Chalette-sur-Loing
7.5 km
Friday 5 September
Photo: City of ChaletteThe beach at the Lake of Chalette
At 100 kilometres south of Paris, Chalette-sur-Loing owes its uniqueness to the fact that it is home to the largest industry in the Loiret region, nestling in an area of remarkable natural beauty.
It is thanks to the paper industry, first of all, then to that of rubber vulcanisation and precision tools that Chalette has forged its identity.
This economic success story has been accompanied by a significant growth in the local population and the development of various associations that have made Chalette today, with its 14,000 inhabitants, the second city in the Agglomeration of Montargis, after the city of Montargis itself.
Moreover, Chalette is distinguished by success in the cultural domain through its "Verdure" Theatre and its show and concert hall "Le Hangar". It is not lagging behind in the realm of sports either, offering female gymnastics, judo, taekwondo, tennis and a number of active and dynamic clubs such as the Guidon Chalettois (cycling) or the Sporting Union of Chalette.
With a forward-looking municipal management system inspired by a constantly enhanced and motivated sense of citizenship and strong in the fight for social cohesion and improvement that has marked its history, Chalette is keen to promote an ideal of justice and is justifiably proud of its hard-earned membership in the world "Cities for Peace" network.
Chalette-sur-Loing is honoured to welcome once again the “Tour de l’Avenir” on the occasion of the Great Departure of the 2008 edition.
Photo: City of ChaletteThe Hutchinson factory, its research centre and the Lake of Chalette
In Chalette, sport and nature coexist thanks to the city’s natural environmental advantages of water and trees. Chalette is traversed by the Loing canal that flows into the Orléans and Briare canals at a point known as the Three Canals, a gateway to the 400-hectare state forest.
Chalette is also a bicycle-friendly city and several dates in the city’s sports calendar, such as the Paris-Chalette and Chalette-Chalette, show that cycling occupies an important place in the activities of the area.
Some enjoy repeating or writing that Avenue Jean Jaurès, the headquarters of all of the cycle races finish line, should be renamed Avenue du Cyclisme, a wonderful homage to our city’s favourite sport. Chalette will be in a party mood to welcome and encourage the future champions.
