We will continue to update these FAQs and provide more information and advice over the coming months.
What is the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027
In summer 2027, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will both begin in Great Britain – the first time both Grand Départs have taken place in the same country, outside France.
The men’s Tour de France is the world’s largest annual sporting event with over 120 years of history, featuring the very best professional teams and riders, and has visited Britain on four occasions.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was launched in 2022 and is the world’s biggest women’s professional cycle race. It will be visiting Britain for the first time, and like the men’s race is completely free-to-attend for spectators.
The joint UK Grand Départs mark an important moment for cycling, with both the men’s and women’s Tours showcased on one of the world’s greatest sporting stages. With millions of spectators expected, it will be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in UK history.
When is it taking place?
Britain will host six stages of racing as a part of the 2027 Grand Départ. Firstly, in July three stages of the men’s Tour de France between Friday 2 and Sunday 4 July in the following locations:
• Friday 2 July, Edinburgh to Carlisle
• Saturday 3 July, Keswick to Liverpool
• Sunday 4 July, Welshpool to Cardiff
Then in August three stages of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift between Friday 30 July and Sunday 1 August.
What can I expect?
An incredible, colourful spectacle as the world’s largest annual sporting event comes to Britain for only the fifth time, a spectacle that mixes fast-paced action and world-class sport, with a free-to-attend family friendly atmosphere.
As well as both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, each race will be preceded by the famous publicity caravan. For two hours, the Tour de France and its partners put on a show, handing out many gifts and surprising, delighting, and entertaining the fans waiting for the riders to pass by.
Do I need a ticket to watch?
No. The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are free-to-attend events, meaning that you can enjoy the colourful spectacle of the world’s top professional cyclists racing through your community free of charge.
Why are we proud to be hosting the 2027 Grand Départs in Britain?
Past editions of the Tour de France Grand Départ in the UK have demonstrated significant economic impact. The 2014 Grand Départ in Yorkshire, for example, generated an estimated £131 million in economic benefits. The partners expect a similar, if not greater, impact in 2027, with increased tourism, hospitality revenue, and commercial partnerships driving financial returns across the country.
For the worldwide television audience of more than 150 million, the picture-postcard effect of the coverage of the race helps promote Britain, and the countries, regions and towns and cities hosting the six stages, encouraging inbound tourism and promoting Britain as a place to visit, live, and to work.
The whole country will also benefit from a wide-ranging social impact programme, called Joy, being delivered by British Cycling that will tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing, make Britain more productive and prosperous, and support communities to thrive.
For more information and to express your interest in getting involved in Joy, please visit the Le Tour GB website.
What are the timings for the race?
The exact times of the race are still to be finalised and announced, but typically each stage will start around lunchtime (11am-2pm) and finish around 4-5pm, depending upon the length of the stage.
Closer to the race exact start and approximate finish times for each stage will be published and listed on each day’s detailed timetable that will provide estimated arrival timings along each route for both the race and the promotional publicity caravan that will precede every stage.
Will it still be possible to walk or cycle on the Route?
Once roads have closed to motor traffic it will generally still be possible for cyclists and pedestrians to use them until approximately 30 minutes before the publicity caravan arrives, but this guidance may change for operational reasons, so please follow the instructions of stewards and race staff on the day of the event.
Generally, footpaths and pavements will not be affected and pedestrians will be able to continue to use these, while along the routes, pedestrian access will be available through marked and stewarded crossing points.
For the safety of the public, some areas along the routes may have access restrictions, but these will be communicated ahead of the event. Please take extra care when navigating any crossing locations and ask for advice and assistance from the event stewards
I live on the race route, what can I do to help?
First, it would be fantastic to see you out supporting the race and getting involved with community events – after all, how many sporting events of this stature and importance go past your front door?
Second, if you regularly park on the race route, please help us make the Grand Départ as safe as possible for the riders by following parking restrictions and moving your vehicle ahead of these coming into force.
There will also be an opportunity to get involved in the race within your local community as a volunteer and to play a hands-on role in delivering the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event. More details will be announced when the programme is launched in the spring of 2026, but you can register your interest now in hearing more on the Le Tour GB website.
Get involved with the Tour de France 2027
Applications have now closed for people interested in becoming a JOY Maker volunteer for the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départ in 2027.
Further information about the selection process and next steps will be shared with applicants in due course.
Find out more about JOY Makers, on the Tour de France Grand Départ website.
JOY Makers, named in line with Grand Départs GB’s social impact programme, volunteers will be the heartbeat of both races, bringing the joy of cycling to fans and communities throughout the six stages, and helping to ensure the sport’s most iconic races runs seamlessly.
Where can I cross as a pedestrian?
At existing pedestrian crossings – such as traffic lights, zebra crossings and the like. There will be friendly course marshals there to help so you know when it’s safe. It’s not just the cyclists to watch out for, it’s all of the race “caravan” – team support cars, commissaires (the race officials), medical, mechanics, and broadcast motorbikes.
When will road be closed?
The road closures will only be in place on the day of the race, 2nd July 2027. Roads will be progressively reopened as soon as it is safe to do so. Indicative road closure times will be available closer to the time.
Will I be able to access my house / business by car?
Homes and businesses in and around road closure areas will have limited car access at times. The Local Organising Committee and Dumfries and Galloway Council are working to make arrangements where we can to manage parking, deliveries and access for visitors, customers and staff. We’ll be reaching out to residents and business owners directly affected by road closures with more information closer to the event and following the approval of Traffic Management Plans.
Where should I park my vehicle?
Ahead of the race local authorities will be in touch with people who live on the race route with more information and alternative parking options.
Spectators will be encouraged to walk or cycle to their chosen viewing points, and closer to the event dedicated spectator information will be available with suggested travel, car and bicycle parking information.
Will there be penalties for driving or parking in restricted areas?
Yes. There may be temporary restrictions and changes to traffic and parking rules. Penalties may apply for not following the rules, and vehicles will be towed from restricted areas. Please check the signs before you park.
Will there be changes to public transport?
Yes. There will be changes to some public transport services in the lead up to and during the event. More detailed information will be available closer to the event.
How will I get to work / my doctor / the gym / a service provider / a sporting event or training during the event?
We encourage you to plan ahead and consider active transport wherever possible to avoid road closures and congestion. Further information will follow on road closure and diversions closer to the time of the event.
How do I get deliveries if my street is closed?
During road closures, delivery drivers may have limited access to some parts of the event area. Please try to plan ahead and work with the delivery company where you can to make alternative arrangements, such as adjusting the delivery time, date or location.
Community services
What if I need an ambulance or emergency service?
Emergency access will always be our priority. We’re working with emergency services to make sure they’ll still be able to respond to emergencies quickly and safely. If you need urgent help from Emergency Services please call 000 as usual.
Will waste collection be impacted?
Dumfries and Galloway Council is working to review and adjust service plans should this be a day for collection and further details will be circulated closer to the event date.
I require a care to visit regularly – will this be permitted?
The Local Organising Committee is working with Dumfries and Galloway Council, Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, traffic management experts and partners to provide access to properties wherever possible. We are also contacting service providers to provide as much information as possible. Access times may be restricted – please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about specific care needs.
How will animal emergencies be handled?
We will liaise with local vets to ensure local residents and farm businesses can be assisted in case there is an emergency with their animals. Vets will be provided with event information and a contact number to call to request access to properties affected by road closures during event times.
Information for businesses
How do my customers, staff and suppliers access my business when the roads are closed?
We’re working on a toolkit to support businesses and help them update their customers, staff and suppliers about changes during the event.
What opportunities are there for my business during the event?
The Local Organising Committee and Dumfries and Galloway Council will be providing more information to businesses in the coming weeks about ways to show support for and get involved with the event.
Can I host a Tour de France event?
We’d love local businesses to join in and show their support for the event! There are lots of ways you can take part, like dressing retail windows or creating special offers. Businesses can host local events throughout the TdF week but they cannot be promoted as official UCI World Cycling Championships affiliated events. The Local Organising Committee and Dumfries and Galloway Council will be providing more information to businesses in the coming weeks about ways to get involved.
Will road repairs be carried out to the race route?
We have received initial information from the event organisers and national planning team in relation to road conditions and potential repairs required on our part of the route. This is being assessed by our roads team to identify any areas of concern and where specific repairs may be required. Across our whole road network we undertake regular planned inspections and carry out reactive and planned works to address identified and actionable defects as part of our approach to road maintenance.
Can I offer parking in a field I own along the route?
Yes, we would actively encourage landowners along the route and nearby to consider opportunities to offer spectator parking. We anticipate significant numbers of spectators across the whole route and in order to keep the race route clear, safe off-route parking provision will be essential. We are currently pulling together information to support these types of initiatives, which will be published on our Tour de France webpages in due course.
Can mobile food vendors set up along the route or could communities get involved in providing refreshments from village halls etc?
Due to the volume of spectators expected along the route there will be opportunities for local businesses and communities. Our licensing and environmental health teams are preparing guidance and advice, which will be published in this section of the website in due course.
Will there be a central space advertising accommodation options, events and activities, parking etc for visitors and spectators?
We are looking into how we can provide all relevant information for spectators and visitors and help local businesses and communities maximise the benefits of the event. Further information will be provided in due course.
Community feedback
How do I find our more or provide feedback?
Local residents, organisations and businesses are invited to send their queries and suggestions via email to [email protected]. We will endeavour to respond to emails within two working days of receipt.
Where can I get Tour De France Updates updates?
We will continue to update the Tour de France event pages on our council’s website at https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/leisure-sport-culture/tour-de-france-2027
For Tour De France updates check out:
https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/leisure-sport-culture/tour-de-france-2027