The Tour de France concludes this weekend in Paris with a thrilling race around the narrow, cobbled streets of Montmartre before approaching the finish line on the Champs-Elysées – here’s how to be among the spectators.
The final stage of the Tour de France used to be something of a formality, as riders simply cycled into Paris to the finish line in front of the Arc de Triomphe, with the result usually a foregone conclusion.
This changed in 2025 when organisers decided to add a final climb in the city itself, creating a circuit around the narrow, cobbled and hilly streets of Montmartre which had the previous year hosted Olympic cycling races.
This made the final day a lot more exciting for spectators, as it retained a genuine sense of competition and jeopardy, and tens of thousands of people turned out to watch.
This year, the final stage will once again include this circuit. Here’s how to go and watch.
When
The race ends on Sunday, July 26th.
Riders depart at 4.15pm with the finish expected at around 7.30pm.
The first riders are expected to arrive in Paris at around 5.50pm, while the first circuit of Montmartre is expected to start at around 6pm.
Where
The riders start at Thoiry in Yvelines, go past the Château de Versailles, and cycle into Paris from the west.
They will go past the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre before heading to Montmartre, where they complete three circuits before riding down into central Paris and along the Champs-Elysées to the finish line. In total, they ride 132km.
The final stage of the 2026 Tour de France. Map: Tour de FranceSpectators will likely line the route all the way, but the biggest crowds will be in Montmartre and on the Champs-Elysées, with Montmartre likely to be once again the most exciting experience as the riders race the slippery circuit on the uneven streets.
The Rue Lepic remains the prime viewing spot, although will also likely be the most crowded. Alternatives include the Rue Caulaincourt or the area in front of Sacré-Cœur. Three streets will be closed to pedestrians – Rue Norvins, Rue Puget, and Rue Coustou.
Prices and tickets
Watching is free and there is no need to purchase tickets in advance.
If the event is as popular as it was last year, it will be advisable to get there in good time to get a spot with a good view – if you want to bag a spot in one of the prime spots like Rue Lepic or the Champs-Elysées, getting there by mid-afternoon is advised.
Expect security in the surrounding area with bag checks in order to enter viewing areas.
Getting there
Many roads around the route will be closed, while some Metro stations will be closed – Metro lines will continue to run, but will not stop at those stations.
The following stations will be closed all day
- Tuileries (line 1)
- Concorde (lines 1, 8 and 12)
- Champs-Élysées Clemenceau (lines 1 and 13)
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9)
- George V (line 1)
- Charles de Gaulle-Étoile (lines 1, 2 and 6, RER A)
- Argentine (line 1)
The following will be closed from 1pm;
- Blanche (line 2)
- Place de Clichy (lines 2 and 13)
- Rome (line 2)
- Villiers (lines 2 and 3)
- Monceau (line 12)
- Courcelles (line 2)
- Ternes (line 2)
The Montmartre funicular will also be closed from 1pm on Sunday.
Reopening is at the discretion of the police, but likely to be some time in the evening after the race has finished.