Every year at the start of the year, the roads of the Gard come alive with the colours of the professional jerseys: it's the Étoile de Bessèges – Tour du Gard, the first stage race on the French cycling calendar!
Between Bellegarde, Bessèges, Alès and the Cévennes, this event combines sport, passion and discovery of the region.
Much more than a sporting competition, this event embodies the strong values of the region: respect the environment, with an organization committed to sustainable development, and the promotion of the natural, cultural and human heritage of Gard, which each step highlights.
The History of the Tour du Gard
Founded in 1971 by Roland Fangille, a former professional rider from the Gard region, the Étoile de Bessèges was designed as a friendly race for cyclists to get back to work after the winter break. In more than fifty years, it has become an unmissable international event, included in the UCI Europe Tour calendar. Its success is based on a subtle balance between sporting requirements, local roots and a spirit of sharing.
The 2026 stages
Stages 2027 – coming soon
👉1st step: Bellegarde – Bellegarde (150 km) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Grand Prix of BELLEGARDE in COSTIERES
👉2nd step: Saint-Gilles – Domessargues (160 km) on Thursday, February 5, 2026
Nîmes Metropole Grand Prix
👉3nd step: Bessèges – Bessèges (162 km) on Friday, February 6, 2026
Grand Prix of BESSEGES
👉4nd step: Saint-Christol-les-Alès – Vauvert (162 km) on Saturday, February 7, 2026
Grand prize from the Departmental Council of GARD and CC Pays d'Uzès
👉5nd step: Alès – Alès (10 km) on Sunday, February 8, 2026
Great price of ALES in CEVENNES
A Heritage Tour 🏛️
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the route crosses an area rich in natural, historical and cultural heritage
Some remarkable sites:
- Madonna Tower à Bellegarde
- The Costières (Bellegarde – Nîmes)
- Aubais Castle
- Le Pont du Gard
- The exceptional nature of the Cévennes
They marked the star
Over the decades, the Étoile de Bessèges has attracted the biggest names in cycling:
Sean Kelly, Thomas Voeckler, Sylvain Chavanel, Bouhanni born, Tim Wellens or, Neilson Powless have all entered their names on the list.
The WorldTour teams as INEOS Grenadiers, Groupama–FDJ, Cofidis ou Lotto Dstny participate in it, confirming the international prestige of this Gard race.
You will love it 💚
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