Considered as “the greatest French classic after Paris-Roubaix”, the Paris-Tours race is today one of the rare sporting events of the 19th century to continue. And with this 119th edition, which will take place on Sunday October 12, 2025, the public will be difficult to tire of this unmissable event in Touraine (which will be broadcast as in previous years by France Television from 3 p.m. to 5:20 p.m.).
One month before the start of the race, the Amaury Sport Organization, organizer of the event but also in particular of the Tour de France, revealed the drawing of the 211 km of the course that will make the runners.
Thus, for the 10th consecutive time, Paris-Tours will start in Chartres with a fictitious departure planned Place Châtelet at 11:55 am. The real departure will be made at the exit of Morancez, direction the town of Bonneval.
It is in the same commune that the departure of the Paris-Tours Espoir race (reserved for runners under 23) will be given at 11:40 am.
Then, the route will continue on the roads of Loir-et-Cher via the City of Vendôme, to then entry into the department of Indre-et-Loire, at the 134th kilometer, with the city of Dame-Marie-les-Bois then Cangey.
From this moment, the event will become full -bodied for runners because they will have to tackle 9 ribs and 9 vineyards (charming this race since 2018) in the last 70 kilometers.
After the last coast, that of Rochecorbon, the runners will finally enter Tours by the edges of the Loire, north shore, at the roundabout Jean the rest. The peloton will then continue its race on the Napoleon bridge, Avenue Proudhon and Boulevard Léon Boyer.
Finally, for the 800m final straight line, this is the great novelty due to this Paris-Tours: it will be done not on the Grammont avenue as tradition wants, but of course on boulevard Béranger for an arrival as usual at the town hall.
It is on this line that the Paris-Tours Espoir and the 31st kilometer from Paris-Tours (a mixed race reserved for 14-17 year olds) will also be completed earlier in the day. Note that, for the first time, the 31st kilometer will be open to clubs and no longer only to regional and departmental committees. The goal is to promote Girls-Gares parity and increase the number of participating teams.
A new trophy
Another novelty of this 119th Paris-Tours race: the Vigureons union of Vouvray (partner of the event) announced the creation of a brand new trophy. This will be made from a real vineyard. “This CEP represents the V of victory but also, it represents sustainability, perseverance, so it is a beautiful symbol”explains Denis Breussin, president of the recently elected union.
Now it remains to be seen who will win the victory and will brandish this beautiful trophy. Perhaps the title holder Christophe Laporte, European champion, world vice-champion and Olympic medalist, who, according to Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France, “To really want to come and defend its title”.
Audrey Lecomte