The 2025 Tour de France Femmes route has been revealed, setting the stage for a nine-day race that will take place exclusively in France, starting with the Grand Départ in Brittany. Opening stages in the northwest corner of the country will see riders tackle rolling terrain and punchy climbs, as local fans get the first chance to see top riders compete for early positioning.
After leaving Brittany, the route will head towards the Massif Central, where riders will face a challenging array of mid-race climbs. Known for its rugged terrain and steep gradients, the Massif Central promises to create early selection among the General Classification contenders, further setting up the competition as the race heads toward the high Alps. This mountainous region in the heart of France adds depth to the route, providing climbers with early opportunities to test their legs and create gaps before the decisive Alpine stages.
The biggest headline this year is the debut of the Col de la Madeleine, a brutal 17km climb with an average gradient of nearly 8%, that will play a key role in the latter stages. With its steep pitches and relentless ascent, the Madeleine is anticipated to shake up the General Classification. Riders like reigning champion Kasia Niewiadoma and 2023 winner Demi Vollering, both renowned for their climbing, will be looking to seize every advantage in this section. French hopefuls Juliette Labous and Evita Muzic, strong climbers themselves, will be motivated to shine on home soil as they navigate the demanding parcours.
Unlike the previous edition, the 2025 race notably omits a time trial, removing a key aspect that some GC riders traditionally depend on to gain time. This shift places even greater emphasis on climbing and endurance, meaning pure climbers may have an edge as they navigate through both the Massif Central and the Alps.
With an expanded nine-stage itinerary, challenging mid-race climbs, and the added test of the Col de la Madeleine, the 2025 Tour de France Femmes is set to push riders to their limits, providing a thrilling, all-France parcours that showcases the depth of the women’s peloton in one of the toughest editions yet.
2025 Tour de France Femmes route map
2025 Tour de France Femmes stage profiles
Stage 1: Vannes – Plumelec (79km)
Stage 2: Brest – Quimper (110km)
Stage 3: La Gacilly – Angers (162km)
Stage 4: Saumur – Poitiers (128km)
Stage 5: Chasseneuil-du-Poitou – Gueret (166km)
Stage 6: Clermont-Ferrand – Ambert (124km)
Stage 7: Bourg-en-Bresse – Chambéry (160km)
Stage 8: Chambéry – Saint François Longchamp (Col de la Madeleine) (112km)
