4 Stages not to be missed
The Tour de France returns with a route that honors its legendary status: grueling climbs, iconic landscapes and historic moments. Over three weeks, riders will cover more than 3,500 kilometers. Whether you plan to watch it live or follow it from home, here are four key stages you won't want to miss, a mix of culture, history and the unique excitement of the Tour de France.
Stage 14: Pau - Superbagnères (183 km)
Saturday, July 19
The Pyrenean majesty returns. Stage 14 takes the peloton into the heart of the Pyrenees, with almost 5,000 meters of positive elevation gain. After a gentle start, the real race begins with the colossal Col du Tourmalet (19 km at 7.4%), followed by the demanding ascents of the Col d'Aspin and the Col de Peyresourde, before the final showdown at Superbagnères - a summit the Tour hasn't visited for 36 years.
Key point: The Col du Tourmalet will be the first big test of the day, but it is on the final climb to Superbagnères that the overall favorites will have to show all their cards.
Historical data: Superbagnères is engraved in cycling history. In 1986, Greg LeMond took victory here, following in the footsteps of legends such as Bernard Hinault and Federico Bahamontes.
Best place to see it: Position yourself at the top of the Col du Tourmalet to experience history and drama live, or on the final bends to Superbagnères to witness decisive attacks with a prime view.
Stage 16: Montpellier - Mont Ventoux (172 km)
Tuesday, July 22nd
The Beast of Provence returns. From the plains of Montpellier, the race rises towards a climax: the Mont Ventoux. At 15.7 km and an average gradient of 8.8%, the Giant of Provence is one of the most feared climbs in cycling, moving from dense forests to a landscape lunar and desolate.
Key point: The last 6 kilometers after Chalet Reynard, exposed and brutal, will be decisive. The riders are expected to break under the relentless sun and slopes close to 10%.
Historical data: Who can forget Chris Froome's chaotic foot race in 2016 or Wout van Aert's solo masterclass in 2021? Mont Ventoux always puts on a show.
Best place to watch it: Chalet Reynard is an iconic spot, but for the full experience, climb up to the final kilometers near the top, where the scenery and suffering are equally surreal.
Stage 18: Vif - Col de la Loze (171 km)
Thursday, July 24
The Queen Stage: High mountains, high stakes. Probably the toughest stage of the 2025 Tour, stage 18 features more than 5,500 meters of ascent. Riders tackle the Col du Glandon (21.7 km at 5.1 %), the steeper Col de la Madeleine (19.2 km at 7.9 %) and finish on the monstrous climb to the Col de la Loze - 26.2 kilometers of relentless climbing with ramps often exceeding 10 %.
Key pointThe upper sections of the Loze will break up the peloton. The riders will have to manage their effort with precision to survive the uneven ramps before the top.
Historical data: Col de la Loze has a brief but memorable history. Miguel Angel Lopez's heroic victory in 2020 and Jonas Vingegaard's overall dominance in 2023 were forged on its brutal slopes.
Best place to see it: The final kilometers of the col, where the slopes bite hard and the scenery reaches its most spectacular. Arrive early, as access is limited and the atmosphere will be unforgettable.
Stage 21: Mantes-la-Ville - Paris (132.3 km)
Sunday, July 27th
A twist on tradition. Paris is once again the setting for the Tour's grand finale, but with a twist. Although the iconic Champs Elysées will remain part of the route, the inclusion of the cobbled Côte de la Butte Montmartre (1.1 km at 5.9%) changes the dynamic, offering a final challenge for both sprinters and puncheurs.
Key point: The triple ascent of the Côte de la Butte Montmartre will break up traditional sprint trains and reward explosive riders capable of dominating the pavé and slopes at the end of the day.
Historical data: This climb was the epicenter of the 2024 Olympic Games road race. Fireworks are expected in the historic streets of Montmartre as the peloton ascends towards the Sacré-Cœur.
Best place to watch: Secure your spot on the Butte Montmartre for a unique blend of Parisian charm and cycling drama, or head to the Champs-Elysées for a classic, festive Tour atmosphere.
Tour de France 2025: Much more than a race
The Tour is more than a race: it's a living celebration of human endurance and cultural heritage. From the wild Pyrenees to the mythical slopes of the Ventoux and the Alpine giants before reaching Paris, every kilometer tells a story.
