The Tour de France Edinburgh 2027 Grand Départ will bring one of the biggest events in international cycling to Scotland’s capital on Friday 2 July 2027. For the first time, the Tour de France will begin in Scotland, giving visitors another reason to plan a summer trip to Edinburgh and experience the city during a major sporting occasion.
If you are planning to watch the race, turning your visit into a few nights in Edinburgh means you can enjoy much more than race day itself.
With extra space, your own kitchen and a West End location close to Haymarket and the city centre, PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court gives cycling fans, families and groups a practical base for the event.
When Does the Tour de France Start in Edinburgh?
Stage 1 of the 2027 Tour de France takes place on Friday 2 July 2027, starting in Edinburgh and finishing in Carlisle.
The opening stage will cover 184 km, taking the riders from Edinburgh through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. The route includes the Côte de Melrose in the Eildon Hills before continuing towards the Scottish and English border and eventually finishing in Carlisle.
For Edinburgh, however, the excitement begins before race day.
The official race headquarters and press centre open at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Tuesday 29 June, while the Tour de France teams will be presented at Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday 30 June.
That makes this a great event to build a longer Edinburgh break around rather than arriving for race day alone.
A Historic Moment for Edinburgh
Edinburgh hosting the start of the Tour de France marks a major moment for both the city and Scottish cycling.
While the Tour has visited Great Britain before, the 2027 edition will be the first time the peloton gathers in Scotland to begin the race. The opening three stages will take the Tour through Scotland, England and Wales before the race continues in France.
For cycling fans, it is an opportunity to see some of the sport’s leading riders in Edinburgh without travelling to mainland Europe.
For everyone else, it promises to bring a different atmosphere to the city, with visitors travelling from across Britain, Europe and further afield to be part of the Grand Départ.
Make More of Your Tour de France Trip
If you are travelling to Edinburgh specifically for the Tour de France, it is worth giving yourself more than one day in the city.
Arriving earlier means you can explore before race day and potentially experience some of the build up around the Grand Départ.
Visit Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile and explore the Old Town. Spend time around Princes Street and George Street or take a walk through some of the city’s quieter neighbourhoods.
If you want views across Edinburgh, climb Arthur’s Seat or head towards Calton Hill. You can also spend an afternoon exploring museums, galleries, cafés and pubs before returning to your apartment.
A longer stay takes some of the pressure out of the visit. Rather than arriving, watching the race and leaving again, you can turn the Tour de France into a full Edinburgh city break.
Why Choose a Serviced Apartment for the Tour de France?
Major events can mean long, busy days.
Having more space when you return to your accommodation can make a big difference, particularly when you are travelling with friends or family.
At PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court, you have your own living space and fully fitted kitchen, giving you the flexibility to prepare meals, store food and relax in your apartment. The property offers studios, one bedroom apartments, two bedroom apartments and two bedroom penthouses.
If you are bringing cycling equipment, luggage or simply staying for several nights, the additional room can also make your stay easier.
You can start your morning in your own time, head into the city for the race and return to an apartment where you have room to switch off afterwards.
Stay in Edinburgh’s West End
PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court is based on Grove Street in Edinburgh’s West End.
The property is close to Haymarket and the Financial District, while Princes Street and many central Edinburgh attractions can be reached from the area. Haymarket Station is approximately an eight minute walk away and offers rail and tram connections.
For visitors coming to Edinburgh for a major event, good transport options can be particularly useful.
Road closures and changes to local transport are likely around major race activity, so visitors should check official travel information closer to July 2027 before deciding how they will move around the city.
Turn Race Day Into a Summer Break
July is already a popular time to experience Edinburgh, and the Tour de France will give visitors something different to look forward to in 2027.
Spend your first day getting to know the city. Take in the historic streets of the Old Town, visit Edinburgh Castle or explore the shops and restaurants around the centre.
If you are arriving before 2 July, you could also take in some of the official build up, including the team presentation at Edinburgh Castle on 30 June.
Then race day becomes the main event rather than your entire trip.
After the peloton leaves Edinburgh for Carlisle, you still have the rest of the city to explore.
Plan Early for Edinburgh in July 2027
Major sporting events can bring increased demand for accommodation, particularly when visitors are travelling from outside the city.
If the Tour de France Edinburgh 2027 is already on your calendar, planning your accommodation early gives you more choice for the type of apartment that suits your stay.
Couples may prefer a studio or one bedroom apartment, while families and groups can choose larger accommodation with more room to relax.
At PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court, you can combine the independence of apartment living with a location that keeps you connected to central Edinburgh.
Experience the Tour de France from Edinburgh
The Tour de France Grand Départ will give Edinburgh a place on the global cycling calendar when Stage 1 begins in the Scottish capital on Friday 2 July 2027.
Come for the cycling, but give yourself time to enjoy Edinburgh too.
With your own space to relax, cook and plan each day, PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court is a convenient base for your Tour de France stay.
Start planning your July 2027 visit and experience a historic sporting event alongside everything else Scotland’s capital has to offer.
