d’Oisans by train from Paris-to-Grenoble (then 50km drive or 55 bus), fly to Grenoble-Isère, Lyon or Geneva, or a long drive from London.

To get a flavour of what’s in store, check out Anne’s account of riding the 2023 edition – L’Etape du Tour – Annemasse to Morzine