Enfilading the Catalan Pyrenees from Granollers with the Tour de France

This route offers a complete portrait of the Landscapes of Barcelona and part of the Catalan Pyrenees: from the commercial and sports activity of Granollers to the tradition of the markets of Vic, passing through the millenary heritage of Ripoll and the legends of Sant Joan de les Abadesses. The route then enters the Vall de Ribes, with natural stops such as La Molina and unique panoramas in Puigcerdà. A stage that unites urban vitality with the majesty of the Pyrenees, showing a mosaic of landscapes and experiences worth enjoying.

Granollers: heritage and sporting spirit, all in one Capital of Vallès Oriental, Granollers is a city with a great sporting tradition. On this occasion, it will open the third stage of the Tour de France 2026 with a start near the hermitage of Santa Justa and Santa Rufina , a small Romanesque temple of medieval origin located in a peaceful environment. This hermitage, documented since the 11th century, is linked to local traditions and legends, and still today serves as a meeting point for popular celebrations.

Granollers, with its emblematic 16th-century Porxada as a symbol, is also a prominent sports center, especially in handball. In addition, just ten minutes away is the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya , a regular venue for Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix. Between history, markets and motorsport, Granollers is the ideal setting to begin a journey to the Pyrenees.

Heading towards Vic through the valley plain The route advances towards the Plana de Vic , one of the most important agricultural and livestock areas of Catalonia, passing through towns such as Centelles, where medieval architecture coexists with a privileged natural environment.

Vic, capital of Osona , is one of the major cultural highlights of the stage. Its arcaded Main Square —the nerve center of social life—has hosted weekly markets for centuries and major events such as the Medieval Market . The cathedral, with monumental paintings by Josep Maria Sert, and museums such as the Episcopal or the Leather Art Museum, speak of the city’s artistic and historical wealth.

Gastronomy also plays a leading role: the Vic sausage , with Protected Geographical Indication, is just one example of a cuisine that combines local products with traditional recipes, making Osona an essential destination for lovers of good food.

Following the Ter River into the heart of Ripollès After Vic, the race continues towards Manlleu , a city oriented to the Ter River that combines its industrial heritage with outdoor activities. Torelló marks the beginning of more mountainous landscapes, while the Castle of Montesquiu , overlooking the natural park of the same name, is the gateway to Ripollès.

In Ripoll , considered the cradle of Catalonia, the monastery of Santa Maria and its Romanesque portal tell more than a thousand years of history. It is one of the most visited monuments in the Pyrenees, and the town perfectly combines this historical legacy with an active daily life. Strolling through its streets or visiting the Ethnographic Museum is a good way to understand the Ripollès identity.

A few kilometers away, Sant Joan de les Abadesses preserves one of the most emblematic medieval bridges in Catalonia and a monastery full of legends. Further up, the Vall de Ribes , with villages such as Ribes de Freser or Campelles, offers a privileged natural environment and hiking routes towards peaks such as the Taga, one of the most popular among mountain lovers.

Enjoy the high mountains in Cerdanya The road climbs towards Planoles and Toses , crossing high mountain forests and bends that anticipate the most authentic Pyrenees. The small villages in the area preserve traditional charm, with stone houses, slate roofs and an environment that invites you to stop and breathe fresh air. There you will find La Molina , a reference center for skiing and mountain sports, with options for MTB, hiking and family activities in summer.

The last Catalan point of the stage is Puigcerdà , capital of Cerdanya. Its emblematic lake, the old town with commercial streets and arcades, and the wide views over the valley make it a unique enclave next to the border.

The region is also a paradise for gastronomy lovers: artisanal cheeses, organic beef and mountain dishes such as the typical trinxat of Cerdanya are the well-deserved reward after an active day in the heart of nature.

Protected landscapes at every step In fact, if you are a nature lover, just a few kilometers from the route you will find some of the most emblematic natural parks in Catalonia. From Granollers you can access Montseny , a biosphere reserve ideal for walking or cycling routes. But you can also head to Montserrat , with its unique rock formations and the monastery perched on the mountain, which offers panoramas and spirituality in equal measure.

Closer to the Pyrenees, the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa surprises with vegetation-covered craters and spectacular beech forests, while the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park , next to Cerdanya, unfolds peaks, meadows and trails with Pedraforca in the background. All of them are an open invitation to extend the experience beyond the stage and discover the natural wealth of the territory.

A finale with Pyrenean essence This third stage is not only a physical challenge: it is a journey that connects markets, monasteries, valleys and mountain passes. A route that shows the transition from the Mediterranean landscape to the high mountains, where effort is rewarded with views, stories and flavors that define the Catalan Pyrenees.