Stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France: Carcassonne to Foix, an odyssey between citadels and daring climbs
Dive into the rolling stage of the 2026 Tour between Carcassonne and Foix, where Cathar landscapes and punishing climbs create a route as epic as it is poetic.
Stage 4 of the 2026 Tour de France connects Carcassonne to Foix over a course of around 170 km, dotted with short but steep climbs and technical descents. Riders will need to manage their effort in the cols of the Ariège Pyrenees, under the watchful gaze of medieval ramparts and hilltop villages. An ideal profile for puncheurs, with gradients to make pedals creak and panoramas to take your breath away.
Cité de Carcassonne
© Wikimedia CommonsA UNESCO World Heritage site, this medieval fortress is a jewel of military architecture. To avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning or opt for a late afternoon visit, when the golden light enhances the ramparts.
Where to sleep nearby
Château de Montségur
© Wikimedia CommonsA symbol of Cathar resistance, this ruined castle sits atop a rocky spur at over 1,200 m. The hiking trail from the car park (1 hour 30 minutes round trip) offers a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees, but bring sturdy shoes.
Where to sleep nearby
Col de Port
© Wikimedia CommonsThis 1,249 m pass, often used by the Tour, separates Ariège from Haute-Garonne. To admire the landscape without the crowds, park at the col’s car park and walk 10 minutes to the belvedere on the north side.
Where to sleep nearby
Foix and its castle
© Wikimedia CommonsThe town, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, is dominated by a medieval castle with three iconic towers. Walk up from the town (20 minutes) to enjoy a 360-degree view of the mountains and the Ariège plain.