The Tour de France is one of the most watched sporting events in the world, and that's partly because it's brilliant sporting theatre, but also because you can watch it for free in so many countries.
In the modern age of the most popular sporting events disappearing behind the paywalls of commercial TV companies, it's rare to find an event with such a wide presence across public service broadcasters.
The 2026 Tour de France, though, is going out for free in no fewer than 14 countries. Is yours included? Check out the full list below.
► Watch your usual Tour de France live streams from anywhere with this NordVPN deal.
Tour de France no longer fully free to watch in the UK
The 2026 Tour de France is no longer free to watch in the UK. After 40 years on terrestrial television, the Tour de France will no longer be available live in its entirety to the non-paying viewer from 2026. ITV, which took over the reins from Channel 4 in 2002, broadcast its final Tour this year.
There is, however, something of a reprieve in that the Welsh free-to-air channel S4C has secured a late rights deal and will broadcast seven stages live. Coverage, in the Welsh language, can be found on the S4C TV channel in Wales as well as the BBC iPlayer streaming service across the UK, and also the S4C Chwaraeon YouTube channel. The stages to be shown will be: 1, 2, 3, 18, 19, 20, 21.
For full live coverage of the Tour de France 2026 in the UK, TNT Sports and its streaming platform HBO Max are the major rights-holders, with all 21 stages live and comprehensive coverage that includes studio analysis and on-the-ground reporting. Subscriptions start from £30.99 a month, which does represent value for money for many cycling fans, but perhaps closes the door to a fair few casual viewers.
Watch the Tour de France for free on SBS in Australia
Fans in Australia have it pretty good; after enjoying the whole Giro d'Italia for free, you can now watch the entire Tour de France 2026 for free through SBS too.
► All 21 stages are on the main SBS channel and the easy-to-use streaming platform SBS On Demand (free, registration required).
Europe leads the way
Europe's passion for the Tour is remarkable. The Tour de France is available to watch for free not only in France, but also in Spain, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Luxembourg, and Portugal, and across two separate channels in both Switzerland and Belgium. Check out the full list of channels and streams further down the page.
Can I watch the Tour de France for free in the USA?
No. The USA is one of the countries without a free-to-air broadcast arrangement for the Tour de France. NBC is showing the 2026 Tour de France (available on cable plans), while live streaming is available via Peacock from $10.99 a month.
Watch your free Tour de France coverage from anywhere
Off on your travels this July? Heading somewhere with no free coverage, or without commentary you can understand? A VPN will get you your usual Tour de France coverage wherever you are in the world.
Virtual Private Networks are internet security software that effectively disguise your device's location, meaning you can bypass the geo-restrictions in place on all major streaming platforms. A VPN is a great tool to ensure you don't have to give up your usual viewing options while you're abroad, and it makes your devices far safer too.
NordVPN is the top of the range, according to our colleagues at TechRadar, and there's a great deal on right now.
► Full TV guide: How to watch the Tour de France 2026
Full list of free-to-air Tour de France broadcasters
Country | TV channel | Live stream |
|---|---|---|
UK | S4C (7 stages only) | |
Ireland | TG4 | |
Australia | SBS | |
France | France 2 | |
Italy | RAI Sport | |
Spain | Teledeporte | |
Netherlands | NOS | |
Belgium | VRT 1 (Flemish) | VRT Max / Sporza website |
Belgium | RTBF (French) | |
Germany | 1 Das Erste | |
Portugal | RTP1 | |
Switzerland | SRF (German) | |
Switzerland | RSI 1 (Italian) | |
Luxembourg | RTL |
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
