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Popular Sporting Events & Festivals in Europe

Tour de France Trips 2026

The Tour De France is one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, with hundreds of thousands gathering along the raceway and millions watching at home.

The Tour De France is one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, with hundreds of thousands of spectators gathering along the race route and millions more watching from around the globe. Each year, the race brings together passionate cycling fans, iconic locations and an electric atmosphere across France.

The Tour de France 2026 starts on the 4 July in Barcelona, and features 21 stages, including mountain climbs in the Alps and the Pyrenees, before the ultimate finish in Paris on 26 July. Whether you’re a new fan or a long-time follower of the race, why not make 2026 the year you swap the sofa for the roadside? With our Dover to Calais ferries, travelling to France for Tour De France trips is easier than ever, with up to 11 daily sailings and a 90-minute crossing.

Book a ferry direct

 

 

£
Hull - Rotterdam
Rotterdam - Hull
Cairnryan - Larne
Larne - Cairnryan
Dover - Calais
Calais - Dover
Number of Passengers
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Hull To Rotterdam
Adult 16+
Infant 0-1
Toddler 2-3
Child 4-15
Small dog
Large dog
Extra large dog
Small Pet
Other pet
Rotterdam To Hull
Adult 16+
Infant 0-1
Toddler 2-3
Child 4-15
Small dog
Large dog
Extra large dog
Small Pet
Other pet
Number of Passengers
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Cairnryan To Larne
Adult 16-59
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Student 16-25
Senior 60+
Pet Staying in Car
Larne To Cairnryan
Adult 16-59
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Student 16-25
Senior 60+
Pet Staying in Car
Number of Passengers
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Dover To Calais
Adult 16+
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Access to Pet Lounge
Pet Staying in Car
Calais To Dover
Adult 16+
Infant 0-3
Child 4-15
Access to Pet Lounge
Pet Staying in Car
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Hull To Rotterdam
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8 height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
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Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Rotterdam To Hull
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8 height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Cairnryan To Larne
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8 height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Larne To Cairnryan
Travelling By
Vehicle Type
Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8 height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Vehicle Details
Please select your vehicle type. Please note: Vehicles of any type carrying commercial goods must be booked on our freight website. Please include roof boxes and bikes in your vehicles total height.
Dover To Calais
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Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8m height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Calais To Dover
Travelling By
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Standard
Standard: <4.7m length; <1.8m height. Enter length if 4.7m or greater.
Standard Van
Standard Van: <7m length, <2.30m height. If length is 7m or greater, contact our Freight team
Standard Minibus
Standard Minibus: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Standard Motorhome
Standard Motorhome: <6m length; <2.3m height. Enter length if 6.0m or greater.
Departure time
Returning time
Day trip
From: Hull
To: Rotterdam
 
 
Day trip
 
Day trip
Tour de France race

Tour de France Trips 2026

Take a break to France

Weekend cycling breaks in France

If watching the Tour De France inspires you to get on the bike yourself, a cycling holiday in France is a great way to experience the country’s scenery at your own pace. Cycling breaks allow you to explore landscapes, towns and countryside routes that are often featured in the Tour de France route.

Popular cycling destinations include Bordeaux, Provence and sections of the French Alps. With P&O Ferries, travelling with your bike is straightforward, allowing you to focus on Tour de France trip planning and even create your own mini Tour De France experience.

Cycling Day Trips to France

If you don’t have time for a whole holiday or even a weekend away, you could even do a cycling day trip to France and take in the roads and quick hits of a city like Paris. With up to 11 crossings a day from Dover to Calais, getting to France for a cycling day trip is easier than ever before.


Take a P&O Ferry to France and pack in a day of adventure, like a mini Tour De France Paris, before heading home the very same evening.
parked bicycles in Paris France

How does the Tour de France work?

The Tour de France is made up of a series of daily races known as Tour de France stages, which take place over several weeks and travel through different regions of France. Each stage follows a different route, meaning riders must tackle a mix of terrain including flat sprint stages, rolling countryside routes and demanding mountain climbs.

Instead of a single race winner each day deciding the overall champion, riders accumulate their times across all Tour de France stages. The cyclist with the lowest combined time across the entire race leads the general classification and wears the famous yellow jersey.

Because the route changes every year and moves from town to town, many fans choose to follow parts of the race in person. Watching multiple stages along the route can turn the experience into an unforgettable Tour de France holiday, combining world-class cycling with the chance to explore different regions of France.

Cyclist going on board

Travelling by ferry with a bike rack

Exploring the History of the Tour de France

The Tour de France has a rich history dating back to 1903, making it one of the oldest and most celebrated cycling events in the world. Over the decades, the race has grown from a small French competition into a global sporting spectacle, attracting top riders and passionate fans from around the world.

For visitors looking to dive deeper into the race’s heritage, there are plenty of Tour de France attractions to explore. The Tour de France Museum is a must-visit, offering interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a chance to learn about the legendary cyclists and historic moments that shaped the race.

Whether you’re a cycling fan or simply curious about French sporting culture, exploring these attractions adds a fascinating dimension to any Tour de France holiday, connecting you to the tradition and excitement that make the race truly iconic.



Booking Your Tour de France Travel

If you want to travel to the Tour de France or on a continental cycling trip, P&O Ferries makes it easy to travel to Europe from the UK.

You can travel to France by ferry in style in our luxurious club lounge. Enjoy complimentary food and drinks and a beautiful view from the private deck for a serene trip across the Channel.

With plenty to keep you occupied on the ferry to France from Dover, with our duty-free store to explore, the food market, and kids’ entertainment. When you travel to the Tour De France with P&O Ferries, your trip begins as soon as you step onboard. It takes just 1.5 hours to reach Calais, so you’ll be driving or cycling in France in no time. So don’t hesitate and start planning your Tour de France trip today!


ferry to france view of Calais

Tour de France peloton in rainy weather

Tour de France Trip Planning

The Tour De France is widely regarded as the most prestigious cycling race in the world. Each year, the very best cyclists compete against one another along a carefully planned Tour de France route that changes annually.

With multiple stages across different regions, the race offers a great opportunity to plan memorable Tour De France trips. Many fans choose to organise a road trip, following the race from stage to stage and experiencing the excitement at multiple locations along the route.

Whether you’re travelling specifically for the cycling or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, the Tour De France is an ideal reason to plan short breaks to France by ferry. It's the perfect excuse for a short break to France by ferry.

Book a ferry to France direct

Tour De France Femme

The Tour De France Femme 2026 begins on 01 August. The race features eight stages, travelling through three countries and showcasing beautiful stretches of the French countryside.

Tour de France FAQs

1 What is the Tour de France Femmes?

The Tour de France Femmes is the women’s edition of the race. It takes place after the men’s Tour and features multiple stages across France, showcasing elite women cyclists and scenic routes.

2 What is the Tour de France?
The Tour de France is the world’s most famous professional cycling race, held annually across France. It takes place over several weeks in July and features multiple stages that pass through cities, mountains and countryside regions.
3 When does the Tour de France take place?

The Tour de France usually runs throughout July each year. The exact dates and race route change annually, with stages spread across different parts of France and occasionally neighbouring countries.

4 Can spectators watch the Tour de France for free?

Yes, watching the Tour de France from the roadside is free. Spectators can line the route to see riders pass through towns, villages and mountain stages, making it one of the most accessible major sporting events in the world.

5 What is the Tour de France route?

The Tour de France route changes every year and is made up of multiple stages, including flat stages, hill stages, mountain climbs and time trials. Routes often pass through iconic regions such as the Alps, Pyrenees and major cities, finishing traditionally in Paris.