Tour de France 2008 Stage 9 - Toulouse to Bagnères-de-Bigorre

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.}