The Tour de France route for 2020 has been released and organisers have chosen to deliver ‘one of the toughest’ as cyclists compete over the southern mountains of France. 

The world’s most famous bicycle race will begin in Nice in the South of France on the 27th of June 2020. Of the epic 3,470km the cyclists will ride over 21 days, the 2020 Tour de France has 29 climbs, 6 mountain finishes and only 36km of time trials. It will prove to be a brutal and aggressive race for competitors. 

While UTracks’ honest trip grading system does not officially grade the Tour de France, it would surely be graded a level 50 at least (currently these trips are ranked the most challenging!). 

Watch this highlights video by the race organisers.



The race will finish on the 19th of July 2020. The Tour de France will start a week earlier than usual to allow cyclists to enter the Tokyo Olympics which starts on the 24th of July. Imagine completing the gruelling Tour de France and then having to go and compete at the Olympics!

If you’d like to visit France while the Tour de France is on and see the professional cyclists whiz by, browse the below active travel trips. For more race information, visit their official site here.
 

Want A French Cycling Holiday That Overlaps The Tour de France?

Cycle Nice to Genoa

The French and Italian Riviera are idyllic and stunning destinations, and they are perfect to explore by bike. Nice, which is a fascinating mix between the modern and cosmopolitan and the grand old palaces, is your starting destination. Stroll along the famous promenade, visit the flower market or relax on the beach before starting your cycle journey to Italy. 



Commencing the cycle stage, you follow the coast, admiring the clear Mediterranean waters and stopping in small towns and fishing villages. You'll visit the famed Monte Carlo before crossing the border into Italy where you can have a coffee break at a small cafe or stop for a swim at the cove of Balzi Rossi. Much of this tour follows coastal cycling paths, where you can smell the sea air and experience a quieter side of the bustling Riviera. With time to visit an archaeological museum, an olive oil museum and visit the artists and ceramists of Albisola, this trip has so much to offer. 

Finishing in the port city of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus, where you can walk its narrow streets and visit its palaces and churches, a legacy of its resplendent past. History, glamour, culture and stunning coastal views - you'll get to experience and enjoy it all on this week long self guided cycle.

> View more trip details here.
 

Paris to London by Bike

Launched in 2012 to coincide with the London Olympics, the mostly traffic free Avenue Verte cycle route is set to become as famous and iconic as the two classic European cities it links. This well sign posted cycle path from Paris to London takes in a variety of landscapes on either side of the English Channel.



From Paris, follow the Promenade Bleue through parks, castles and picturesque towns towards the coast, stopping along the way to appreciate a multitude of sights including the chateaux in Normandy. After crossing the channel by the Dieppe-Newhaven ferry, head to seaside Brighton via the wonderful Undercliff Walk, a stunning path along the seashore. Take the train to Redhill before continuing on your bike through green parks and along cycle paths into the heart of London, finishing at Westminster. Cycling along a combination of quiet roads and cycle paths there is no shortage of vistas to take in, from urban sprawl to tranquil rural scenes, as you meander along old railway tracks and canal paths. Whilst this is a self guided trip, there is always a support vehicle nearby in case assistance is required. The canal paths and often dedicated cycle routes ensure that your journey is as stress-free as possible and sections of the cycle can be shortened by train.

> View more trip details here.
 

Rhone Cycle Path: Lyon to Provence

Connecting the Swiss Alps with the Mediterranean, the Rhone River holds an important place in French history. Serving as an inland trading route where goods were transported as far back as the Greek and Roman civilisations, the Rhone connected many of France's most important cities and subsequently many smaller villages were built alongside it. Today, the cultural and architectural legacy of this period can still be found in many places along the river and can be discovered by cycling sections of the Via Rhona Cycle Path. This section of the dedicated cycle route connects the Rhône-Alpes region with Provence. 



Beginning in the culinary capital of Lyon your journey along the Rhone to Orange will be lined with lush vineyards and fragrant orchards in many of the sections. However it's the cultural remnants that make this stage of the Rhone Cycle Path so special such as the splendid cathedrals and relics from Roman times reminding us of an important era long ago.

During the ride you can also marvel at cultural treasures such as the large Roman theatre in Vienne, or the architecturally outstanding museum of the Confluences in Lyon. From pastries at the boulangerie to soft caramel ice cream, there are so many culinary treats to replenish you as you cycle towards Orange.

> View more trip details here.
 

> View all France Cycling Trips