Tour de France Stage 10 - Pau to Hautacam Argelès-Gazost

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.}