Every summer France is gripped by the biggest and best cycle race in Europe - Le Tour de France.
The Alps have played a large part in the race over the years with the gruelling mountain climbs providing some of the most exciting spectacles of the event. The route changes slightly each year, taking in different towns and villages along the way.
Even if the race doesn't pass near to where you are this summer you can guarantee that it will still be avidly watched in bars and cafés around the country with everyone joining in to cheer on the famous yellow jersey! Read more about the the Yellow Jersey, the origins & the history of Le Tour in our dedicated section.
This year on Thursday 19th July 2018 sees the return of the Tour to Alpe d'Huez: Stage 12 - Bourg St Maurice > Alpe d'Huez - 175km. It will be the 30th time that Alpe d'Huez has hosted a stage of the Tour de France.
The following day the peleton leaves Bourg d'Oisans for Valence in a sprint stage.
Follow all the action on the Official Tour de France website.
