The streets of Barcelona are already beginning to vibrate with the echo of pedaling, and the Passeig de Lluís Companys has been decked out in the colors of the world’s biggest cycling festival. In the shade of its trees, the city has officially welcomed the Fan Park for the Grand Départ of the 2026 Tour de France, a free-to-enter space that promises to become the must-visit gathering spot for cycling enthusiasts and local residents who want to stop by and check it out.
The official opening coincided with the presentation of the Tour teams in Barcelona, the opening ceremony of the Grand Départ in the city. This themed venue will remain open free of charge until Sunday, July 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on Sunday, when it will close early at 6:00 p.m.
Giant screens and workshops on wheels
Starting today, the promenade offers a program designed to be enjoyed by everyone from the most die-hard fans of race strategy to local families. The main attraction for fans is the giant screen that will broadcast the Tour stages live, allowing spectators to follow the competition in a festive, communal atmosphere.
However, the space is designed for hands-on learning, not just for watching. Attendees will find tents set up by various sponsors offering merchandise, the official Grande Boucle store, and hands-on workshops focused on road safety and basic bike repair—perfect for learning how to adjust brakes or fix a flat tire on the way home.
A children’s circuit for the cyclists of the future
Children play a special role in this event. The Fan Park features routes and practice tracks known as pumptracks, designed specifically for children to hone their skills on two wheels. One of the highlights is the Ateliers du Tour, an educational area focused on improving bike control and offering equipment advice, complemented by games and daily quizzes on the main stage alongside Maxoo, the event’s official mascot.
During a tour of the facilities, Sports Councilman David Escudé highlighted the educational value of this recreational initiative: “We’ve designed a space where fandom blends with education.” The councilman emphasized that, through initiatives such as these workshops and the children’s circuit, people not only get to enjoy the world’s greatest cycling spectacle, but “we are also promoting bicycle use, road safety, and grassroots sports among the children of Barcelona, who are the future of cycling in our city.”
