The Tour de l'Aude Cycliste Féminin was the longest running UCI event on the women's elite cycle racing calendar.

[1] It had been held annually in the Aude region of south-central France since 1985 until its cancellation after the 2010 edition.

The race began when Jean Thomas, who organized men's events, turned to a major women's tour.

The initial race was four days long around one city.

The race grew in length and prestige until it attracted many of the top riders in the world.