LE TOUR
Don’t just watch the Tour this year, ride it with FulGaz.
We’ve curated a selection of the best French rides on FulGaz to pay homage to the greatest annual sporting spectacle in the world, Le Tour.
Below you’ll find a selection of iconic sections of stages from years gone by, key sections from the 2023 Tour and of course, a few fan favourites from France.
If you’re new to FulGaz, you’ll score a free 14-day free trial, no credit card needed!
MONT VENTOUX FROM BEDOIN
With a rolling start out of Bedoin, the first six kilometres should get your legs ready for the section ahead. After the hairpin bend at Saint-Estève, the average gradient kicks up to above 10% and refuses to ease up for the next five kilometres. Enjoy!
More InfoCOL DU TOURMALET FROM SAINT SAUVEUR
A lovely and iconic climb. It’s long and sometimes steep – save something for the last 8 kms. Filmed on quiet roads amidst the pandemic lockdowns in Europe, the Tourmalet will feature on Stage 6 of 2023 TdF
More InfoAN AFTERNOON IN THE MASSIF CENTRAL FOOTHILLS
An enjoyable out-and-back ride from the official start of the 2022 TdF TT stage at the castle of Lacapelle-Marival, riding in the foothills of the Massif Central.
More InfoCOL DE LA MADELEINE FROM LA CHAMBRE 2022
The Col de la Madeleine is one of the most famous climbs in the history of the Tour de France and has been tackled 27 times, first in 1969 and most recently in 2020, when Richard Carapaz triumphed on stage 17 in a race won by Tadej Pogačar. It is set to appear again in the 2023 Tour.
More InfoCOL DU MOLLARD
The Col du Mollard is a mountain pass in France. This ride starts off in village of Villargondran, with its beautiful view of the French Alps in the background. This challenging climb passes through several picturesque villages. The road turns to gravel for about the last sixth of the ride. The ride ends near the ski chair lift. Part of this route was featured in the 2006 Tour de France’s Stage 16, 2012 Tour de France’s Stage 11, and most recently, in the 2015 Tour de France’s Stage 19.
More InfoROUSSILLON ROUTE DE CAVAILLON
An anti-clockwise loop from Roussillon, with approx 8Km/5 miles along a quiet cycle path. The 5Km climb for home begins soon after you leave Apt.
More InfoCOL DE L'ISERAN
At 2,764 metres, Col de l’Iseran is the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps. Because the peak is so high, it’s not uncommon that snow or even sleet storms occur in July! The climb up to Col de l’Iseran became a part of the Tour de France in 1938. As recently as 2019, this route was part of Stage 19 to Tignes.
More InfoCOL DU TéLéGRAPHE
Col du Télégraphe is a mountain pass in the French Alps situated above the Maurienne valley between the eastern end of the massif d'Arvan-Villards and the massif des Cerces. It was last used on Stage 17 of the 2017 Tour de France, with Primož Roglič leading at the summit before tackling the Col du Galibier. The Fort du Télégraphe, the semaphore station which gave the pass its name, marks the summit and is just visible on the peak ahead of you as you cross the river L'Arc at the start of your ride.
More InfoCOL D'AYEN
It is not a col famous for being a difficult climb in the south of the Alps but it is one of the most spectacular. It follows the Gorges du Verdon between Moustiers Sainte Marie, capital of Faience, and La Palud, where de Route des crêtes and the sentier Blanc-Martel start. The ride starts early in the morning to avoid the heavy traffic of tourists stopping at the various Belvederes to admire the green waters of the Verdon lying 300m below the road. Once you have reached the 1032 m col d'Ayen, you head back to Moustiers.
More InfoHILLTOP VILLAGES OF THE LOT VALLEY
Starting with a climb up to view Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (voted France’s favourite village in 2012) the ride descends to follow a mainly flattish route along the valley. However there are a few short climbs to visit the hilltop villages that are characteristic of the area. Filmed in the evening time it finishes in dusk through the medieval lanes of Cajarc as the locals enjoy eating out at the town’s restaurants.
More InfoREGUSSE
An easy route perfect for easy recovery or warm-up ride. There are only two short climbs on the narrow and quiet roads of the Haute Provence. This loop crosses part of the similar Artignosc and Aups tours.
More InfoRACING WOUT VAN AERT: 2022 TDF STAGE 20 TIME TRIAL
Have you got what it takes? An in-form Wout van Aert , riding his Cervelo P5, rocketed through this course stopping the clock at 47 minutes 59 seconds, that's a mind blowing average speed of 50.9km/h.
More InfoCHâTEAUX DE PéRIGORD
A stunningly beautiful ride starting at Château de Bourdeilles and passing beneath overhanging cliffs on the way to Brantôme, the Venice of the Périgord. The ride continues past several Châteaux (look out for Château de Bruzac on the left just after St Pierre de Cole) and pretty villages before ending at the medieval village of St-Jean de Cole, decorated for the annual flower festival.
More InfoRIEZ
Riez is located at the crossroads of the historic roads that connect the Alps and the Durance Valley to the Haut Var and Aix-en-Provence. The village is located at the foot of Saint-Maxime mountain about 640 metres above sea level. This village’s historical importance was recognized in 1921. During Roman times, a temple to the god Apollo was built. Today its Corinthian columns still stand. This route has two Category 4 climbs in the second half of the ride. Come for the history, stay for the climbs.
More InfoALPE D'HUEZ 2020
The infamous Alpe d'Huez, filmed in the evening sunshine. Count the corners down from 21 (look for the signs on the outside of each corner), or enable Bernard in Settings to have them called out. This is a busy course, count how many riders you pass, and look forward to receiving your finisher's medal at the top.
More InfoGORGES DE SAINT GEORGES
A short but spectacular ride in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Leaving the small town of Axat the ride soon reaches a narrow road between the Gorge with its vertical limestone cliffs. Thereafter the road climbs at a gentle gradient to the mountain village of Sainte-Colombe-sur-Guette.
More Info
