Some things just belong to summer: cold beer, long rides on the bike, and the Tour de France. If you’re anything like me and cycling runs in your veins, then you know this isn’t just another race — it’s a month-long celebration where the world tunes in to watch legends like Pogacar, Vingegaard, Evenepoel, and Roglic tear through the roads of France.
But there’s one catch – not every country offers free coverage, and not everyone wants to pay for premium subscriptions or struggle through streams in a language they barely understand. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: a VPN. And I’ll show you exactly how to watch the 2025 Tour de France for free, from anywhere on the planet — without sketchy websites, annoying ads, or geo-blocks.
When and Why You Should Tune In
The 2025 Tour de France kicks off on July 5th and wraps up on July 27th with the final stage on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Over three weeks, the peloton will tackle 21 stages, featuring brutal climbs, flat-out sprints, and iconic scenery.
Whether you’re at home, on vacation, or catching WiFi at a café, you can follow every moment live — as long as you know where to look and how to connect.
Where to Watch the Tour for Free
Several public broadcasters stream the Tour de France live for free. Here are some of the best options:
- RTBF Auvio (Belgium)
- France TV (France)
- RaiPlay (Italy)
- SBS On Demand (Australia)
- RTVE (Spain)
- ITVX (United Kingdom)
These services are geo-restricted, meaning they only work within their respective countries. If you’re outside those regions, you’ll likely see a message like “This content is not available in your location.”
That’s where a VPN comes in.
What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you connect to the internet through a server located in another country. It changes your IP address, making it appear like you’re browsing from that country — say, France or Australia. As a result, platforms like France TV or SBS On Demand will grant you access to their live streams, thinking you’re a local viewer.
This isn’t a hack — VPNs are legit tools used to boost online security and privacy. In this case, they just happen to unlock sports streams too.
How to Watch the 2025 Tour de France for Free Using a VPN
- Choose a VPN that’s fast and reliable for streaming.My top 3 picks:
- NordVPN – excellent speeds, tons of servers, easy to use
- Surfshark – more budget-friendly with unlimited devices
- ExpressVPN – my go-to for sports, lightning fast and ultra-stable
- Install the VPN app on your device — laptop, phone, tablet, even a smart TV.
- Connect to a server in a country that offers free Tour de France coverage — like France, Belgium, or Australia.
- Go to the official streaming site (e.g., France TV) and hit play.
- Enjoy the stage with smooth, high-quality streaming and authentic atmosphere.
| VPN | Discount and offer | Link to try out |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% discount + 3 month free | Try it out |
| SurfShark | 86% discount + 4 month free | Try it out |
| ExpressVPN | 61% discount + 6 month free | Try it out |
Pro Tip: Use a Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee
The best VPNs aren’t free, but most offer either a 30-day money-back guarantee or a free trial. That means you can watch the entire Tour de France without committing long-term. Just cancel before the trial ends and you’re golden.
Why ExpressVPN Is Ideal for Sports
If I had to recommend just one VPN for watching sports, it’s ExpressVPN — hands down. I’ve tested it with F1, the Premier League, and of course, cycling. Here’s why it stands out:
- Servers in 108+ countries
- Super-fast connections (no buffering, even in HD)
- Apps for all major devices
- Works even in networks where others fail
- 30-day money-back guarantee
And if you go for the 2-year plan, you get 6 extra months free. That’s more than enough time to enjoy the Tour and beyond.
Final Thoughts
If you want to watch the 2025 Tour de France live and for free, without being tied to your location, a VPN is the key. Just choose a reliable provider, connect to the right server, and you’re ready to stream every attack, every climb, and every photo finish — whether you’re on a beach or in a mountain cabin.
And if you’re looking for a solid bet without compromises, my top 3 remain: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
Enjoy the ride — both on the bike and on the screen!
