Stage by stage

stage 18 - Cahors Angoulême 211 km
Friday 27 July

Plain stages - A sporting perspective

Jean-Michel Monin, regulator, Olympic team racing champion:

"This will be a long stage, slightly uneven, meaning that there could be some surprises. The terrain should provide some great opportunities for the attackers to shine, whereas the leaders will apply themselves to strengthening their position. Watch out, it promises to be tense."

 
 
Maps and routes

The route

Cahors Angoulême - 211 km
 

Cahors

Valentré bridge, 700 years anniversary (Picture: City of Cahors)

Cahors: a European reference for towns in bloom, a town of art and history, the capital of good taste and the good life in Quercy. Come and sample the dolce vita in the heart of the Lot! Wend your way through the streets and alleyways of the old town. Discover the Jardins Secrets, a gem of verdure at the heart of a conserved heritage site. Wander along the refurbished boulevard Gambetta. Survey the city, curled in a meander of the river Lot, from the heights of Mont Saint-Cyr. Take a stroll along the famous, 700 year old, Valentré Bridge …
A rich and productive terrain, Cahors is famous for its rich and natural heritage and just as famous for its rich produce. Cahors wine, truffles, foie gras, rocamadour cheese, walnuts and Quercy melon are our regional pride. Over the last 2,000 years the town, proud of this heritage, has affirmed its extraordinary vitality and its dynamism as an economic and tourist centre. It is a city of culture with a theatre and a wealth of concerts, exhibitions and festivals. Every summer, from June to September, locals and holidaymakers alike enjoy the Estivales. The 18th stage of the Tour de France on the 27th of July will be the icing on the cake.

 

Angoulême

The Cathedral (Picture: City of Angoulême)

Main city of the department of Charente, famous for its rich architectural heritage and for its past history, Angoulême has also made a name for itself through its festivals. The International Comic Strip Festival, held in late January, attracts professionals and fans alike (over 300,000 visitors). In June, the city of the Valois dances to the beat of the world music festival. In September is held the traditional Ramparts Circuit, the only vintage car race rub in a city in France. In October and November, classical music enthusiasts enjoy the piano festival, which keeps growing in popularity. Finally, two festivals round out the year in November, one devoted to children and toys, the other to gastronomy. Angoulême is also devoted to pictures and visual technologies, and has proved attractive to many companies!

 

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