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.}