The Paris-Nice 2026 kicks off once again in the Yvelines, and this year, three new towns are stepping onto the stage. For the 17th consecutive year, the department hosts the grand start of the “Race to the Sun,” reaffirming its reputation as a hub of cycling excellence. The official announcement was made this Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Versailles departmental council, with Christian Prudhomme, Director of Cycling at ASO, and Pierre Bédier, the Department President, present.
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 12:50 p.m., Achères will kick off the 84th edition from the town square. The cyclists will cover 171 kilometers across the department before crossing the finish line in Carrières-sous-Poissy, on Avenue de l'Hautil. This first stage will be entirely Yvelines-based, featuring a route through Vexin, with climbs up Gargenville and Vaux-sur-Seine, culminating in the first finish line. Riders will then undertake two laps of 16.5 km, including the famous ascent of Chanteloup-les-Vignes—the decisive stage of the legendary Polymultipliée race, which has been a fixture since 1913.
Marc Honoré, the mayor of Achères, proudly expresses his enthusiasm: "It’s a source of pride and a necessity to demonstrate that we can rally all our teams and the entire town. This event will bring people together and strengthen our community associations." The councilor, who isn't running in the upcoming elections, describes the event as "a spectacular fireworks display for everyone." On the day of the race, a starting village featuring various activities will be set up in the Market Square, in partnership with local associations.
In Carrières-sous-Poissy, Mayor Eddie Aït shares his excitement: "It's a source of pride for all residents to host such an event. It’s an incredible opportunity for the entire region." Spectators will get three chances to see the cyclists pass by during this first stage, with the finish line expected around 5 p.m.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, the race kicks off in Épône for the start of the second stage. The cyclists will set off at 12:45 PM from the town hall on a 187 km journey heading south through the department, with the final finish line in Montargis, in the Loiret. They will pass through several Yvelines towns including Thoiry, Les Mesnuls, Le Perray-en-Yvelines, and Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines.
Ivica Jovic, the mayor of Épône, expresses his enthusiasm: "This is a true source of joy, pride, and honor. We want to be known as the cycling city. We have a bike trial course—the only one in Île-de-France—as well as numerous cycling trails, and we've hosted many competitions. Securing this stage is a real milestone for Épône." The mayor hopes to turn this event into "a grand community celebration" in the town.
On the star-studded front, names like Simon Yates, winner of the 2025 Giro d'Italia, João Almeida, Juan Ayuso, Mads Pedersen, and Tim Merlier are already shining brightly. French fans will be cheering on Kévin Vauquelin, Valentin Paret-Peintre, David Gaudu, and Lenny Martinez. In total, 154 riders from 22 teams of seven cyclists each will line up at the start, ready to cover a total of 1,245 kilometers across the eight stages of the race.
Christian Prudhomme emphasizes the significance of these initial stages: "This is the first major event of the cycling season for multi-stage races. The opening weekend really whets our appetite because anything can happen. Thanks to the support of the Yvelines Departmental Council over the past fifteen years, we've been able to craft an opening stage that sets the tone for the race."
Achères, Carrières-sous-Poissy, and Épône are now part of a select group of 32 Yvelines municipalities to have hosted this prestigious race. This tradition began in 2010, marking the first time the department routinely welcomed the start of the Paris-Nice race. In 2019, the partnership between Yvelines and the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) was formalized through an agreement guaranteeing the inclusion of the Tour de France and Paris-Nice in the department's sporting calendar through 2029. This agreement was recently renewed during the unveiling of the 2026 race route.
Pierre Bédier, president of the Department, comments: "It's always a pleasure to welcome the ASO teams and their outstanding professionalism. Signing this agreement is a real honor for us, as Paris-Nice and the Tour de France are always major events." Christian Prudhomme further adds: "Yvelines offers stunning aerial views because it's an incredibly diverse department, perfect for cycling in all its forms, as we saw during the Olympic Games."
This event’s opening is a perfect opportunity to celebrate cycling, a sport and pastime deeply rooted in the Yvelines region. Recognized as a “Land of Cycling Excellence,” the department boasts over 1,000 km of dedicated bike paths, more than 5,000 licensed riders across 90 clubs affiliated with the French Cycling Federation, and a comprehensive cycling plan backed by a budget of 62 million euros in 2022.
On March 7 and 8, 2026, a Paris-Nice village will set up shop in the heart of Achères's marketplace. The event will feature fun and sporting activities organized in partnership with the Yvelines Department. On Saturday, March 7 at 12:45 p.m., a cycling tour led by the Departmental Cycling Committee will kick off, followed by a women’s cycling ride. Last year in Perray-en-Yvelines, a record-breaking 1,500 cyclists took advantage of the Yvelines roads the day before the professional race.
In short, if you're looking for a great way to enjoy an active and lively weekend at the start of March, head to the Yvelines to cheer on the athletes during this Race to the Sun. Stay tuned to the official Paris-Nice website for all the latest news about the race and to make sure you don't miss any updates on the riders taking off.
So, are you ready to follow the sportsmen and women in action between Paris and Nice?
Dates and Opening Time
From March 8, 2026 to March 9, 2026
Location
Market Square in Achères
Place du Marché
78260 Acheres
Prices
Free
