The rumors are true, and the official announcement is in: the Tour de France is returning to Carcassonne!
Organizers (ASO) unveiled the official route for the 113th edition of the Tour de France, and our historic city is right in the heart of the action. Cycling fans in the Aude department can circle Tuesday, July 7, 2026, on their calendars, as Carcassonne will host the official start of Stage 4.
This news, hot off the press from the official route presentation in Paris, places Carcassonne as the launching pad for the Tour’s first major foray into the Pyrenees.
Here is everything we know about the stage and the 2026 race.
Stage 4: A Pyrenean Showdown from Carcassonne to Foix
After a spectacular “Grand Départ” in Barcelona, Spain, the peloton will spend the first three stages in Catalonia. On Day 4 (July 7), the race crosses fully into France, and Carcassonne will be the first French “ville-départ” (start town) of the 2026 edition.
Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Stage: 4
Start: Carcassonne
Finish: Foix
Distance: 182 km
Profile: Mountain Stage
This won’t be a simple transition day for the sprinters. The 182km route from the medieval ramparts of Carcassonne will head directly into the Pyrenees, finishing in the Ariège capital of Foix. Classified as a mountain stage, this will be the first major test for the General Classification contenders and a prime opportunity for a breakaway to fight for the stage win.
The 2026 Tour: A Historic and Brutal Route
The 2026 edition of the Tour is already being called one of the toughest and most historic in recent memory.
The race begins on Saturday, July 4, with a 19km Team Time Trial through the streets of Barcelona. The peloton will then spend two more days in Spain before transferring to Carcassonne for the start of Stage 4.
The 2026 route is defined by two key features: it will visit all five of France’s major mountain ranges (the Pyrenees, Massif Central, Vosges, Jura, and the Alps) and will conclude with a brutal, race-deciding final weekend featuring a double ascent of the legendary Alpe d’Huez.
For us, the excitement is all about July 7. Get ready for the helicopters, the crowds, and the color of the caravan – Le Tour is coming back to town!
The Route - Stage 4
Carcassonne > Lagrasse > Villerouge – Termenés > Quillan > Bélesta > Lavelanet > Foix
Your Practical Guide to the Tour de France 2026 in Carcassonne (FAQ)
With Carcassonne confirmed as the starting town for Stage 4 on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the excitement is already building! But a Tour de France start also means a lot of logistical questions. Based on previous Tour visits (like the 2022 start and 2016 identical route), here is a practical guide to help you plan your day.
Disclaimer: Please note that the exact times, road closures, and specific locations (like the Start Village) are subject to official confirmation by the Mairie de Carcassonne and the Tour organizers (ASO) in the months leading up to the event. This guide is based on how a Tour de France stage start typically operates. Always check for official updates in June 2026!
Logistical & Transport Questions
Q: When will the roads close in Carcassonne for the Tour?
A: Expect roads to close very early. The main boulevards in the Bastide (lower town) that host the Start Village, team buses, and the start line will likely be closed to all traffic from around 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM, restrictions in place the evening before, on the morning of Tuesday, July 7. The wider ceremonial route through the city will close at least 3-4 hours before the caravan passes.
Q: What time will the roads reopen?
A: This is the good news about a start town. Roads reopen very quickly. Once the official peloton passes the départ réel (official start) outside of town, authorities will begin reopening roads in stages. Most roads in the city center should be accessible again by mid-afternoon (e.g., 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM).
Q: Where can I park my car?
A: This will be the biggest challenge. Do not try to park in the city center. The Mairie will almost certainly set up several large, free, temporary car parks (parkings de délestage) on the main access routes into the city (e.g., near the autoroute exits, industrial zones, etc.). These will be clearly signposted. From these car parks, you will be able to walk or take a special shuttle bus (navette) to the city center.
Q: Will the city car parks (Gambetta, Jacobins, André Chénier) be open?
A: It is highly likely the underground car parks in the Bastide (Gambetta, André Chénier, Jacobins) will be closed for entry on the morning of the 7th, or will have their access completely blocked by the closed roads. Do not count on using them.
Q: Can I still get to the medieval Cité (La Cité) on the day?
A: On foot, yes. Pedestrian access to La Cité should be maintained all day, likely via the Pont Vieux (Old Bridge). However, vehicle access will be impossible. The car parks at the base of La Cité (P0, P1) will almost certainly be inaccessible or reserved for official Tour vehicles.
Q: Will the shuttle buses (navettes) be running?
A: The regular city shuttle buses will be heavily disrupted. However, the city will normally run special, dedicated shuttle buses from the temporary car parks to the city center.
Q: Is the train station accessible?
A: Yes, the train station is almost always kept accessible, as it’s a key transport hub. You will be able to reach it on foot, but car access to the station will be blocked. Arriving by train is an excellent option for the day.
Spectator Questions
Q: Where is the best place to watch the start?
A: You have two main choices:
The Start Line (Podium): Get there a few hours early to be near the “Village Départ” (likely on Boulevard Marcou or Place Général de Gaulle) to see the riders sign in on the podium. This is a fantastic, festive atmosphere.
Along the Départ Fictif (Ceremonial Route): This is the best way to see the whole peloton ride by in a relaxed way. The route will almost certainly be designed to pass the most beautiful landmarks, so find a spot in front of the Medieval Cité or along the Pont Neuf for the most iconic photos. This is the route we hope for but it could be different so check the official site for updates. The arrival route to Carcassonne in 2025 changed just a few weeks before the arrival.
Q: Where is the “Village Départ” (Start Village) located?
A: The official 2026 location is not yet confirmed. However, in past Tours (2018, 2022), the heart of the activity (Start Village, podium, fan parks) has been located in the Bastide, on or around Place Général de Gaulle and Boulevard Marcou. Expect this to be the main hub.
Q: Can anyone access the Start Village?
A: No. The “Village Départ” itself is a closed, ticketed area for VIPs, press, and team staff. However, the podium where riders sign in is open for all the public to see. You can stand and watch every rider come up to sign in before the race.
Q: What time does the publicity caravan leave Carcassonne?
A: The caravan always leaves about 1.5 to 2 hours before the riders. If the stage start is scheduled for 12:30 PM, the caravan will likely leave around 10:30 AM. It takes about 30-40 minutes to pass, so be in your spot by 10:15 AM if you want to see it!
Q: What time are the riders’ start and sign-in?
A: This is a very predictable schedule. For a 182km stage, the start will be around midday. A likely schedule is:
Rider Sign-in: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Ceremonial Start (Départ Fictif): 12:30 PM
Official Start (Départ Réel): 12:45 PM (This happens several kilometers outside of town after the ceremonial parade).
Q: Where can I see the team buses?
A: This is a fan favorite! The 22 team buses will be parked in a long, designated line, usually on a wide, straight boulevard near the Start Village (e.g., Boulevard Jean Jaurès or Boulevard Omer Sarraut, based on past events). This area is open to the public, and you can walk right up to the buses, see the bikes, and catch riders as they warm up or head to the sign-in. This is the best place for autographs and selfies.
