Tour de France in Barcelonnette

Ubaye Valley: The 2024 Tour de France in Barcelonnette

The Tour de France, one sporting events the most iconic in the world, is preparing to unveil a new chapter in its history in 2024. This time, cyclists will launch their bikes in the magnificent Ubaye valley in Barcelonnette, a preserved corner of the French Southern Alps.

Thursday July 18 – from Gap to Barcelonnette

On Thursday July 18, Barcelonnette will host the finish of the 18th stage of the Tour de France by bike, marking the start of a memorable cycling celebration. Indeed, after an absence of six years, the Tour de France returns to the Barcelonnette Valley for two days of excitement and festivities.

The 18th stage, starting in Gap, capital of Hautes-Alpes, will end on Place Aimé Gassier in Barcelonnette. A 179 KM race passing through the shores of Lake Serre Ponçon, passing through the small St Apollinaire pass and then going down to Savigne le lac and going up via the Col des Demoiselles Coiffées before arriving in the Ubaye valley.

Friday July 19 Altitude Challenges

On July 19, the 19th stage will connect Embrun to Isola 2000, bringing runners back to life with the breathtaking landscapes of the Ubaye Valley and the impressive reliefs of the Southern Alps.

Cyclists will face formidable challenges as they cross the region's iconic passes. The Col de Vars and Le Col de la Bonette, one of the highest road passes in Europe, will be a major test of the runners' endurance and determination. With breathtaking panoramas at every turn, climbers will tackle impressive ascents, leaving a memorable mark in the history of the Tour de France in Ubaye.

Pros and Cons of the Tour de France 2024 in the Ubaye Valley

For :

Mountain landscapes: The Ubaye valley offers spectacular mountainous landscapes, creating an ideal setting for a memorable stage of the Tour de France. Runners and spectators will be able to enjoy breathtaking views throughout the course.

Unique Sports Challenges: The mountain passes of Ubaye, such as the Col de la Bonette, offer unique sporting challenges to cyclists. These demanding climbs will test the riders' endurance and determination, adding an exciting dimension to the competition.

Cultural wealth : The picturesque villages of Ubaye will offer an immersion in the cultural richness of the region. Runners and spectators will have the opportunity to discover local traditions, regional cuisine and the hospitality of the locals.

Against :

Environmental impact : Even with efforts to minimize ecological impact, an event of this scale inevitably has an impact on the environment. Temporary infrastructure, increased traffic and other activities related to the Tour de France may disrupt the local ecological balance.

Tourist influx: Although the Tour de France attracts visitors, a massive influx of spectators can temporarily overload local infrastructure, including roads, businesses and public services. Crazy Water rafting will be constrained to a precise schedule in order to be able to offer rafting descents and white water sports for July 18, 2024

Constraints for the inhabitants of Ubaye: Holding the Tour de France may result in constraints for local residents, such as traffic restrictions, temporary road closures and disruptions to daily life.

Temporary Economic Dependence: Although the event may boost the local economy temporarily through tourism and the influx of visitors, this economic dependence may be fleeting and does not necessarily guarantee lasting benefits for the Barcelonnette Valley.

Ultimately, the choice to host the 2024 Tour de France in the Ubaye valley has advantages and disadvantages. It is up to organizers, local authorities and the community to find a balance to maximize benefits while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and the daily lives of residents.