Monday, March 8th, 2004 Stage 2 - Chaville > Montargis - 166,5 km           Chaville, Paris' gate of greenery Chaville is near Paris and Versailles and gracefully blends the advantages of a bucolic setting and bustling activity. In days gone by, it owed much of its name to its lily of the valley. Today, however, the some 20,000 people who live here are proud of their town's setting and surrounding wooded hills, pathways and cycling trails. It also boasts over 200 associations, a major cultural centre, and attractions including the Atrium de Chaville, a youth club (MJC de la Vallée), an association of fine engraving artists (Estampe de Chaville) and a wide choice of sports facilities. Chaville also stands out for the variety and diversity of activities available. It is also a member of the Arc-de-Seine Community of Towns, and proud to be home to the Paris-Nice's starting line. www.ville-chaville.fr   Montargis Montargis is an hour out of Paris, in the heart of the splendid Centre region and Loiret department. It was built in the same way as Venice – and likewise features a series of islands, surrounded by channels and “water streets” (explaining why it is also called the Venice of Gâtinais) and linked by 127 bridges and walkways leading visitors to and through its medieval town, churches and monuments. Montargis is one of the eight members of the Agglomération Montargoise Et Rives du Loing (AME), which counts 58,000 inhabitants. Sports attractions here are eclectic. Montargis counts no less than 50 sports associations and a vast sporting heritage. www.montargis.fr   Map of the stage The route 1 Sunday, March 7th 13,2 km   Chaville > Issy-les-Moulineaux / Vanves 2 Monday, March 8th 166,5 km   Chaville > Montargis 3 Tuesday, March 9th 229 km   La Chapelle-Saint-Ursin > Roanne 4 Wednesday, March 10th 179 km   Roanne > Le Puy-en-Velay 5 Thursday, March 11th 215 km   Le Puy-en-Velay > Rasteau 6 Friday, March 12th 173,5 km   Rasteau > Gap 7 Saturday, March 13th 185,5 km   Digne-les-Bains > Cannes 8 Sunday, March 14th 144 km   Nice > Nice  Total 1 305,7 km