The Most Beautiful Towns You’ll See in the Tour de France 2025

The historic and geographic heart of this southern city is its UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel – a relic of its heyday as a fortress more than two millennia ago. The impressive structure is a postcard-perfect example of French medieval architecture, with its turrets and towers still intact. Visitors can also explore other historic beauties in Carcassonne – including the 14th-century Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) – and enjoy a spectacular fireworks display every 14 July on French National Day.

Dubbed “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City), thanks to its distinctive terracotta architecture, Toulouse captivates visitors with warm, rosy hues that glow magnificently when bathed in sunlight. Add the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica of Saint Sernin – one of Europe’s largest Romanesque churches – to your itinerary, as well as the area surrounding the Renaissance façade of the Place du Capitole which makes for a theatrical setting for the city’s vibrant café culture – a favoured subject of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s Post-Impressionist art. 

This world-renowned ski resort nestled high in the French Alps isn’t just about winter sports – the summer months reveal green meadows dotted with wildflowers, crystal-clear mountain lakes and hiking trails that offer breathtaking panoramic views across the Tarentaise Valley. Beyond the spectacular nature that abounds, it’s the upscale offerings that draw visitors, whatever the season. Here, you’ll find luxury chalets, Michelin-starred restaurants and night-life, perfect for  après in any season.

At high tide, Saint-Malo appears to float on the Engish Channel like a ship. This fortified port city on Brittany’s Emerald Coast boasts granite ramparts, cobblestoned streets and ancient merchant houses with spectacular views over the water. The nearby town of Cancale is famous for its oysters so don’t miss the opportunity to sample them while in the area: just a 15-minute drive east from Saint-Malo, in Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes, the three-starred Le Coquillage awaits, with produce spanning seafood (of course) as well as spoils from its kitchen garden.

Montpellier’s proximity to the Mediterranean coastline means visitors can easily combine urban exploration with beach relaxation. For the former, there’s the Gothic old town, a labyrinth of medieval streets that wind past not-to-be-missed churches and Renaissance mansions. For the latter, there are plenty of beaches, marinas and cute harbours to admire, all within easy reach of the city. A local favourite? Nearby Plage du Grand Travers, whose wide dunes and prolific beach clubs attract families and partygoers alike.

The historic capital of Gascony, Auch rises majestically above the Gers River, crowned by a Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, with its remarkable Renaissance stained-glass windows and intricate choir stalls, represents one of south-western France’s most impressive religious monuments. This is a town that lends itself to wandering (aside from cycling, of course), with steep medieval streets that cascade down the hillside, spilling into charming squares lined with half-timbered houses – some of which date back as far as the 15th century. 

Situated near the Swiss border in the Jura Mountains, Pontarlier easily charms visitors with its pristine high-altitude setting. Surrounded by rolling hills blanketed by spruce forests and dotted with traditional Jura farmhouses, Pontarlier offers exceptional hiking and cross-country skiing. Meanwhile, its famous distilleries continue the centuries-old tradition of crafting absinthe. If you’re ready to try its famous export and dive deep into its devilish history, don’t miss the Maison de l’Absinthe – a half-hour drive away in Môtiers – which has its very own bar.

Straddling the pretty Rhône River, with views towards the distant alps, Valence’s position makes it a perfectly pretty place to stop, while its Roman heritage – best observed in its ancient ruins and stunning Romanesque cathedral – adds interest for history buffs. As you admire its setting, enjoy its delicious cuisine, too – Valence is known for its pogne, a wreath-like brioche scented with orange blossom. (Artisan bakery Maison Nivon, near the station, has been serving the town since 1856.)

In winter, the French Pyrenees – near the border between France and Spain – are fairytale-like with their hefty dusting of snow and idyllic mountain villages. Come summer, the raw beauty of the range’s cliffs and drops is exposed and few places deliver on these views quite like Peyragudes. While the cooler seasons bring plenty of skiing and snowboarding opportunities, of course, in the warmer months the alpine resort’s flower-filled meadows, crystalline mountain streams and pristine wilderness are crisscrossed with walking trails – from easy five-kilometre strolls to multi-day treks through fir forests.

The emblematic finish line of the Tour de France since 1975 (with the exception of 2024), Paris and its iconic Champs-Élysées is the backdrop for the race’s final stage, with the Arc de Triomphe coming into view as bikes roll over the avenue’s famous cobblestones. The city’s 8th arrondissement is known for its incredible landmarks; namely, the fountain-adorned Place de la Concorde, striking Grand Palais and très belle Parc Monceau. It also boasts stately museums, designer boutiques and chic hotels, including the Hôtel San Régis and the Four Seasons Hotel George V, which houses three Michelin-starred restaurants. In other words, it’s a microcosm of the city’s renowned elegance, glamour and heritage.