Former French star Thibaut Pinot offers free stay at his farm to celebrate 2026 Tour de France stage passing through home village

Former French cycling star Thibaut Pinot is offering a unique opportunity for fans to stay at his farmhouse during the 2026 Tour de France. Through Airbnb, Pinot will host a family of up to six people for three nights in his home village of Mélisey, located in the Vosges region of eastern France. This initiative aims to highlight the beauty of his rural home and celebrate the Tour’s passage through the village, which will feature prominently in stage 13 of the race. The stage passing through Mélisey on 17 July 2026 will include an intermediate sprint in the village before riders face the challenging climb of the Category 1 Ballon d’Alsace. Pinot, who retired from professional cycling three years ago, has embraced farming full-time but remains deeply connected to his roots. During the stay, guests will gain exclusive access to the Tour paddock, enjoy a helicopter ride over the race stage, and experience a drive in an official race car for those aged 16 and over. Beyond the race experience, Pinot plans to share the tranquillity of his countryside life, introducing visitors to his farm animals and leading an e-bike excursion followed by a picnic by his pond. The offer reflects Pinot’s desire to showcase the richness of rural France, which he believes has much to offer beyond its sporting heritage. His personal connection to the region and the Tour adds a special dimension to the experience. Applications to book the stay will open on 19 June at 10am CET via Airbnb, making it a rare chance for cycling enthusiasts to combine sport and nature in an intimate setting. Pinot’s gesture not only promotes his home region but also deepens the link between the Tour de France and the communities it touches, underlining the event’s cultural significance beyond the race itself.