Pau will once again be at the heart of the cycling action by welcoming the departure of the 14th stage of Tour de France on Saturday July 19, 2025,. This stage, which will start towards Luchon-Superbagnères, promises to be one of the most captivating of this 2025 edition. Here is everything you need to know about not missing this major sporting event.
The 14th stage of Tour de France 2025 will be the last Pyrenean step of this edition. With a 183 -kilometer route and a positive elevation of 4950 meters, the runners will have to face the legendary passes of Tourmalet, Aspin, Peyresourde, and finally the final climb to Superbagnères. This step is considered one of the most difficult in the Tour, with climbs reaching up to 7.8% slope.
Pyrenean passes are renowned for their difficulty and beauty. The Col du Tourmalet, for example, is one of the most emblematic passes in the Tour de France, with a rich history and many memorable moments. The runners will have to show great endurance and a well -thought -out strategy to overcome these challenges.
Pau’s departure
Pau, an emblematic city of cycling, will welcome the Tour de France for the 76th time. The start of the stage will be given at 11:55 am, avenue Gaston Lacoste, near the Tour des Géants. The runners will take a route crossing historic sites of the city, thus offering a unique spectacle to spectators.
Pau has a long history with the Tour de France, having welcomed the event for the first time in 1930. Since then, the city has become an essential place for cycling enthusiasts.
As Josy Poueyto, a municipal councilor delegated to the Tour de France, pointed out, “Pau is a city that breathes cycling, and each passage of the Tour is a moment of celebration and communion for all the inhabitants.”
The Tour Caravan
Before the passage of runners, the famous advertising caravan of Tour de France will parade in the streets of Pau from 9:55 am. Composed of nearly 4,500 people, it will offer entertainment and gifts to spectators massed along the route. A festive moment not to be missed for families and cycling enthusiasts.
The Tour caravan is a full -fledged institution. It precedes the runners and announces the arrival of the race, creating a festive and colorful atmosphere. Spectators can expect to see decorated vehicles, musical entertainment, and distributions of goodies by the sponsors of the Tour.
Luchon-Superbagnères: the city of arrival
Luchon-Superbagnères is a spa station and a ski area located in the French Pyrenees. Known for its thermal waters since Roman times, the city of Luchon, officially named Bagnères-de-Luchon, is a destination popular for its therapeutic benefits and its exceptional natural setting.
Superbagnères, located 1800 meters above sea level, is accessible by cable car from Luchon. This winter sports station offers breathtaking landscapes and tracks suitable for all levels. In summer, it turns into a paradise for hikers and mountain biking enthusiasts.
The arrival of the Tour de France in Superbagnères is always a highlight of the race. The climb to the station is renowned for its difficulty, with passages at more than 9% slope. The runners will have to draw on their latest resources to face this final ascent, often decisive for the general classification.
As a local organizer pointed out, “The arrival of the Tour de France in Superbagnères is a major event for our station. This allows us to show the whole world the beauty of our region and attract new visitors.”
For spectators, Superbagnères offers a breathtaking view of the arrival of runners. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of the station’s facilities and the numerous events planned for the occasion. Do not forget to equip yourself accordingly, because the temperatures can be cool at altitude, even in summer.
Runners to monitor
Several runners will be monitored during this Pyrenean stage. Among them, Tadej Pogačar, the winner of the Tour de France 2024, who will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to win this stage. Jonas Vingegaard, second in the 2024 round, will also be a serious competitor. Other runners such as Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel could also play a key role in this stage.
Mountain stages are often decisive in the Tour de France. The differences are widening and the leaders in the general classification must be vigilant. As a cycling expert pointed out, the Pyrenean stages are always spectacular. The runners must combine physical strength and strategy to hope to prevail. \ “
Economic and media benefits
The arrival of Tour de France In Pau represents an economic boon for the city and its agglomeration. Nearly 4,500 people, including teams, followers and the press, will be hosted on site on July 17 and 18. In addition, the stage will be broadcast in 190 countries, with more than 100 hours of direct on France Télévisions, ensuring international visibility in Pau.
The economic benefits of the Tour de France are considerable. Local hotels, restaurants and shops benefit from an exceptional crowd. According to a recent study, each passage of the Tour generates several million euros in economic benefits for the stages cities. As Jean-Marc said, a local restaurateur, \ “The Tour de France is a real windfall for our city. The benefits are immediate and durable. \”
Animations and events around the Tour in Pau
Let’s give them to the bicycle
11e Edition of “Let us give them to the J-1 bike” takes place from July 4 to July 26 and it is 9 women of amateur level cyclists who fully carry out the same stages, the day before the Tour de France, in order to promote female cycling and the development of the practicing base. Every day 35 women and 35 men are invited to accompany them on all or part of the stage.
These 9 runners will therefore be in Pau on July 18 to make the same stage as the runners of the Tour the next day. Come encourage them! Go to Stade Tissié – Tour des Géants at 7:30 am.
LCL Helmets Operation
LCL, partner of the yellow jersey, puts young people in the spotlight! Eight children of the club Pau Vélo 64, aged 9 to 13, will climb on the signature podium to receive a yellow helmet from the hands of an ambassador. In official clothing of their club, they will live a unique moment … at the front row of the Tour Champions!*
Continental Cadets/Juniors
Eight young cyclists of the Pau Vélo 64 club, aged 15 to 18, will have an unforgettable experience thanks to this operation. Presented as the pros on the signature podium, they will open the stage by browsing the first 30 kilometers in front of the Tour caravan. After a break in official vehicles, they will take the road to cross the finish line to the applause of the public. A dream day … like real champions!
Advice for spectators
To take full advantage of this event, it is advisable to arrive early in order to secure a good place along the route. The Cols du Tourmalet and Superbagnères are particularly popular for their breathtaking views of the race. Do not forget to equip yourself accordingly, with water, sunscreen and clothes suitable for the weather.
Here are some additional tips for spectators:
- Favor public transportation to avoid parking problems.
- Plan comfortable shoes because you will probably stand for several hours.
- Bring twins to better see the runners, especially if you are placed far from the road.
- Respect the safety instructions and barriers set up by the organizers.
Practical information
- Date : Saturday July 19, 2025
- Lieu : Departure avenue Gaston Lacoste, Pau
- Programme : Departure from the caravan at 9:55 am, departure of the runners at 11:55 am
Sources of the article
- The 2025 Tour route in Pau and Agglo | Pau agglomeration
- Official website : Tour de France
