🚴 Tour de France Femmes 2027 – Travel by Ferry
The Tour de France Femmes makes history in 2027, with the world’s biggest women’s cycling race starting in Great Britain for the first time.
Leeds will host the Grand Départ on Friday 30 July, before the race travels through Manchester, Sheffield and London. The competition then heads to France for six more stages, finishing at the famous Puy de Dôme.
Whether you’re planning to watch the opening stages in England or follow the action through France, travelling by ferry offers a flexible way to enjoy the event.
Tour de France Femmes 2027 – Event Information
- Event: Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2027
- Dates: 30 July – 7 August 2027
- Grand Départ: Leeds, England
- UK stages: Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and London
- French stages: 2–7 August 2027
- Final destination: Puy de Dôme, France
- Sport: Professional women’s road cycling
- Official website: https://www.letourfemmes.fr
The 2027 Tour de France Femmes will feature nine stages across England and France. The race includes flat stages, challenging climbs, mountain finishes and a team time trial through central London. Cycling fans can watch some of the world’s best female riders compete for the famous yellow jersey.
Where Is the Tour de France Femmes 2027 Taking Place?
The race begins in Leeds on Friday 30 July, marking the first time the Tour de France Femmes has visited Great Britain. The opening three stages take place in England before the competition continues in France.
Tour de France Femmes 2027 – UK Stages
| Date | Stage | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 30 July | Stage 1 | Leeds to Manchester |
| 31 July | Stage 2 | Manchester to Sheffield |
| 1 August | Stage 3 | London Team Time Trial |
These opening stages give cycling fans several opportunities to experience the race in England.
Stage 1 – Leeds to Manchester
The race begins in Leeds city centre before travelling towards Manchester. Riders will pass through West Yorkshire and cross the Pennines before finishing on Deansgate in Manchester.
Stage 2 – Manchester to Sheffield
The second stage takes riders through Derbyshire and the Peak District. With challenging climbs, including Winnats Pass and Snake Pass, this stage promises exciting racing and spectacular scenery.
Stage 3 – London Team Time Trial
The final British stage takes place in central London on Sunday 1 August. The 18-kilometre team time trial will pass famous landmarks, including Westminster, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, before finishing on The Mall.
Tour de France Femmes 2027 – French Stages
Following the opening stages in England, the race continues in France on Monday 2 August. The French section begins in northern France before heading towards the country’s more challenging terrain.
| Date | Stage | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 2 August | Stage 4 | Le Touquet-Paris-Plage to Calais |
| 3 August | Stage 5 | Neufchâtel-en-Bray to Magnanville |
| 4 August | Stage 6 | Orléans to Bourges |
| 5 August | Stage 7 | Nevers to La Loge des Gardes |
| 6 August | Stage 8 | La Bourboule to Clermont-Ferrand |
| 7 August | Stage 9 | Clermont-Ferrand to Puy de Dôme |
The final stages take riders into the Massif Central, where demanding climbs could decide the overall winner. For cycling fans travelling from the UK, the opening French stages are particularly interesting because they take place close to Channel ferry ports.
Why Travel to the Tour de France Femmes 2027 by Ferry?
Travelling by ferry can be a convenient option for cycling fans attending the Tour de France Femmes. Unlike flying, ferry travel allows you to bring your own vehicle and explore different race locations at your own pace.
Benefits of travelling by ferry include:
- Bring your own car – Travel between race stages without relying entirely on public transport.
- Explore different locations – Visit towns, cities and countryside along the race route.
- Travel with cycling equipment – Many ferry operators accept bicycles, subject to their booking requirements.
- Flexible accommodation – Consider hotels, campsites or motorhome stays during your trip.
- Enjoy a longer holiday – Combine the event with a road trip through England or France.
For visitors travelling from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man or mainland Europe, ferries provide several ways to reach England. Meanwhile, UK visitors heading to France can choose from a range of Channel crossings.
Ferry Routes for the Tour de France Femmes 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 in northern England and London, creating several possible arrival points.
From Northern Ireland to England
Visitors travelling from Northern Ireland can use the Liverpool to Belfast ferry route. Arriving in Liverpool provides onward road connections towards Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Alternatively, crossings to Cairnryan in Scotland may suit visitors combining the event with a longer road trip. Explore our Ferries to England guide for available routes and travel information.
From the Republic of Ireland to England
Ferry crossings from Dublin to Holyhead provide a practical option for reaching northern England. From Holyhead, visitors can continue towards Manchester, Leeds or Sheffield by road. Other Irish Sea crossings may suit travellers visiting London or combining the race with a longer holiday. Our Ferries to Wales guide explains the available crossings.
From the Isle of Man to England
Visitors travelling from the Isle of Man can use Steam Packet ferry services to reach Liverpool. From Liverpool, Manchester is within reach by road, with Leeds and Sheffield further east. Check sailing schedules and vehicle availability before booking. Explore our Ferries from the Isle of Man information for more details.
From mainland Europe to England
Visitors travelling from France or the Netherlands can use ferry crossings to southern and eastern England. Routes arriving at Dover, Harwich or other English ports provide onward connections towards London and northern England. Our Ferries to the UK guide covers the main options.
Travelling to the French Stages by Ferry
For cycling fans following the race into France, several ferry crossings offer convenient access to different stages.
| Ferry route | Useful for |
|---|---|
| Dover to Calais | Stage 4 and northern France |
| Dover to Dunkirk | Calais and northern France |
| Portsmouth to Caen | Normandy and onward travel |
| Portsmouth to Cherbourg | Normandy and western France |
| Poole to Cherbourg | Normandy and western France |
| Portsmouth to Saint-Malo | Western France and longer road trips |
The Dover to Calais crossing is particularly relevant for 2027. Stage 4 finishes in Calais on Monday 2 August, making the port an obvious arrival point for visitors attending the first French stage. Crossings to Normandy provide alternatives for fans planning to follow later stages. For the mountain stages, consider the driving distance from your chosen arrival port before booking. Explore our Ferries to France guide to compare routes, operators and crossing information.
Getting to the Tour de France Femmes 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 race locations. You can choose accommodation outside busy towns and explore the surrounding countryside. However, major road closures are common during professional cycling events. Plan your journey carefully and allow extra time to reach your chosen viewing location.
Travelling by Motorhome or Campervan
A motorhome can be a useful option for fans following several stages. 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
Many ferry operators accept bicycles, making it possible to combine watching the Tour de France Femmes with your own cycling holiday. However, bicycle booking arrangements vary between operators and routes. If you’re travelling with a bicycle, check the operator’s requirements before booking. Remember that roads used for racing may be closed before, during and after each stage.
Where to Stay During the Tour de France Femmes 2027
Accommodation options will depend on which race stages you plan to attend. For the British Grand Départ, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and London 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 Femmes 2027 Trip
A little preparation can make attending the Tour de France Femmes 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. Late July and early August are busy travel periods, especially for 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 between northern England, coastal France and the mountain stages.
For more advice before travelling, explore our Ferry Travel Advice guides.
FAQ
Planning to watch the Tour de France Femmes in 2027? Here are answers to some common questions about the event, ferry crossings and travelling between race stages.
Plan Your Tour de France Femmes 2027 Ferry Journey
Whether you’re heading to Leeds for the Grand Départ or travelling to France for the mountain stages, ferry travel offers several ways to experience the Tour de France Femmes 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 England, Ferries to Wales and Ferries to France guides to begin planning your trip.
You can also discover more major cycling events in our Cycle by Ferry hub, including the men’s Tour de France 2027 – Travel by Ferry guide.