Stage 1: Sunday, July 4 - 208 km (129 miles)

Montaigu		Challans
(Societe du Tour de France)		(Societe du Tour de France)

A thousand-year-old city, Montaigu was founded in the 9th century on a gallo-roman settlement. It survived the Norman invasions, but inspired the habitants of Saint Georges de Montaigu to regroup on the summit of a fortified hill. Well-tested during the Wars of Religion and a center for the Vendée military in the 18th century, Montaigu is today noted mostly for its annual Fair and expo.

Capital of the marsh and flatlands of lower Brittany, Challans is a central agricultural crossroads town and commercial center known for its fairs and markets. It is here that the world-famous ducks of the internationally touted Tour d'Argent restaurant in Paris are prepared. Despite its efforts to remain competitive and vital modern town, Challans nevertheless has managed to preserve its traditional, picturesque appeal.

Climbs: Km 39.6 - Mont Mercure: 3.9 km at 3.7%

Start: Avenue Villebois Mareuil
Finish: Boulevard Jean Monnet