When it comes to ranking the best Tour de France parcours of the past decade, it’s tempting to focus solely on the drama that unfolded on the road. But personally, I think the route itself is a character in this story—one that can either elevate the race or leave it feeling flat. Let’s dive into why some routes succeeded where others stumbled, and what this reveals about the art of designing a Grand Tour.
The 2020 Route: A Masterclass in Balance
In my opinion, the 2020 Tour de France stands out as the gold standard. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it blended innovation with tradition. The inclusion of forgotten climbs like Orcières-Merlette and the debut of the Col de la Loze felt like a love letter to cycling history while pushing the sport forward. The mountain time-trial finale was a stroke of genius—though I suspect the organizers hoped for a Thibaut Pinot victory rather than Primož Roglič’s dramatic downfall. What this really suggests is that a great route doesn’t just test riders; it tells a story.
2023: A Climber’s Paradise—But at What Cost?
The 2023 edition was a climber’s dream, with 56,000 meters of elevation gain. From my perspective, this route was tailor-made for the Pogačar-Vingegaard duel, but it left everyone else in the dust. One thing that immediately stands out is how the Basque Country Grand Départ set the tone early, yet the relentless mountain stages made it a two-horse race. What many people don’t realize is that while this route delivered on GC drama, it sacrificed the diversity that makes the Tour special.
2022: The Safe Bet That Paid Off
If you take a step back and think about it, the 2022 route was unapologetically traditional. But that’s precisely why it worked. The return of cobbles and iconic climbs like Alpe d’Huez created a well-rounded race. A detail that I find especially interesting is how it balanced time-trialing and mountain stages, ensuring no single discipline dominated. This raises a deeper question: Is it better to play it safe or take risks?
2017: The Forgotten Disaster
The 2017 route is often overlooked, but it’s a cautionary tale. With too many sprint stages and downhill finishes, it failed to create meaningful gaps. Personally, I think this route highlights a common misconception: that more stages equal more excitement. In reality, it’s about quality, not quantity.
2026: A Missed Opportunity?
Looking ahead, the 2026 route feels like a missed opportunity. The Barcelona Grand Départ lacks imagination, and the sprint-heavy first week feels formulaic. What this really suggests is that organizers are playing it safe, hoping for a dramatic final week. But if the winner is crowned by Stage 20, those iconic summit finishes could fall flat.
The Bigger Picture
What makes a great Tour de France route isn’t just about climbs or cobbles—it’s about creating a narrative. The best routes challenge riders, surprise fans, and showcase the diversity of France. In my opinion, the 2020 edition nailed this, while others like 2017 and 2026 fell short. As we look to the future, organizers should remember: a route isn’t just a map; it’s the stage for cycling’s greatest drama.
