Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2026: Provence & the Nice Finale

The time is finally here—you’re about to set off for an epic cycling trip through Provence and witness Tour de France Femmes history. Make sure you’ve packed all your cycling gear (plus your passport, of course) and head off to the airport for your overnight flight to France.

Welcome to France! After landing in Marseille, you’ll journey north to the Mazan region in the heart of Provence. This area sits in the shadow of Mt. Ventoux and is surrounded by vineyards, lavender fields, and hilltop villages that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The region has become a favorite among cyclists thanks to its varied terrain—from flat vineyard roads to challenging mountain climbs—and its position near some of Provence’s most dramatic landscapes. You’ll spend the next few days exploring these beautiful roads by bike as you gear up for some incredible Tour de France Femmes moments.

Your first day of riding takes you on a loop through the Mazan region’s wine country, where vineyards and orchards stretch toward the horizon. You’ll climb to hilltop villages like Crillon-le-Brave, descend through quiet lanes lined with cypress and olive trees, and ride past the dramatic limestone cliffs of Beaumes-de-Venise—a village famous for its sweet Muscat wines. After lunch at a local restaurant back in Mazan, the afternoon is yours to relax at your hotel or join the optional evening excursion to Avignon—the “City of the Popes”—for a guided tour and free time in the historic city center.

The rugged Gorges de la Nesque canyon is one of the region’s most impressive features. Cutting through the heart of Provence in the Mt. Ventoux Biosphere Reserve, the canyon has been a work in progress for millions of years, as the Nesque river has carved out the impressive landscape of jagged white limestone cliffs. Biking the panoramic road here is a cyclist’s dream as you discover the canyon from a series of different marked viewpoints, with iconic Mt. Ventoux dominating the horizon. At the perched village of Monieux, you’ll pause for lunch at a traditional Provençal farmhouse. Afterwards, you can choose how you’d like to return to the hotel—by bike or via taxi.

Today offers a more relaxed pace, shifting from cycling to cultural exploration as you venture deeper into Provence’s countryside. Early risers can join an optional sunrise ride through the tranquil Provençal landscape, visiting villages like Venasque and Pernes-les-Fontaines—famous for its 40 historic fountains. After breakfast, you’ll visit the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, one of France’s most photographed abbeys thanks to the surrounding lavender fields that bloom in vibrant purple each summer. This abbey still houses a community of monks who live in silence, prayer, and manual labor according to ancient monastic traditions. Continue to Gordes, one of France’s "Most Beautiful Villages," where honey-colored stone buildings cascade dramatically down a rocky hillside above the Luberon Valley. This medieval gem has drawn artists and visitors for generations with its maze of cobbled streets, Renaissance château, and commanding views. Your afternoon concludes with a wine tasting at a local estate, sampling regional wines paired with Provençal delicacies, before traveling to your hotel in the Sault region—the perfect base for tomorrow's iconic climb up Mt. Ventoux.

This is the day you’ve been building toward. Mt. Ventoux stands alone on the Provençal landscape, visible for miles around—a 6,200-foot limestone giant that has tested cyclists since the Tour de France first climbed it in 1951. Today you’ll ride this legendary mountain ahead of Stage 7 of the Tour de France Femmes, experiencing the same route the pros will race hours later. The climb is demanding but unforgettable, starting in forests before emerging onto the mountain’s famous moonscape upper slopes where the wind can be fierce and the views stretch to the Alps. Those opting for the longer ride will start from Sault, while the shorter option begins at Chalet Reynard, the famous cycling landmark that marks the start of the final push to the summit. After reaching the top and crossing the official finish line for photos on the podium, you’ll descend to Bédoin where you’ll watch the pros tackle the same climb from VIP seating at the Bédoin Grandstand.

Start your day early with a sunrise ride through the high plateau near Sault, where lavender fields stretch to the horizon. This peaceful ride takes you through small villages like Aurel and Ferrassières before returning to your hotel. Afterwards, you’ll leave the lavender-scented hills of Provence behind and head south to Nice, the glamorous capital of the French Riviera—known in French as the Côte d’Azur, or “Azure Coast,” for its brilliant blue Mediterranean waters. This coastal city marks a dramatic shift in the Tour de France Femmes route—from mountain stages to the Mediterranean finale where the race will reach its thrilling conclusion. Upon arrival, you’ll claim your spot at a prime roadside location for Stage 8. From here, you’ll watch the peloton race past at full speed—an entirely different experience than watching on a screen. Afterwards, you’ll get an insider's look at professional cycling during a meet & greet with EF Pro Cycling team staff.

Today marks the culmination of both your time in France and the Tour de France Femmes. You’ll start at the Stage 9 Starting Village in Nice, where the energy is electric as the women’s peloton prepares for the race’s final stage. With your VIP access, you’ll witness the pre-race routine up close—mechanics making final adjustments, riders warming up, and teams gathering for last-minute strategy sessions. As an EF Adventures traveler, you'll also get an exclusive tour of the EF Pro Cycling Team bus, an experience unavailable to other Starting Village visitors and your direct connection to the athletes competing in the race. After the race starts, you’ll explore the French Riviera on foot, following the famous Promenade des Anglais before heading to the Cap Ferrat peninsula. You’ll end at a cocktail bar along the Promenade des Anglais, an incredible spot to watch the Stage 9 finale. Unlike the men’s tour with its ceremonial sprint in Paris, these athletes will battle for the yellow jersey until the very end. After the podium celebration, you’ll join the EF Pro Cycling team for their exclusive celebration dinner with an open bar.

After witnessing cycling history from Provence to the French Riviera, it’s time to bid France au revoir. Take one last look at the Mediterranean before your 20-minute transfer to the Nice airport for your international flight home. You’ll leave with memories of legendary climbs, exclusive Tour de France Femmes moments, and the unforgettable experience of riding through some of France’s most stunning landscapes.