Published by Lyn on 16 July 2014
Tour de France road closures in the Pyrenees for stages 16, 17 and 18 on July 22 to 24, 2014.
The Tour de France spends three days in the Pyrenees in 2014 – three stages that weave and at times overlap, making it possible to see all three stages with relative ease (assuming you have a car or very able legs).
See here for our article on watching the Tour de France in person.
The route itself can close to cars anything up to 2 hours before the caravan, though it is usually possible to walk/cycle the route later. Specific road closures (especially those affecting minor roads) are coordinated at a local level. Local tourist offices, mairies (town halls) and accommodation providers will be able to provide more specifics.
The Conseil Général Hautes-Pyrénées has this very handy interactive map (in French) that highlights all major roads that will be affected by the Tour de France itself, and also by the Etape du Tour on Sunday, July 20. (Thanks to Caroline at Allez Pyrenees for this link).
Watching the Tour in the Pyrenees – like the Alps – needs particular planning as there is often only one way in and one way out (or should that be 'up' and 'down'?) on some sections of the route.
Set out early to find your vantage point, and don't forget hats, sunscreen, water and food supplies – it may be a loooong day.
Stage 16 - 237.5km from Carcassonne to Bagnères-de-Luchon, Tuesday, July 22
The full time schedule is here with caravan departure times etc. The caravan leaves Carcassonne at 8.45am; the stage itself starts at 10.45am.
Here's the stage overview.
Stage 17 - 124.5km from Saint Gaudens to Saint-Lary Pla d'Adet, Wednesday, July 23
The full time schedule is here with caravan departure times etc. The caravan leaves Saint-Gaudens at 11.35am; the stage itself starts at 1.35pm.
Here's the stage overview.
Stage 18 - 145.5km from Pau to Hautacam, Thursday, July 24
The full time schedule is here with caravan departure times etc. The caravan leaves Pau at 11am; the stage itself starts at 1pm.
Here's the stage overview.
Accommodation for the Tour de France
If you are super, super, super lucky, some of the places on the map below *might* still have accommodation available (likely as a result of cancellations). You can also browse this list to see options.