Tour de France Stage 19 - Rouanne to Montluçon

With the end in sight, the Tour de France today finally levels off, as cyclists travel from Rouanne to Montluçon.

Here is the Tour de France description of Rouanne:

Famous throughout the world for its celebrated chefs like the Troisgros brothers and for its reputed textile manufacturing, Roanne is also a major mechanical engineering center, where the Leclerc tank was notably made. Built along the Loire river, with its ancient city center, pedestrian areas and leisure harbor, Roanne provides a festive and cultural atmosphere in a charming setting. Here the Loire river flows through the department of the same name.

Having carved out its gorges and fed both Villerest lake and the canal Tranquille, the capricious waterway akes up its majestic progress. Blessed with a wealth of churches and chateaux, situated at the crossroads of Auvergne, Burgundy and Lyon, the Roanne area possesses a richly diversified architectural heritage. During your stay, be sure to enjoy the museum, the port, the good food, the variety of shops and the welcoming atmosphere of Roanne!

Here is the description of Montluçon:

Located in the heart of France, second largest city in Auvergne, Montluçon met the challenge of the industrial revolution without ever disowning its historical heritage. The medieval town, with its small paved streets and half-timbered houses, and the chateau of the Dukes of Bourbon towering above it, takes you back on a journey through French history.

Lying close to the hedged farmland of Bourbonnais, with the Cher river flowing through, Montluçon has a wealth of assets : leisure activities at close hand (canoeing, golf, nautical sports...), cultural and sporting facilities of quality. A city on the rise, Montluçon has launched major urban renovation schemes as well as restoration of its architectural heritage. An aquatic amusement park has recently opened.

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

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_{Photo of Rouanne (top) and Montluçon, copyright Tour de France.}