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Étape du Tour La Plagne: Your Full Event Guide
This summer, thousands of amateur cyclists will tackle the same brutal mountain route that the Tour de France pros will ride just five days later. And they’re finishing right here, in La Plagne.
If you’re planning a summer holiday in the Alps, you might not realise just how exciting (and family-friendly) L’Étape du Tour can be, even if no one in your group is a cyclist.
I live in a ski resort in the French Alps and have volunteered at L’Étape before. It’s one of the most inspiring sporting events I’ve ever been part of, and I want to help you make the most of it, whether you’re planning to spectate, cheer on a friend, or just stumble upon the buzz while on holiday.
Read on for a full breakdown of the route, top viewing spots, what to bring, and why it’s absolutely worth your time.
What is L'Étape du Tour?
L’Étape du Tour is a one-day amateur race where thousands of riders take on a full Tour de France stage: same course, same conditions, and completely closed roads. It’s been running for over 30 years and now attracts around 16,000 cyclists each summer. And this year the Etape is taking on stage 19 of the 2025 Tour De France, from Albertville to La Plagne!
The vibe? Passionate, challenging, emotional. You’ll see Lycra-clad weekend warriors, lifelong riders ticking off a bucket-list goal, and plenty of tears and high-fives at the finish line. It’s the Tour de France spirit, just without the World Tour pros.
L’Étape du Tour 2025: What You Need to Know
- Date: Sunday 20 July 2025
- Route: Albertville to La Plagne
- Distance: ~131km
- Elevation Gain: ~4,500m
- Key Climbs:
- Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine
- Col des Saisies
- Col du Pré
- Cormet de Roselend
- Final 19.1km climb to La Plagne Villages (7.2% avg gradient)
This is a beast of a route! One of the toughest Étape profiles in recent memory. Riders will be grinding for hours, especially on the final climb which has 24 hairpins and finishes at 2,052m here in La Plagne. If you’re spectating, it’s one of the most rewarding places to watch the drama unfold.
Why It’s Worth Watching (Even if You’re Not a Cyclist)
- It’s emotional: These aren’t pros. They’re real people doing something extraordinary. You’ll see raw effort, joy, and sometimes tears at the finish.
- It’s inclusive: From age 18 to 80+, riders come from all over the world to take part.
- It’s inspiring for kids: There’s something magic about watching someone achieve a personal goal, especially in a location your kids may have skied down in winter.
Top Tips for Spectators
Best Places to Watch:
- Finish Line – La Plagne Villages: Big crowds, music, finisher medals, and announcers calling out names. Great energy.
- Mid-climb (Plagne 1800 to Plagne Centre): Riders will be hurting here. Lots of interaction, cheers, signs, and the occasional high five!
- Early Climb Sections (just above Aime or Macot): Less crowded, great for a picnic setup, easier to access with younger kids.
How to Enjoy the Start & Finish of L’Étape du Tour
Whether you’re supporting a rider or just want to soak up the buzz, the start and finish line areas of L’Étape du Tour are full of activities, giveaways, and Alpine atmosphere. Perfect for making the most of your weekend.
The Starting Village – Albertville
If you’re nearby ahead of race day, don’t miss the official departure village in Albertville. La Plagne will have its own stand there with plenty to see and do:
- Enter to win a stay in La Plagne. A nice bonus if you’re already dreaming of next season!
- Pick up a little souvenir from the resort.
- Try the La Plagne bobsleigh simulator — a brilliant virtual reality ride from Evos that gives you a taste of the Olympic track.
Where to find it:
Parc Olympique Henry Dujol, Albertville
Opening hours:
- Thursday 17 July: 2pm–7pm
- Friday 18 July: 10am–7pm
- Saturday 19 July: 10am–7pm
The Finish Line & Village – Plagne Villages
When it’s time to head up for the big finish, Plagne Villages will be transformed into a welcoming, festival-like zone for spectators and riders alike.
Entertainment & Fan Zones
The finish area isn’t just a line on the road. It’s a whole village atmosphere with activities for all ages:
- Télébus departure area: grab a snack or drink at the refreshment bar before heading up.
- Fan zone: at the parking under Aspen (about 500m from the finish) with music and food stands.
- Finish village: expect a lively mix of entertainment including a podium area, live concert, mountain bike show, photobooth, gourmet stalls and more food and drink.
Local tip: Give yourself extra time to wander, grab a drink, and soak up the atmosphere. The post-race Pasta Party is reserved for riders, but the rest of the finish village is for everyone to enjoy.
How to Get to the Finish Line in La Plagne
With road closures (read more below!), shuttle cut-offs, and steep climbs involved, reaching the finish line of L’Étape du Tour in La Plagne takes some planning. Here’s a breakdown of the best routes to access the final climb and finish area, whether you’re coming from within the resort or arriving from the valley.
Recommended Access Points to the Finish Area:
- From Plagne Aime 2000
Take the Télémétro to Plagne Centre, then the Télébus gondola up to Plagne Villages. - From Plagne Bellecôte
Use the Colosses chairlift or follow the Dou du Praz footpath. The chairlift gets busy, so allow time to queue. - From Belle Plagne
Walk the footpath to Dou du Praz and then continue to the finish line area on foot. - From Plagne Centre / Soleil
A few parking spaces may be available early in the day. From there, use the Télébus or one of the marked walking paths to reach the top.
La Plagne Etape 2025 Road Closures
Race days in the Alps mean strict road closures, shuttle limits, and parking restrictions—so planning ahead is key. Whether you're here for L’Étape du Tour or the Tour de France stage 19, here's what you need to know:
Sunday 20 July – L’Étape du Tour
RN90 Closure
- Closed between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Bellentre from 9am–6pm
- Avoid valley travel if possible
- Detour: Use the D86 via Les Chapelles to rejoin RN90 at Bellentre
Access to La Plagne (D221)
- Road closed from 10am to 8pm from the Macot roundabout
- Descent to the valley is forbidden from 7am to 8pm due to race equipment setup
- Plagne Villages is fully closed to all vehicles from 5pm Saturday 19 to 8pm Sunday 20 July
Etape du Tour La Plagne Parking Information
Parking can make or break your race day experience, especially when roads are closed and shuttles are limited. Here’s exactly how to plan your parking for Sunday 20 July, plus where to go if you’re arriving with a camper van.
Recommended Parking at Altitude
If you’re parking higher up in resort, these are the best places to leave your car before heading to the finish line:
- Plagne Aime 2000: Park here, then take the Télémétro to Plagne Centre and the Télébus gondola up to Plagne Villages.
- Plagne Bellecôte: Leave your car here, then use the Colosses chairlift or follow the Dou du Praz footpath on foot.
- Belle Plagne: Direct footpath access to Dou du Praz — ideal if you want to walk up at your own pace.
- Plagne Centre / Soleil: A few spaces may be available early in the day, but they’ll fill up fast. From there, you can use the Télébus gondola or footpaths to reach the final climb.
Parking Restrictions to Know
- Plagne Villages (arrival area): Parking is prohibited from Thursday 10 July onwards.
- The last shuttle or drop-off access to Plagne Villages will be on Saturday 19 July at 5pm. After that, you’ll need to be on foot.
Motorhomes & Camper Vans
Travelling with a camper? Plan ahead:
- Motorhome parking is only allowed at the Parkings des Mines or Décathlon (Plagne 1800) or further down at La Roche (top of the bobsleigh run).
- No motorhomes are allowed above Plagne 1800 on race weekend.
Shuttle Services
- The last shuttle from the valley up to altitude runs on Saturday 19 July at 5pm — there are no valley-to-resort shuttles on race day itself.
- There will also be no inter-resort shuttle between Plagne 1800, Plagne Centre and Bellecôte on Sunday 20 July, so plan to walk or use lifts before closures kick in.
Local tip: Arrive as early as you can and be ready to walk. Once you’re settled near the climb or finish line, you’ll be glad you planned ahead!
Local Tips for a Fun Race Day in La Plagne
I live in the resort year-round, and after experiencing race days both as a spectator and a volunteer, these are the little things that can make a big difference:
Bring a cowbell for the kids
It’s the unofficial Alpine cheer tool – lightweight, noisy (in the best way), and brilliant for encouraging tired riders on the final climb.
The boulangerie in Plagne 1800 usually opens early
But queues form quickly on race mornings. Get there as close to opening time as you can, or grab your picnic the day before.
Mobile signal can drop in peak zones
Agree a meeting spot in advance if your group splits up – especially near the finish or on busy hairpin corners.
Weather changes fast at altitude
Even if it’s warm in the valley, the wind picks up near the summit. Layers and windproofs are a must, even in July.
Kids love handing out snacks
Pack a bag of sweets or fruit chews and let your children offer them to riders. It’s such a small gesture, but it really lifts spirits on tough sections.
Étape du Tour: What to Bring for a Stress-Free Day
Doing the Étape du Tour is a big bucket-list moment for many cyclists, or a fab day out cheering on friends and family. Either way, it’s worth having the right kit to keep everyone comfortable all day:
✅ Compact camping chair or picnic mat — pick your spot early and settle in.
✅ Insulated water bottles & snacks — especially for kids while they wait.
✅ Sun protection — hats, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream.
✅ Charged power bank — so you don’t run out of battery for photos or rider tracking.
✅ Lightweight rain jacket — you never know in the Alps.
✅ Small first aid kit & wipes — always handy with kids.
Need any bits before you come? I’ve saved all my favourite family-tested summer essentials here so that you can tick them all off easily.
How to Build L'Étape du Tour Into a Family Holiday
L’Étape is just one day, but La Plagne in summer is full of activities to round out your stay. Here’s how to make it part of a longer break:
Suggested Itinerary:
- Arrive Friday or Saturday: Explore the resort and enjoy pre-race build-up
- Sunday 20 July: Watch L’Étape
- Mon–Thu: Go hiking, mountain biking, or ride the summer luge
- Friday 25 July: Cheer on the Tour de France pros on the same route
Check out my La Plagne Summer Guide for everything from activity passes to where to eat with kids.
My Experience of L'Étape du Tour
When I worked for a massage company in a previous life! We worked at the finish line of the 2019 Étape du Tour in Val Thorens, and I loved every second. Watching people push themselves, hearing their stories, seeing the gratitude for a cheer or a banana… it gave me a new respect for what this race means to people.
It’s more than a sporting event. It’s community, grit, and a bit of madness rolled into one.
Final Checklist for Watching L'Étape du Tour
- Book accommodation early: Peak Feeling is my go-to, or the La Plagne resort site.
- Plan for road closures and where to park
- Bring your own snacks and water
- Choose your viewing spot by 10am
- Get ready to cheer loudly!
FAQ: L’Étape du Tour 2025 in La Plagne
What is L’Étape du Tour?
It’s a one-day amateur cycling event where participants ride a full Tour de France stage: same route, same climbs, but without the pros. Roads are fully closed to traffic, and riders come from all over the world to take part.
When is the 2025 Etape du Tour happening in La Plagne?
Sunday 20 July 2025. The route mirrors Stage 19 of the 2025 Tour de France, happening on the 25th July, finishing in La Plagne.
How many people take part?
Around 16,000 riders are expected. It’s one of the biggest amateur cycling events in the world.
Can we watch even if we’re not into cycling?
Absolutely! It’s a brilliant day out, even as a spectator. The atmosphere is emotional and uplifting, and the finish line in La Plagne Villages is a great spot to soak it all in.
What time should we arrive?
Riders start from Albertville early in the morning and are expected in La Plagne from early afternoon onwards. Aim to be in place by 10am, especially if you're heading to the finish or mid-climb spots.
Where are the best places to watch?
The finish line in La Plagne Villages has the most action, but the hairpins around Plagne 1800 and the bobsleigh track are brilliant for cheering and photos. Earlier sections of the climb offer more space and a relaxed vibe.
Will there be food or facilities?
There are likely to be pop-up stalls and local bars/cafés open. But definitely bring snacks, drinks, and essentials like wipes and suncream.
Are there road closures?
Yes, and they’ll be extensive. Expect main access roads to La Plagne to be closed early in the day, with limited parking. It’s best to park lower down and walk or take shuttles (if available).
Is it safe and fun for kids to attend?
Yes! The event is less intense than the pro Tour stage and much more relaxed. Bring games, a picnic, and find a spot where the kids can run around safely while waiting for riders.
What should we bring?
Snacks, water, layers, sun protection, a camera or phone, something to sit on, and a flag or sign if you want to cheer on the riders.
