Tour de France 2028 to Start in Reims with Multiple Stages in Grand Est Region

The 2028 Tour de France will officially begin in Reims on June 24, marking a significant milestone for the Grand Est region and the Champagne-Ardenne area. This announcement was made by race director Christian Prudhomme and confirmed by several regional officials during a press conference on May 18, 2026. The start in Reims, renowned for its historical significance as the city where French kings were crowned and for its iconic Champagne production, represents a major victory for the region, which competed strongly against Luxembourg for the honour.

The route for the 115th edition of the Tour will highlight six key cities within Grand Est: Charleville-Mézières, Épernay, Reims, Verdun, Thionville, and Metz. Thionville will host a stage on June 28, which is notable since the last time cyclists passed through was in 1999. Metz, another integral part of the route and a city celebrated for its cultural and historical value, last appeared in the Tour in 2012. Local officials expressed pride and emphasized the Tour’s role in enhancing regional visibility and showcasing local heritage, gastronomy, and landscapes. Franck LEROY, president of Grand Est, described the Tour as "an exceptional showcase for the region," while Metz's mayor François GROSDIDIER highlighted the opportunity to boost the city's image. Pierre CUNY, mayor of Thionville, reaffirmed the city’s excitement about hosting the event.

Although Luxembourg did not secure the Grand départ, it will still feature prominently in the race with a significant passage during one or more stages. The overall Tour will conclude in Paris on July 16, 2028, advancing the traditional schedule due to the upcoming Olympic Games road cycling events in Los Angeles, running from July 14 to 30. This timeline adjustment adds particular importance to the 2028 edition.

This marks a return of the Tour to the Marne department, where the last passage was in 2019 with Julian Alaphilippe’s victory in Épernay. The 2028 Tour’s presence in these historic and picturesque locations underscores its integration of sporting excellence with French cultural heritage.