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Plumelec
197.5 km
Saturday 5 July
For the first time since 1967, there will be no prologue to begin the battle. The pack will dive right into the race from the first kilometers of this hilly stage over the Monts d’Arrée, before fighting it out in the tough final kilometres and an arrival at the summit of the Côte de Cadoual, where climbers, escaped riders and attackers could all vie for the victory. With no time bonuses to be earned, the stage winner will put on the first yellow jersey of the 2008 Tour.
Brest from the sky (Picture: T. Joyeux / Océanopolis)
28 times a stage town.
Stage for the first time in 1906; winner: Louis Trousselier.
Most recently in 1974; winner: Eddy Merckx.
Sub-prefecture of the Finistère. 145.000 inhabitants.
Westernmost tip of continental Europe, a prow looking towards the Atlantic, Brest has always had the adventure state of mind. Having seen the greatest explorers and most audacious sailors set off from its port, Brest is by nature maritime, modern, talented and open to the world. Océanopolis stands as one of the most splendid symbols of the city’s character. A center devoted to understanding oceans and seas, it is home to half of all European scientists specialized in this field. At the heart of an economic basin representing a workforce of some 380,000, Brest extends its influence, thanks to its efficient services and facilities, to the whole of western Brittany and its more than one million inhabitants. This summer, Brest will be under the spotlight when it welcomes the Tour de France and just after, from July 11 to July 18, Brest 2008. For the 5th edition of the international sailing festival, 2000 boats and their crews from all over the world will gather in the harbor. In July 2008, Brest promises to be all wheels and sails !
• Office de Tourisme
• Brest 2008
• Conseil général du Finistère
• Comité départemental du Tourisme
Callac’s Stations of the Cross. A collection of life-size granite characters. (Picture: City of Plumelec)
3 times a stage town.
Stage for the first time in 1982; winner: Ti-Raleigh team.
Most recently in 1997; winner: Erik Zabel.
Municipality of the Morbihan. 2.500 inhabitants.
Plumelec, a rural town of some 2,500 inhabitants located on the outskirts of the Gallo region, close to the Lanvaux moors, the Gulf of Morbihan and the beaches of the Atlantic, combines both a green setting and the proximity of the seaside. Woods, moors and fields make up its verdant and hilly surroundings. The traditional rural architecture has been well preserved as well as the historical heritage (chapels, manor houses, fountains, calvaries). With its many trails suited for hiking or horseback riding, Plumelec is just the place for some peaceful R and R. Plumelec provides its inhabitants with excellent facilities and the opportunity for each and everyone to fulfill his expectations. The town’s motto is there to prove it : «Vive Valeque» – « Live and fare well ! »
• Conseil général du Morbihan
