Tour de France Stage 3 Spectators Banned as Southern France Wildfire Threatens Route
On July 6, 2026 a large wildfire in the Pyrénées‑Orientales department of southern France, burning between 1,500 ha and 4,000 acres, was located about 60 km from the planned finish at Les Angles for Stage 3 of the Tour de France.
Race director Christian Prudhomme announced that, for safety reasons, spectators would be barred from the final 40 km, the publicity caravan would be cancelled, and only essential riders and vehicles would be allowed on the route. Firefighters, water‑bombing helicopters and police were mobilised to contain the blaze amid a record‑breaking heatwave.
Despite the restrictions, the 195‑km stage proceeded from Granollers, Spain, to Les Angles, France, featuring a Category‑1 climb and over 3,800 m of elevation gain. French prefects exercised their authority to limit public access when temperatures and fire risk became dangerous, prioritising the protection of people, property and the natural environment.