Sunday, July 19, Haute-Savoie will be one of the main stages of the Tour de France 2026. Between the spectacular col de la Croisette, the formidable slopes of the Salève, and the explosive finish at the Plateau de Solaison, several locations promise an exceptional show. Here is where to settle to fully enjoy the passage of the Grande Boucle.
An alpine stage that can already swing the Tour
Cycling lovers have a date with one of the most anticipated stages of this 2026 edition. After leaving the Jura, the peloton will enter Haute-Savoie before tackling several major difficulties up to the finish at the Plateau de Solaison.
With nearly 4,000 meters of positive elevation gain, this mountain stage is announced as one of the toughest of the Tour. The favorites in the general classification could already engage in a decisive battle for the yellow jersey here.
The col de la Croisette, a spectacular passage
The first major Haute-Savoie meeting point, the col de la Croisette is undoubtedly one of the best spots to see the riders in action. With gradients often exceeding 10%, the champions will climb here at a low speed, offering an ideal show for spectators.
The panoramas over the Geneva basin and the Salève massif add even more charm to the site. On the other hand, you will need to arrive very early: the roads will be closed several hours before the race passes.
The Salève, where gaps could widen
After the Croisette, the riders will continue their effort toward the Salève. The hairpin bends and steep slopes should already cause a natural selection in the peloton.
For photography enthusiasts, several curves offer excellent visibility on the riders while allowing admiration of the emblematic landscapes of Haute-Savoie.
The final climb to the Plateau de Solaison
This is obviously the highlight of this stage. The last 11.3 kilometers have an average gradient of over 9%, with a narrow road promising an atmosphere worthy of the great alpine ascents.
The last kilometers are expected to be packed with people. This is where the favorites could launch their decisive attacks before crossing the finish line.
The villages crossed also offer great opportunities
Not everyone wants to climb in the mountains several hours before the race. Good news: several towns crossed also allow watching the Tour’s passage in a festive atmosphere.
Among the interesting sectors are notably:
- Chevrier, gateway to the Tour in Haute-Savoie;
- Saint-Julien-en-Genevois;
- Archamps;
- Collonges-sous-Salève;
- Arbusigny;
- La Roche-sur-Foron;
- Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny;
- Bonneville.
These areas are often more accessible while allowing you to enjoy the publicity caravan and the popular atmosphere that accompanies the Tour de France.
Our tips to fully enjoy the event
If you want to watch the riders pass under the best conditions, it’s better to plan ahead.
- Arrive several hours early, especially on the mountain passes.
- Bring water, food, and sun protection.
- Respect the instructions of law enforcement and organizers.
- Never cross the road when riders are approaching.
- Always leave a clear passage for emergency vehicles.
The Tour de France is a popular celebration, but safety remains everyone’s priority.
What time to see the Tour de France pass in Haute-Savoie?
The publicity caravan will leave Champagnole, in Jura, at 10:45 am, while the riders will start at 1:10 pm. The entry into Haute-Savoie is planned through Vulbens, with the caravan passing around 2:09 pm, then the peloton between 3:38 pm and 3:52 pm.
At Viry, the caravan is expected at 2:25 pm and the riders between 3:50 pm and 4:05 pm. At Archamps, spectators will be able to see the caravan pass around 2:47 pm before the peloton between 4:07 pm and 4:23 pm. At the summit of the col de la Croisette, one of the most spectacular sectors of the stage, the caravan should arrive at 3:02 pm, then the cyclists between 4:23 pm and 4:42 pm.
The passage will continue at La Muraz around 3:15 pm for the caravan and between 4:31 pm and 4:51 pm for the riders. At the summit of the Mont hill, the announced times are 3:20 pm for the caravan and between 4:36 pm and 4:57 pm for the peloton. At Arbusigny, the public must be in place before 3:23 pm, with the riders expected between 4:38 pm and 4:59 pm.
The caravan will then cross La Roche-sur-Foron around 3:43 pm, followed by the riders between 4:54 pm and 5:17 pm. It will reach Saint-Pierre-en-Faucigny around 3:54 pm, where the peloton should pass between 5:02 pm and 5:26 pm, then Bonneville around 4:00 pm, with riders expected between 5:07 pm and 5:31 pm.
At Thuet, the caravan is announced at 4:07 pm and the peloton between 5:13 pm and 5:37 pm. At Brison, it should pass around 4:17 pm before the arrival of the cyclists between 5:25 pm and 5:52 pm. Finally, the publicity caravan is expected at the Plateau de Solaison around 4:29 pm. The stage winner should cross the finish line between 5:41 pm and 6:11 pm.
These times remain indicative, however. They can change depending on the peloton’s speed, weather conditions, and the race’s unfolding. It is therefore strongly advised to arrive several hours early, especially in mountain sectors where roads will be closed well before the riders pass.
A unique atmosphere in Haute-Savoie
Beyond the race, the Tour’s passage transforms the villages crossed into true festive places. Animations, the publicity caravan, supporters from around the world, and exceptional alpine landscapes will make this day an unforgettable moment, both for cycling enthusiasts and families coming to discover the Grande Boucle up close with the champions.
Cover photo generated by AI
