Reims Selected for Historic Grand Départ of 2028 Tour de France with Key Stages in Grand Est
The 2028 Tour de France will begin in Reims with initial stages in the Grand Est region, blending rich cycling history with cultural heritage, and marking a notable return to French starts amid Olympic scheduling adjustments.
- • The 2028 Tour de France Grand Départ will take place in Reims, France, starting June 24 and ending July 16.
- • The first four stages will traverse the Grand Est region, visiting cities including Charleville-Mézières, Épernay, Metz, Thionville, and Verdun.
- • Reims was favored over Luxembourg for the start, though the race route will still include stages in Luxembourg to honor its cycling heritage.
- • The start date was moved earlier due to the Los Angeles Olympics, and stage details suggest a sprinter-friendly first day followed by a challenging second stage to shake up the race.
- • Christian Prudhomme highlighted the importance of balancing regular French starts with international venues and celebrated Reims' historical significance and cultural landmarks.
Key details
The 2028 Tour de France will officially start in the French city of Reims, marking a significant homecoming as the event returns to France for its 115th edition. The race is scheduled to begin on June 24, 2028, and conclude in Paris on July 16, with four initial stages taking place in the Grand Est region. This announcement was made on May 18, 2026, by Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour.
Reims, a city with a population of around 177,674, last hosted the Tour's Grand Départ in 1956 and has a rich cycling heritage, including being the hometown of cycling champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the 2025 Tour de France Femmes winner. The 2028 race will encompass stages through key cities such as Charleville-Mézières, Épernay, Metz, Thionville, and Verdun, highlighting the cultural and historical assets of the region, including its UNESCO-listed vineyards and historical significance.
The decision to choose Reims over Luxembourg followed careful consideration, with Lourdes of Luxembourg’s strong bid acknowledged by Prudhomme and confirmed plans for the Tour to pass through Luxembourg territory during the 2028 route as a nod to its cycling contributions. This balance reflects the importance of maintaining regular French Grand Départs while embracing the international aspect of the Tour after recent starts in Barcelona (2026) and Edinburgh (2027).
The 2028 Tour will commence earlier than usual due to the Los Angeles Olympic Games, shifting the start date to June 24. While detailed stage routes remain unrevealed, the opening stages promise exciting competition, with the first stage favoring sprinters and a challenging second stage potentially influencing the yellow jersey standings.
Prudhomme emphasized the importance of combining sport with history and culture, celebrating Reims' significant place in French heritage, notably as a site linked to French royalty and previous world cycling championships. The race’s presence in the Grand Est is expected to spotlight the region’s landscapes and contribute to a memorable edition of the Tour de France.
This article was translated and synthesized from French sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
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