100 days to go until the Grand Départ in the heart of the city
On March 26, 2026, Barcelona will experience a very special moment: the official 100-day countdown to the start of the 2026 Tour de France, one of the most important sporting events in the world.
To celebrate, the city will come alive with a major public event on Passeig de Lluís Companys, where the excitement of this historic Tour departure from Barcelona will begin to build. It will be the first time the Grand Départ takes place in our city.
A great celebration in the heart of the city
The day will be filled with activities for all audiences, combining sport, culture, and celebration. Here is a summary of the highlights and you will find more information here.
- Official countdown clock activation
A large clock will be unveiled, marking the final 100 days until the highly anticipated Grand Départ. - Live music
The Catalan band Doctor Prats will perform the official song created for the event, bringing energy and rhythm to the celebration. - Barcelona turns yellow
Some of the city’s most iconic buildings will be illuminated in yellow, the emblematic color of the Tour. - Tribute to local cycling
Historic cycling clubs from Barcelona, such as Sport Ciclista Català and Unió Esportiva de Sants, will be honored, highlighting the city’s strong cycling tradition.
Grand Départ Barcelona 2026: key dates
The Tour de France will officially begin in July 2026, with a spectacular start that will place Barcelona at the center of the cycling world.
Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- July 1 – Opening of the press center at Palau Sant Jordi
- July 2 – Team presentation, with a parade from Sant Pau to Sagrada Familia
- July 4 – Stage 1: Team time trial (19.7 km) entirely within Barcelona
- July 5 – Stage 2: Start in Tarragona and finish in Barcelona
- July 6 – Stage 3: Start in Granollers and finish in France
Will the Tour pass by our hotels?
Although the detailed route of the Barcelona time trial will be confirmed later, everything suggests that the city center will play a major role, including key avenues and iconic locations.
Given the locations of Hotel Continental Barcelona, right on La Rambla, and Hotel Continental Palacete, on Rambla de Catalunya, it is very likely that the route or its surroundings will pass very close by. This will offer guests a unique opportunity to experience the Tour from our iconic balconies overlooking La Rambla or Rambla de Catalunya.
A unique opportunity to experience Barcelona
The departure of the Tour de France from Barcelona is not only a sporting event, but also a unique opportunity to discover the city at a historic moment for both global sport and Barcelona itself.
We recommend taking advantage of our early booking and direct booking benefits through our website to secure your stay under the best conditions and fully enjoy Barcelona during the Grand Départ, in a vibrant and truly exceptional atmosphere.
See you soon!
