🚴 Tour de France 2027 – Travel by Ferry
For the first time, Edinburgh will host the Grand Départ, with the opening stages travelling through Scotland, England and Wales. The race then heads to France for three weeks of spectacular cycling, finishing in Paris.
Whether you’re planning to watch the opening stages or follow the race through France, travelling by ferry offers a flexible way to enjoy the event.
Our guide explains the Tour de France 2027 dates, race locations, ferry routes and onward travel options to help you plan your trip.
Tour de France 2027 – Event Information
- Event: Tour de France 2027
- Dates: 2–25 July 2027
- Grand Départ: Edinburgh, Scotland
- UK stages: Scotland, England and Wales
- French stages: 6–25 July 2027
- Final destination: Paris, France
- Sport: Professional road cycling
- Official website: https://www.letour.fr
The 2027 Tour de France will feature 21 stages, including flat routes, mountain climbs and individual time trials. The event attracts cycling fans from around the world, with spectators gathering in towns, cities and mountain locations along the route.
Where Is the Tour de France 2027 Taking Place?
The 2027 Tour de France begins in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July, marking a historic first for Scotland. The opening three stages will take riders through Great Britain before the race continues in France.
Tour de France 2027 – UK Stages
| Date | Stage | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 2 July | Stage 1 | Edinburgh to Carlisle |
| 3 July | Stage 2 | Keswick to Liverpool |
| 4 July | Stage 3 | Welshpool to Cardiff |
These opening stages give cycling fans several opportunities to experience the Tour de France without travelling to mainland Europe. Visitors can watch the Grand Départ in Edinburgh, enjoy racing through the Lake District or head to Wales for the final British stage.
Tour de France 2027 – French Stages
Following the opening stages in Great Britain, the race continues in France on Tuesday 6 July. The French section begins in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, before travelling through different regions of the country. Highlights include Brittany, the Alps, the Pyrenees and the final stage into Paris on Sunday 25 July. With stages spread across France, visitors can choose one location or follow several days of racing.
Ferry Routes for the Tour de France 2027
The best ferry crossing will depend on which stage you want to attend and where your journey begins. Here are some of the main options worth considering.
Travelling to the UK Grand Départ by Ferry
The opening stages take place across Scotland, England and Wales, creating several possible arrival points.
From Northern Ireland to Scotland
Visitors travelling from Northern Ireland can reach Scotland using ferry crossings between Belfast and Cairnryan or Larne and Cairnryan. From Cairnryan, you can continue by road towards Edinburgh or Carlisle. These routes are particularly useful for fans planning to attend the opening stage. Explore our Ferries to Scotland guide for available crossings and travel information.
From the Republic of Ireland to Wales
Ferry crossings from Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard and Rosslare to Pembroke provide options for reaching Wales. These services may suit visitors planning to watch the third stage between Welshpool and Cardiff. However, onward driving distances vary depending on your chosen port. Our Ferries to Wales guide covers the available routes.
From the Isle of Man to England
Visitors travelling from the Isle of Man can use Steam Packet ferry services to reach England. Liverpool is particularly relevant for the second stage, which finishes in the city on Saturday 3 July. Check the available sailing schedule before planning your visit. Explore our Ferries from the Isle of Man information for more details.
Travelling to the French Stages by Ferry
For cycling fans following the race into France, several ferry crossings offer convenient access to different regions.
| Ferry route | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Dover to Calais | Northern France and onward road travel |
| Portsmouth to Caen | Normandy and western France |
| Portsmouth to Cherbourg | Cherbourg and the opening French stage |
| Poole to Cherbourg | Normandy and western France |
| Portsmouth to Saint-Malo | Brittany and western France |
| Plymouth to Roscoff | Brittany and western France |
The Cherbourg crossings are particularly interesting for 2027 because Stage 4 takes place around Cherbourg-en-Cotentin on 6 July. Meanwhile, crossings to Saint-Malo and Roscoff offer alternatives for visitors heading towards Brittany. For later stages, consider the overall driving distance from your arrival port before booking. Explore our Ferries to France guide to compare routes, operators and crossing information.
Getting to the Tour de France 2027 Race Stages
Once you arrive at your chosen ferry port, your onward journey will depend on which stage you plan to watch.
Travelling by Car
Bringing your own car provides flexibility when visiting several locations. You can choose accommodation outside busy race towns and explore the surrounding countryside. However, major road closures are common during the Tour de France. Plan your journey carefully and allow extra time to reach your chosen viewing location.
Travelling by Motorhome or Campervan
A motorhome can be a popular option for fans following professional cycling. It allows you to explore different regions while combining travel and accommodation. However, parking and overnight restrictions vary between locations. Always check local rules and avoid parking along roads affected by race closures. Our Vehicle Boarding Information guide explains what to expect when travelling by ferry with your vehicle.
Travelling with a Bicycle
Accommodation options will depend on which race stages you plan to attend. For the British Grand Départ, Edinburgh, Carlisle, Liverpool and Cardiff provide possible bases. Alternatively, visitors may prefer accommodation in surrounding towns and villages.
In France, hotels, campsites and holiday parks offer options for different budgets. If you’re following several stages, consider staying somewhere with good road connections to your preferred viewing locations. Booking early is recommended, particularly around popular start and finish towns.
Tips for Planning Your Tour de France 2027 Trip
A little preparation can make attending the Tour de France much easier.
- Choose your stages carefully. Decide whether you want to watch a stage start, finish or a particular section of the route.
- Book ferry crossings early. July is a busy travel period, especially for popular Channel crossings.
- Check road closures. Race organisers and local authorities will publish traffic arrangements closer to the event.
- Allow extra travel time. Large crowds and temporary restrictions can affect access to race locations.
- Plan your accommodation. Hotels and campsites near popular stages may become busy.
- Check your travel documents. Make sure passports, vehicle insurance and other documents meet the requirements for your journey.
- Consider the weather. Conditions can vary considerably between Scotland, northern France and mountain stages.
For more advice before travelling, explore our Ferry Travel Advice guides.
FAQ
Planning to watch the Tour de France in 2027? Here are answers to some common questions about the event, ferry crossings and travelling between race stages.
Plan Your Tour de France 2027 Ferry Journey
Whether you’re heading to Edinburgh for the Grand Départ or travelling to France for the mountain stages, ferry travel offers several ways to experience the Tour de France 2027. Bringing your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore different locations, plan your accommodation and make more of your journey.
Start by choosing the stages you want to attend. Then compare ferry routes, arrival ports and onward driving distances. Explore our Ferries to France, Ferries to Scotland and Ferries to Wales guides to begin planning your trip.
You can also discover more major cycling events in our Cycle by Ferry hub.