For his 35e For this edition, the Tour Auto heads southwest on a journey of approximately 2,200 km. From Paris, the crews will travel to Biarritz, following a route that combines winding roads, iconic cities, and distinctive circuits. The race will kick off at the Grand Palais, the historic home of the event in the French capital, before the official start from the Château de Courances. Next stop: Clermont-Ferrand. via A first special stage and a run through the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. This introduction immediately immerses the competitors in the DNA of the event directed by Peter Auto: alternating pure speed and precision on the road.
The next day, the rally heads towards the Pont du Gard, traversing the volcanic landscapes of the Auvergne and the wild scenery of the Aubrac plateau. Three special stages punctuate this leg, a blend of unspoiled nature and heritage, culminating in the finish at the foot of the Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The following stage takes the competitors towards Toulouse, via the Millau Viaduct, before a showdown on the Circuit d'Albi, a track steeped in history.
A genuine Ferrari 250 GTO to begin with
The route then becomes more challenging in the Pyrenees. After the legendary mountain passes, the crews will reach the Pau-Arnos Circuit before stopping in Pau. Finally, the last day will take them to the Nogaro Circuit, then through the valleys of Gers and the Basque Country to Biarritz, where the finish will be celebrated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
On the road, the 247 cars are divided between competition and regularity rallies. As always, some iconic cars attract attention. The Classic Ferrari for sale The 250 GTO, prominently featured on the poster, embodies the golden age of the Tour Auto. Dominant in the 1950s and 60s, it remains one of the most admired models, a symbol of elegance and performance. In 2026, one example will be on the starting line: chassis number 4675GT, driven by Claudio Roddaro, whose impressive record includes the 1963 Tour de France Automobile, the Targa Florio in Sicily, the 1000 km of Paris and Monza, as well as numerous hill climbs. Alongside it, the BMW 2002, another flagship car of the 2026 Tour Auto, evokes another facet of automotive history: that of a bold and sporty compact sedan that helped forge the identity of the Bavarian brand. This week, twelve of them are entered.
Between heritage, competition and mechanical passion, this Tour Auto 2026 promises once again a journey out of time.
ALSO READ > Historic Monaco Grand Prix: a delight for modern enthusiasts
Village
The village will welcome visitors day after day along the route, much to the delight of enthusiasts and the curious. Access to the Parc Fermés (Fermented Parks) will be granted upon presentation of the official program (€15), sold on site.
The Closed Parks of the Stage Towns:
• Tuesday, May 5th in Clermont-Ferrand (Grande Halle d'Auvergne) – starting at 18:15 pm
• Wednesday, May 6 at the Pont du Gard (right bank parking lot) – from 17:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 7 in Toulouse (Aeroscopia Museum) – from 17 p.m.
• Friday, May 8 in Pau (Place de Verdun) – from 17 p.m.
• Saturday, May 9th in Biarritz (Cité de l'Océan) – starting at 16:30 pm
Bicycle paths
The timed track trials will be free of charge, allowing the public to come and admire the cars on the track:
• Tuesday, May 5th at the Nevers Magny-Cours Circuit from 13:30 pm to 18:30 pm
• Thursday, May 7th at the Albi Circuit from 14:30 pm to 19:30 pm
• Friday May 8 at the Pau-Arnos Circuit from 14:45 p.m. to 19:45 p.m.
• Saturday, May 9th at the Nogaro Circuit from 10am to 14:45pm
Comment on this article! 0