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L’Étape Italy by Tour de France 2026: two events celebrating sport and the authentic values of the “Provincia Granda.”

A project that makes cycling a concrete opportunity to discover the territory, connect with local communities, and promote international tourism, while enhancing the unique and distinctive heritage of the Cuneo area.

L’Étape Italy by Tour de France 2026: two events celebrating sport

Cuneo, 11 February 2026 L’Étape Italy by Tour de France returns to Piedmont with two events that place sport, nature, and territory at the heart of the experience, transforming cycling into a journey of discovery and local enhancement. A wide-ranging project involving communities, institutions, and tourism operators, it tells the story of the soul of the Maritime Alps, the Monregalese area, and the Alta Langa through iconic routes, authentic landscapes, and a widespread offering of outdoor, cultural, and food-and-wine experiences.

In 2026, two events will be on the calendar: L’Étape Piemonte, on 31 May in Entracque (CN), and L’Étape Mondovì, on 20 September in Mondovì (CN), confirming Piedmont as one of the key destinations of the official Tour de France format dedicated to cycling enthusiasts.

31 May 2026 – L’Étape Piemonte: the Alpine valleys in the spotlight

The first event on the calendar is L’Étape Piemonte, scheduled for Sunday, 31 May, with a route based in Entracque (CN) that crosses the Gesso, Stura, and Vermenagna valleys, reaching as far as Borgo San Dalmazzo. This is an area of outstanding natural value, where the mountains take center stage not only in the sporting challenge, but in the overall experience offered to participants and their companions.

“L’Étape Piemonte represents a valuable opportunity to tell the story of our territory and our valleys in an authentic way,” emphasizes Roberta Robbione, Mayor of Borgo San Dalmazzo. “Borgo San Dalmazzo has historically been the gateway to the Alpine valleys of the Cuneo area and boasts a deep-rooted connection with cycling. Our roads have hosted the Giro d’Italia on several occasions and lead to the legendary Alpine peaks that have shaped the history of the Tour de France. With the late-May event, sport becomes a concrete tool to enhance a territory made up of nature, traditions, and hospitality, engaging local communities and promoting sustainable, conscious tourism capable of inspiring visitors from all backgrounds.”

The L’Étape Piemonte area is an ideal destination for an outdoor weekend. Beyond the granfondo itself, athletes and their companions can enjoy a wide range of additional activities. The historic center of Borgo San Dalmazzo preserves sites of great significance, such as the San Dalmazzo Monumental Complex and the Jewish memory trails, while the surrounding area is the perfect starting point for exploring the Maritime Alps Natural Park: hiking and trekking, e-bike and gravel routes, trail running, and panoramic walks suitable for families.

The territory also offers opportunities to visit wildlife centers, Alpine huts, and mountain pastures, take part in experiences linked to mountain life, and discover small villages rich in tradition. Among the main attractions is the “Men and Wolves” Wildlife Center, the first center in the Italian Alps entirely dedicated to the wolf, where visitors can deepen their understanding of the behavior of this iconic animal of the region. Also not to be missed is the Enel Power Plant Information Center, which tells the story and explains the operation of the dams and hydroelectric plant through guided tours and educational programs open to visitors.

Nature lovers can explore numerous mountain trails and Alpine lakes, including those of Piastra, Chiotas, and Rovina, ideal for excursions and outdoor sports, while those interested in cultural heritage can visit the Museum of Sacred Art, which preserves the artistic and religious heritage of the local community. There is also ample space for outdoor activities such as climbing, canyoning, sport fishing, and guided nature walks.

Finally, special attention is given to local culture and gastronomy, with tastings of traditional products, valley cuisine, markets, convivial events, and moments of exchange with local communities. Not to be missed are stuffed or stewed snails, cuiette (traditional local potato gnocchi), cruset (fresh pasta similar to small orecchiette), Piedmontese mixed fry, and tastings of local PDO cheeses. An offering that makes L’Étape Piemonte an event capable of engaging not only cyclists, but a broad and diverse audience.

L’Étape Piemonte: https://letapeitaly.it/letape-piemonte-homepage

20 September 2026 – L’Étape Mondovì: the full essence of the Monregalese region

20 September 2026 – L’Étape Mondovì: the full essence of the Monregalese region

The second event is L’Étape Mondovì, scheduled for Sunday, 20 September, with both the start and finish in Mondovì and a route that winds through the Monregalese area and the Alta Langa, across rolling hills, historic villages, and rural landscapes. A territory that brings together culture, architecture, and quality of life, offering an ideal setting for an international-level sporting event.

“Mondovì and the Monregalese area have all the qualities needed to host an event like L’Étape Italy by Tour de France,” explains Alessandro Terreno, Councillor for Events and Sport of the City of Mondovì. “Cycling becomes an opportunity to open the city and its territory to a broad audience, made up not only of athletes but also of families and visitors looking to enjoy a complete experience. The great success of the Granfondo Alpi del Mare 2025 confirmed the Monregalese’s ability to host high-quality sporting events, transforming them into moments of participation, social engagement, tourism promotion, and enhancement of local heritage.”

Mondovì and the Monregalese region offer a wide range of experiences that go beyond the cycling event itself, turning the occasion into a true weekend of discovery. Alongside the granfondo, visitors can take part in cultural tours of the historic Mondovì Piazza district, explore its Baroque churches, historic palaces, and city museums, or enjoy a hot-air balloon flight, one of the territory’s signature experiences.

The Monregalese area is also ideal for hilly routes suited to e-bikes, gravel riding, and cycle tourism, as well as trekking itineraries and panoramic walks among villages, vineyards, and rural landscapes. There is no shortage of family-friendly offerings, with outdoor activities, widespread events, and moments of urban animation.

Food and wine play a central role as well, with tastings of wines, local products, and traditional cuisine, visits to wineries and local producers, markets, and initiatives dedicated to the Monregalese’s outstanding specialties. Local cuisine reflects a deep bond with the territory: ravioli del plin, Barolo-braised beef, tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms, and cheeses such as Raschera DOP are just some of the dishes to be savored.

Among the most important cultural landmarks is the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, also known as the Basilica of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mary or Regina Montis Regalis, home to the largest elliptical dome in the world. Located in the municipality of Vicoforte, just a few kilometers from Mondovì, the sanctuary is recognized as a national monument and has been granted the title of minor basilica for its exceptional artistic and architectural value. A rich and varied mix of experiences that makes L’Étape Mondovì an event capable of uniting sport, culture, and quality of life.

Sito web L’Étape Mondovì: https://letapeitaly.it/homepage-etape-mondovi

A territorial promotion platform with dedicated travel experiences

“We firmly believe in the value of events that act as true interpreters of the territory by bringing together landscape, nature, gastronomy, and culture, because they become real opportunities for travel and discovery that extend well beyond the single day of the event,” says Gabriella Giordano, President of the ATL of the Cuneo area. “Our Alpine amphitheatre, with its innate power to amaze and captivate everyone, is particularly suited to outdoor tourism. Promoting these events means, for us, celebrating the identity of our territory and fostering increasingly conscious and sustainable tourism development.”

L’Étape Italy therefore confirms itself not only as a high-level sporting event, but above all as a strategic platform for territorial promotion. Thanks to its ability to connect local authorities, institutions, tourism operators, and communities, the initiative becomes a true driver of development, capable of generating value that goes far beyond the cycling competition itself.

Through collaboration among different local stakeholders, and the creation of dedicated travel packages specifically designed for the event, L’Étape Italy helps enhance local excellence, promote sustainable tourism, and create a lasting positive impact on the communities involved. A legacy measured not only in media visibility, but also in economic, cultural, and social opportunities for the areas concerned.

For more information, Visit Cuneese – www.visitcuneese.it – the official portal of the ATL of the Cuneo area – invites visitors to discover a territory rich in Alpine landscapes, historic villages, trails, and authentic flavors. The portal offers itineraries, accommodation tips, and services to enjoy unique experiences, combining sport, culture, and local traditions, and turning every visit into an unforgettable adventure to remember and share.