While the full route won’t be unveiled until 23rd October, new details and rumours surrounding the 2026 Tour de France Femmes suggest another mountainous edition, a later summer calendar slot, and a Grand Départ abroad for the second time in the race’s history.
After the success of the 2024 start in Rotterdam, organisers ASO have confirmed that the 2026 race will begin in Lausanne, Switzerland. The first two stages will be entirely within Swiss borders before the peloton crosses into France on stage 3. As reported by Le Dauphiné, the route is expected to head south and into the Alps, with mounting speculation around a Mont Ventoux finish.
This would follow the race’s established pattern of tackling historic Tour climbs: Planche des Belles Filles in 2022, Alpe d’Huez in 2024, and the Col de la Madeleine in 2025. Adding the Giant of Provence to that list would further cement the event’s position as a mirror to the men’s race in terms of prestige and terrain.
Mont Ventoux has only once hosted a top-level women’s race finish, when the short-lived Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenge Women held its sole edition in 2022. Marta Cavalli claimed victory that day after a dominant ride, finishing ahead of Clara Koppenburg and Evita Muzic, with future Tour de France Femmes podium finisher Pauliena Rooijakkers taking 4th. Though that race did not return in future seasons, it provided a glimpse of how decisive the climb can be in the women’s peloton.
Photo Credit: Fred Machabert/Mont Ventoux Dénivelé ChallengesAlthough the full parcours remains under wraps, Le Dauphiné notes that ASO has maintained a clear policy since 2022: to bring the women’s peloton to the most iconic locations in Tour de France history. If the Ventoux rumours prove true, it would mark the most demanding summit finish yet in the race’s short but growing history.
One confirmed change is the shifted calendar. The race will begin on 1st August 2026, one week later than this year’s edition. This adjustment is aimed at avoiding overlap with the men’s race finale, improving broadcast visibility and allowing more logistical resources to be shared between events.
