Stage 1 • PASSAGE DU GOIS – LA BARRE DE MONTS > MONT DES ALOUETTES - LES HERBIERS • 191.5km

The Passage du Gois is a causeway joining the Île de Noirmoutier and Beauvoir sur Mer on the mainland, via Barbâtre, and is submerged by the tide twice a day.

Passable by car, bike or by foot at low tide, it is situated close to La Barre de Monts and the resort of Fromentine. This dynamic resort offers visitors a huge range of all-year-round activities, including sailing, sand-yachting, kite-surfing, walking and bike tours, plus the opportunity to visit the Le Daviaud eco-museum in the Vendée's salt and freshwater marshland area. From the Pey de la Blet – a tower built in the heart of the forest – you can enjoy the superb panoramic view of the marshes, the ocean and the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier, while on the seafront, where there are no cars allowed, and no tall buildings to ruin the view, you can enjoy the sight of the unusual seaside villas dating from the early twentieth century. Surrounded by wide, open spaces (seven kilometres of beaches, almost 700 hectares of forest and 1,200 hectares of marshland), the municipality has made the preservation of its environment, and its living environment, a matter of priority.

Stage-town for the first time

2 173 inhabitants

www.vendee.fr

It's from the summit of the Mont des Alouettes, next to the windmills, that visitors get their first sight of the town of Les Herbiers.

The capital of the Vendée's hilly Haut Bocage area represents what has come to be known as 'the Vendéen economic miracle'. In just a few years, a number of local businesses have become domestic and multinational giants. Boat builders Jeanneau have become one of the biggest manufacturers of yachts and power boats in the world, while CWF – Children Worldwide Fashion – lead the pack in the distribution of children's fashion clothing.

Through this rapid development, the image of Les Herbiers was just as rapidly transformed, with development based on respect for one another, respect for nature and a focus on innovative architecture. Les Herbiers locals' new way of life – so original and bold for a town of its size – has reaped the rewards in a variety of ways (the green neighbourhood of Val de la Pellinière, the Tour des Arts and the UN's Agenda 21 sustainable development action plan) and is now the envy of its neighbours. This boldness, a spirit of innovation, perseverance and solidarity all combine to contribute to this success.

A true haven of cycling, and already the host of the Chrono des Nations bike race, Les Herbiers is proud to welcome the Tour de France.

Stage-town for the first time

15 450 inhabitants

www.les herbiers.fr