Virtual cycling and running platform Zwift has unveiled a major expansion to its Paris map, timed to coincide with the 2026 Tour de France.
The update, which roughly doubles the size of the original virtual world, introduces a virtual rendering of the iconic cobbled climb to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre.
The original Paris map was developed in 2020 for the Virtual Tour de France, replicating the traditional finishing circuit on the Champs-Élysées. The 2026 expansion mirrors the updated real-world finishing circuits, adding the Montmartre King of the Mountains (KOM) segment alongside three new sprint locations: the Église Sprint, Tchou Tchou Sprint, and Monceau Sprint.
The expansion introduces ten new routes to the platform, comprising eight cycling routes and two running routes:
- Crêpe Escape (16.4km / 113m elevation): Features a single lap of the Champs-Élysées before tackling the Montmartre climb in a single loop.
- La Boucle (16.0km / 118m elevation): A single loop that climbs Montmartre before a fast descent to sprint down the Champs-Élysées.
- Paris Toujours (69.2km / 448m elevation): Consists of three laps around the Champs-Élysées and three laps combining the Champs-Élysées and the Montmartre KOM via the Église Sprint.
- Heart of Montmartre (74.5km / 500m elevation): Features three laps of the Champs-Élysées and three laps combining the Champs-Élysées and the Montmartre KOM via the Monceau Sprint.
- Double Espresso (30.5km / 222m elevation): A punchy route featuring two ascents of the Champs-Élysées and two ascents of the Montmartre KOM.
- Montmartre Mixer (25.2km / 190m elevation): An all-encompassing route designed to cover all available roads within the updated Paris map.
- Loop de loop de loop (7.2km / 36m elevation): A fast-paced, flat three-loop circuit.
- Cirque du Suffer (20.9km / 29m elevation): A high-intensity circuit consisting of 50 laps around the Arc de Triomphe, culminating in a sprint finish.
- Rues in Rythme (Run) (5.0km / 34m elevation): A 5km running route through the centre of Paris.
- Paris Pacer (Run) (11.0km / 79m elevation): A longer running route that incorporates the climb up to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre.
The new locations are being showcased during Zwift’s Tour Fever event campaign, which runs from Monday, July 6, to Sunday, August 16, 2026. The campaign features five stages inspired by the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Each stage offers a long and short distance option and will be available to ride for one week, followed by a catch-up week where all stages can be completed on demand.
Participants who take part in the events can unlock exclusive digital rewards. Completing seven of the ten new routes earns players 500 XP, whilst completing all ten unlocks the Tour Fever Bucket Hat. Finishing all five campaign stages unlocks the Tour Fever Kit and the Watch the Femmes Kit. Furthermore, riders who complete either of the long options for Stage 4 will unlock the official women’s L’Étape du Tour de France Femmes kit.
Alongside the map expansion, Zwift has introduced its largest-ever update to the in-game Drop Shop. Here, users can spend their virtual currency on several high-performance bicycle models, including the Cervélo S5, Cannondale SuperSix EVO, Giant Propel Advanced SL 0, and Wilier Filante SLR. New wheelset options from brands such as Reserve, Cadex, and Miche have also been added to the game’s virtual store.
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Latest Zwift updates include: Paris map expansion, virtual gravel environment and integration with users’ outdoor activities
