Kelby's France Travel Blog

Today's Tour de France cuts through the stunning High Alpes, or Hautes-Alpes. It starts in picturesque Embrun, and ends in L’Alpe-d’Huez.

The Tour de France description of Embrun:

Many treasures from the past are to be admired in the streets of Embrun, such as fountains, sundials, arched passageways, ornate sculpted doors... At the heart of the old quarter rises Notre-Dame-du-Réal cathedral, erected in the 12th century. Of Lombardic inspiration, it is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Alps, reputed for its porch adorned with lions, its organ and its treasure house. Brune tower (13th century), the former donjon of the archbishops, is now an exhibition center for Ecrins National Park.

Chanonges house boasts a splendid Romanesque facade and wall paintings dating back to 1516. Frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries can be admired in the chapels of the former Cordelier monastery. Separated from Serre-Ponçon lake by a levee with promenade, Embrun’s man-made lake offers a wide variety of leisure activities on the water and in the vicinity of its grassy beaches: kayaking, rowing, sailing, pedal boats, mini-golf, pool, water slides, children’s playground... In the summer, a free shuttle service is available from the city center.

The description of L'Alpe-d'Huez:

Summer and winter resort, well deserving of its “Island in the sun” nickname, L’Alpe-d’Huez lies at 1,860 m, facing south, at the foot of Grandes Rousses massif. The panoramic view from the top of Pic Blanc, culminating at some 3,330 m, spans across Ecrins National Park and its majestic peaks, encompassing one fifth of the French territory from Italy to the Massif central.

A Mecca of cycling, L’Alpe-d’Huez is hosting the Tour de France for the 26th time in 2008. Other noteworthy cycling events are held here in the summer, the Marmotte and the Mégavalanche. A host of other leisure activities are on offer : horseback riding, hiking, mountain climbing, aerial rides, fishing, golf, tennis... For the more cultural-minded, weekly classical music concerts are held in Notre-Dame des Neiges church as well as exhibitions at the Huez and L’Oisans Museum.

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region

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_{Photo of Embrun (top) and L'Alpe-d'Huez, copyright Tour de France.}

Today's stage crosses the Italian and French Alps, and cyclists are pedaling through the highest pass in all of Europe before a steep downhill race. The days' cycling begins in Cuneo, Italy and ends in Jausiers, France. This is also, incidentally, passing some of Europe's most breathtaking scenery.

The Tour de France description of Cuneo:

Surrounded by a breathtaking Alpine scenery, Cuneo will enchant you with its colorful and fragrant streets. Founded in 1198, the town owes its name to the shape of the high plateau (534m) on which it stands, at the confluence of the Gesso torrent and the Stura river. Any visit must include Piazza Galimberti, the large square where the renowned Tuesday market takes place, Via Roma, the main street in the old town with its well-preserved medieval archway, the cathedral, the city hall and the city tower.

Corso Nizza, with its lovely shops, lies at the center of the new town, while Viale degli Angeli is lined with villas typical of the late 19th century. Finally, be sure to enjoy the numerous delicacies of the region : Cuneesi (rum flavored pralines), chestnuts, mushrooms, wines, cheeses...

Here is the blurb about Jausiers:

Lying in the Ubaye valley very close to Cuneo in Italy, smallest town to hold a Tour de France stage finish (barely 1,000 inhabitants!), situated at the foot of Europe’s highest road (2,802 m), Jausiers relishes in combining Provence with the Alps. Having sent many immigrants to Louisiana and Mexico as far back as the 19th century, Jausiers boasts many a grandiose home, built by its native sons who came back having made their fortune.

Like the paradise lost, the Ubaye valley and Jausiers are reached through seven passes well known to cyclists, notably Bonette-Restefond, Allos and Cayolle. Situated in the Mercantour national park, Jausiers is much blessed: the purest air for all aerial sports, crystal-clear water for all white-water activities, hiking and mountain biking trails. The surrounding summits cast their reflection on the majestic lake. In the nearby crafts center, the delicacies of the Ubaye valley are sure to tempt many a visitor.

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region | Cuneo, Italy and the 2008 Tour de France | Cuneo, Italy Travel Guide | Piedmont Region Map and Information

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_{Photo of Cuneo, Italy (top) and Jausiers, France copyright Tour de France.}

Today's Tour de France starts in the Alps of France, but quickly moves into Italy. This is all followed by a rest day in Cuneo, Italy. Today's route starts in Embrun, France and ends in Prato Nevoso, Italy. The Tour de France is about to get an Italian accent.

Here is the Tour de France description of Embrun:

Located in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes and the border to Provence, nestled amid lakes and mountains, the town of Embrun, referred to as the “little Nice of the Alps” is a major center for tourism activity. Athletes and nature lovers find everything they need to fulfil their every desire. There are 500 kilometres of mountain-biking trails, white water sports on the Durance River, countless hikes to be had in the protected natural wilderness, paragliding, water sports on the 3000 hectares of Serre-Ponçon lake, and of course fishing. Embrun overlooks the Durance from atop its rocky outcrop, and enjoys sunny weather and an advantageous location near the Serre-Ponçon Lake and the National Ecrins Park.

Embrun’s own lake, located 2 kilometres from the centre of town, has been beautifully developed for visitors and locals alike. A recent detour now protects the centre of Embrun from traffic, enhancing the rich historical architecture, now the venue for many events. Embrun is a dynamic city which has planned for harmonious growth. The city currently has a population of 6700 inhabitants and a firm eye on the future.

Here is the Tour de Franc description of Prato Nevoso:

Prato Nevoso stands at 1500 metres altitude, in the heart of a ski area known as Mondolé Ski, with 130 km of runs. Prato Nevoso is in the town of Frabosa Sottana, and came into being in 1966. The resort is located in the beautiful natural Prato basin. Gently sloping runs and great sunshine have earned it the reputation as the perfect Family Ski Resort. The “Pratolandia” amusement park and the Snowpark are two major attractions, as are the many activities, including night-time skiing, trekking, golf, mountain biking, tennis, hang-gliding and hot-air ballooning.

The magnificent Caudano, Bossea and Dossi caves lie nearby, and offer a fascinating visit. Fairs featuring local products such as chestnuts, the DOP Raschera cheese, and honey, draw many interested visitors. Local museums (the Mountain Museum and the Italian Snowboard Museum) and traditional mountain markets also add to the attraction of the Maudagna Valley.

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region | Cuneo, Italy and the 2008 Tour de France | Cuneo, Italy Travel Guide | Piedmont Region Map and Information

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_{Photo of Embrun, France (top) and Prato Nevoso, Italy copyright Tour de France.}

Today's Tour de France route takes one of the more scenic journeys, one in fact made famous by the writings of Peter Mayle, through the lovely Luberon, into Provence and the Alps. It begins in historic Nîmes and ends in the enchanting Digne-les-Bains.

Here is the Tour de France description of Nîmes:

Nîmes is proud of its many top-flight teams, not to mention more than four hundred clubs representing a wide variety of sports and thousands of amateur athletes. The legendary Nîmes Olympique in football, the Arc club de Nîmes (archery), the Nautique Club Nîmois (swimming), the Rugby Club Nîmes Gard, HBCN and USAM (handball) have all proven their skill for developing young talents, many of whom went on to shine on the national and international stage.

Blessed with top venues (Costières stadium, Le Parnasse arena, Estanque petanque ground, Kaufman stadium, Némausa Olympic pool) as well as facilities throughout the town, Nîmes has hosted many international sporting events, such as the Davis Cup, the Mediterranean games, world championships in fencing and archery, to name but a few. In 2004, following a long absence, the Tour de France finally made it back to Nîmes, which gets once again to host a stage in 2008.

Here is the blurb about Digne les Bains:

Principal district town in the department of Alpes de Haute- Provence, known as the capital of lavender, Digne-les- Bains is a thermal spa ideally situated between Provence and the Alps. Nestled in a well-preserved environment, it is the ideal spot for all outdoor activities. The air is so pure that many species of butterflies can be admired. The reputed hydrotherapy center draws many visitors. The geological society of Provence has set up a trail near the Dalle aux Ammonites, a rock shelf covered with 1500 ammonite fossils, unique of its kind in the world.

The Gassendi museum is home to both a fine arts collection and botanical specimens. Alexandra David-Neel, famous explorer and writer, spent the last years of her life in Digne-les-Bains. Her home has been turned into a foundation and museum. In the Digne countryside can be admired quite a number of contemporary art works. Here and there lie the masterpieces of Andy Goldsworthy and Herman de Vries.

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Region | Images of Provence

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_{Photos of Nîmes (top) and Digne-les-Bains copyright Tour de France.}

The Tour de France passes through one of my favorite areas of France, the Languedoc and Cathar Country. The day starts in Narbonne, a lovely Languedoc city and beach village, and ends in the historic Roman city of Nîmes.

The Tour de France description of Narbonne:

Nestled at the heart of a regional park, Narbonne is blessed with splendid natural surroundings, notably the La Clape and Fontfroide massifs, true hiking havens. On the seaside, the beaches of fine sand are ideal for all nautical sports and some R-and-R. Narbonne is also blessed with a rich architectural and historical heritage. The Canal de la Robine, a Unesco World Heritage site, flows through the town. A walk along the streets in the town center feels like a trip back in time, with countless traces of the past there for the admiring.

At the crossroads of several highways and railways, Narbonne enjoys a privileged geographical location and has much assets to provide companies who settle here with growth opportunities. Boasting a wealth of hotels, Narbonne is the starting point for many tourist circuits. Whether you enjoy the outdoors, the seaside, historical vestiges or the Mediterranean way of life, Narbonne is sure to fulfill all your desires!

The description of Nimes:

Nîmes is famous throughout the world for its Roman vestiges, such as the amphitheater, the Maison Carrée (Square House temple), Magne Tower, and Pont du Gard bridge, only a few miles away. While proud of its past, the city knows how to live with its times. In the early 1980’s, the municipality undertook a voluntarist urban policy. Great contemporary architects were called upon to modernize the cityscape. Norman Foster designed Carré d’Art, the city’s museum of modern art, Jean-Michel Wilmotte renovated the theater and the city Hall, Vittorio Gregotti conceived Costières stadium.

Today, Nîmes keeps growing and putting on a new face. The Arènes Esplanade Feuchères project (now in its second stage), the renovation of many squares, the erection of new schools and an olympic-size swimming pool, have all contributed to embellishing the city. Situated a mere three hours by TGV from Paris, Nîmes stakes its claim as a city to be reckoned with at the center of France’s Mediterranean belt.

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Languedoc Region | Southwest France

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Today's Tour de France passes through the lovely Midi Pyrenees and Languedoc regions, riding from Lavelanet to Narbonne.

Here is the Tour de France blurb about Lavelanet:

Situated in Cathar country at the foot of Montsegur castle, Lavelanet stands alongside the Touyre river, where the three valleys meet, on the outskirts of the counties of Foix and Carcassonne. The town derives its name from the word “avelana”, meaning “hazelnut”, as it used to be surrounded by hazelnut trees, which still can be seen on its coat of arms. With a longstanding tradition in clothe making, Lavelanet has more recently turned to so-called “smart fabrics” which call for much know-how and highly technical manufacturing. Ideally located just one hour to the south of Toulouse and Carcassonne, Lavelanet enjoys well-preserved natural surroundings perfectly suited for outdoor activities. Nestled in lush greenery, surrounded by picturesque villages, very close to Monts d’Olmes ski resort, the town enjoys many cultural and sporting events.

Here is the description of Narbonne:

For over twenty centuries, Narbonne has been presenting visitors with a multitude of facets. Founded in the 5th century B.C. atop Montlaurès hill, the town became the capital of the Elysians, one of the most ancient tribes in the Western Mediterranean area. Rome settled there in 118 B.C. and renamed it Narbo Martius, its first colony in Gaul. Its harbor, now lying at the bottom of Bages pond, once flourished and rivaled with Marseilles. The Via Domitia, a major landmark dating back to Antiquity, stands as proof that Narbonne and its region have long reached out to Europe and the Mediterranean. Christianized in the 3rd century, the city prospered in the Middle Ages, most notably during the 12th and 13th centuries when the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur cathedral was erected. After more quiet times, Narbonne once again expanded from the 19th century onwards with the advent of railways and the growth of winemaking. Today, wine remains the cornerstone of Narbonne’s prosperity.

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Midi Pyrenees Region | Southwest France

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Today's Tour de France should have some interesting scenery as well as challenges as the cyclists hit the beautiful High Pyrenees. The day starts on Lannemezan and ends in the quaint and surprisingly wonderful gem of a little city, rich in history and unique architecture, Foix. Foix is one of my favorite smaller cities in Southwest France, and the entire Ariege is stunning.

Here is the Tour de France blurb about Lannemezan:

Plateau lying at the foot of the Pyrenean peaks, Lannemezan and the Aragnouet-Bielsa tunnel remain the quickest gateway to Spain. Located halfway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, with Toulouse only an hour away and Pau a mere forty-five minutes, Lannemezan is ideally situated, as major chemical and industrial plants have acknowledged, breathing new life into an already thriving economy. Pleasant living conditions have been enhanced by the city’s environment charter.

Sporting facilities (golf course) and numerous sightseeing options (Pic du Midi, Lourdes pilgrimage) provide a wealth of leisure opportunities. Many clubs and associations carry out diverse artistic, sporting, social and charitable activities. Along with the local rugby club and the alpine and snowboarding training scheme at the high school, they do their part in promoting such values as respect, effort and competition. Lannemezan, the balcony of the Pyrenees where the living is easy!

Here is the description of Foix:

Situated at the heart of the department of Ariège and at the foot of the Pyrenees, symbolized by the three towers of its castle, Foix offers the advantages of a small town while benefiting from the nearby presence of Toulouse, Spain and Andorra. Proudly standing atop its rocky perch, the castle (10th-15th centuries) was once home to the counts of Foix, notably the flamboyant Gaston Phoebus (1343-1391). It is well worth the visit.

A tourist and stopover town, Foix boasts an attractive city center with true historical authenticity as well as a diversity of shops. Its well-preserved natural setting lends itself to all sports and outdoor activities: cycling, hiking, horseback riding, white-water rafting, hang-gliding across the valley... Foix is the ideal starting point for discovering the many treasures of Ariège: medieval castles, Cathar citadels, Romanesque abbeys, prehistoric caves, sublime landscapes!

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Midi Pyrenees Region | Southwest France

tour de france

_{Photos of Lannemezan (top) and Foix, copyright Tour de France.}

Today's Tour de France route passes through one of the most magical, most awe-inspiring areas of France. The day begins in Pau, a city surrounded with breathtaking mountain peaks. It is blessed with such a fine Pyrenees location that this is the 61st time Pau has served as a Tour de France stopover. Along the route, cyclists will pass through Lourdes, a mountain city best known for the story of Virgin Mary sightings and today is a major religious pilgrimage destination.

The Tour de France description of Pau:

True to the Tour de France since 1930, Pau has become a mainstay of the world’s greatest cycling race, thanks both to its geographical location and to its marvelous infrastructures. Pau will hold its 62nd stage in 2008, and only one other city besides Paris has done better. Proud of its past and nonetheless in tune with modernity, nestled in a lush green setting, Pau has turned an early twentieth century Palace into a state-of-the-art conference center, and a neo-gothic convent into a dance and music school.

The city also boasts one of the first modern concert halls in France and a sports arena where the pro basketball team l’Élan Béarnais has pulled off its share of exploits. The first ever jai-alai arena in Europe opened in March 2006, near the race track. Betting takes place on the various competitions. City of a thousand palm trees, lying close to the legendary Pyrenean passes, to Spain and to the Atlantic, Pau extends its warmest welcome to the Tour de France!

Here is the description of Hautacam Argelès-Gazost:

Close to the renowned Argelès-Gazost thermal spa and world famous sights such as Gavarny Cirque, Aubisque Pass and Lourdes pilgrimage, Hautacam is a mid-altitude resort where the outdoors can be enjoyed the year round. In wintertime: alpine skiing (27 km of slopes), cross-country skiing (15 km) and snowshoe hikes... In summertime: mountain biking, paragliding, Devalkart (karting down a green slope, without any engine...) , Rollerbe (roller-skiing)... Hautacam unveils its peaceful charms within a spectacular Pyrenean landscape unblemished by constructions.

With breathtaking views of the Pic du Midi and the Brèche de Rolland, outdoors enthusiasts and meditative travelers alike will want to make a stop in Hautacam. Should you seek a few thrills, take a ride on the Mountain Luge roller coaster, which has proved tremendously popular since opening in 2007.

Find out more about the route: Pau | Lourdes | Southwest France

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_{Photos of Figeac (top) and Toulouse, copyright Tour de France.}

Today's Tour de France starts in a city that is just a must-see in France. Called the "pink village," I have fond memories of sipping coffee at the Place du Capitole in Toulouse, the thriving heart of the city and the site of popular open air markets. This is truly the essence of the South of France. The day ends in one of France's most enticing mountain spa villages, Bagnères-de-Bigorre. This should be a lovely day of Tour de France scenery viewing (and even better for those lucky ones who are on the route today).

Here is the Tour de France description of Toulouse:

With some 435,000 inhabitants – over 800,000 in its greater metropolitan area – Toulouse lies at the heart of Midi- Pyrénées, France’s largest regional district. Ideally located between the Mediterranean (150 km away), the Atlantic (250 km) and the Pyrenean ski slopes (110 km), Toulouse is twinned with Atlanta (USA), Kiev (Ukraine), Tel Aviv (Israel), Bologna (Italy), Elche (Spain) and Chon-Qing (China).

As for sports and outdoor activities, Toulouse boasts 228 km of cycling paths, 2,400 bicycles available on a selfservice basis. In 2007, L’Equipe sports magazine named Toulouse the top sporting city in France. The more than 500 clubs tally some 85,000 members, and no less than 16 top-flight clubs make Toulouse proud on the national and European stage, most notably Stade Toulousain (rugby union), Toulouse Olympique (rugby league) and Toulouse Football Club (soccer).

Here is the blurb on Bagnères-de-Bigorre:

Elegant thermal spa, Bagnères welcomes you at the foot of the famous Tourmalet pass. Situated within the Pyrenees national park, the town enjoys exceptional natural surroundings perfectly suited for sports and outdoor activities the year around.

The Tourmalet skiing domain (largest in the French Pyrenees, with the towering Pic du Midi de Bigorre overlooking its slopes), the Laurent Fignon center, the Bigorre golf course, the Gailleste equestrian center and the hiking trails of haute-Bigorre... all await your exploits, before some well-earned rest in the splendid Aquensis thermal spa where you can experience for yourself the beneficial and relaxing effects of the rich mineral water.

With its typical thermal spa architecture, its varied and original cultural life (Beaux-arts museum, marble museum) and its quality services, Bagnères stands out as the most pleasant of cities to settle in or visit.

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Toulouse Travel Guide | Midi Pyrenees Region | Southwest France

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_{Photos of Toulouse (top) and Bagnères-de-Bigorre, copyright Tour de France.}

The Tour de France enters one of my favorite corners of France, the Midi Pyrenees Region in lovely and undiscovered Southwest France. The day ends in one of France's prettiest and more vibrant cities (that goes unvisited by hordes of tourists), Toulouse.

Here is the Tour de France description of Figeac:

Imagine a rich medieval town where the living is easy. As you take a stroll along its streets and squares, Figeac unveils its shops, homes, palaces and cityscapes from the middle ages. Hometown of Jean-François Champollion, Figeac also has an Egyptian flavor to it. As a tribute to the man who first unlocked the mystery of the hieroglyphs, the town has turned his native home into a museum, which was extended in 2007 to include the history of all written languages.

Creativity also finds its place in Figeac, whether it be hitech industries and aircraft manufacturing (propellers and flight commands for Airbus), or modern art and architecture. Joseph Kosuth’s Square of Scriptures and Mark Mimram’s walkway across the Célé are testimony to this fruitful dialogue. Tourists also flock to Figeac for its festivals: «Le Chaînon manquant » in the springtime (street theater), «Les Tréteaux de France Marcel Maréchal» in the summer (theater).

Here is the blurb on Toulouse:

Fourth largest city in France and capital of the Midi-Pyrénées region, Toulouse is very much a southern town with a Spanish flavor to it. Spanning over two thousand years, its history has brought numerous influences to its distinctively Languedoc heritage. Bidding for the 2013 European culture Capital nomination, Toulouse boasts an intense artistic and cultural life, as well as clement weather!

Every year, some 20,000 new inhabitants succumb to its many charms. Toulouse has always been at the heart of the air and space adventure, from the pioneering days of Jean Mermoz and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, to manufacturing satellites and the Airbus A380. With 90,000 students and 10,000 scientists, Toulouse leads the way in hi-tech industries, most notably nanotechnology, biotechnology, on-board electronics and health care with the Cancéropole.

Find out more about the Tour de France: Tour de France 2008

Find out more about the route: Toulouse Travel Guide | Midi Pyrenees Region | Southwest France

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_{Photos of Figeac (top) and Toulouse, copyright Tour de France.}