Stage 7: Saturday, July 10 - 227 km (141 miles)

Avesnes-sur-Helpe		Thionville
(Societe du Tour de France)		(Societe du Tour de France)

Cradle of French history, Avesnes-sur-Helpe served as the crossroads between Burgundy, France and the Netherlands for nearly a thousand years. Both the Prince of Condé, the Dukes of Guise as well as the ancestors of King Henri IV hailed from here. Interestingly one of Henri's sons, Jessé de Forest, founded the Forest Hills neighborhood in New York. Avesnes is also noted for it's special Maroilles cheese.

Thionville was founded in the 8th century around the Merovingian chateau which was the heart of the industrial region of the Lorraine. Annexed by France in 1659, the town has been held under siege on several occassions throughout its history since it is part of volatile Lorraine region. Birthplace of French cycling champion Henri Anglade, today Thionville is the home of a large cultural and scientific heritage.

Climbs: Km 143.4 - Thonnelle Climb: 0.7 km at 6%.
Km 176.0 - Longuyon Climb: 1.2 km at 4.3%.
Km 185..3 - Boismont Climb: 1.3 km at 4.6%.

Start: Rue Gossuin
Finish: Place de la Liberté (Blvd. Foch)