Dreux
130 km
Saturday 5 September
© Ville de Dreux
Positioned between the Perche, Normandy and the Beauce, 80 kilometres from Paris, Dreux enjoys an exceptional natural environment appreciated by the “Drouais”, the town’s 33,000 native inhabitants.
The town lays claim to a vibrant economic, cultural and sporting landscape, promoted by approximately 300 associations actively involved in creating events that cultivate a dynamic local community network. Urban and commercial development programmes are underway in the city, making Dreux an increasingly attractive town, located less than an hour away from Paris. Community facilities, in a vast array of domains, attract a large public:
- The theatre, appreciated for the variety of its programmes throughout the season;
- The Odyssée, which groups together the multimedia library and the conservatory for the Drouais region, and which enjoys widespread popularity in the surrounding area;
- The Exhibitions Centre, which proposes fairs, exhibitions and themed events all year-round;
- The Saint-Louis Royal Chapel, the burial site of the Orleans family, situated within the castle, which is a focal attraction as a heritage site but also via the creation of events like the Naturalies, a vast plant market that attracts more than 10,000 visitors;
- The car racing track for the west of Paris that notably stages the French Rallycross Championship;
- The Vieux Pré stadium where the CFA 2 football team play; its stadium tracks also host many athletics competitions.
Anchored in folklore and traditions, Dreux has revived cultural events like the Flambarts Carnival (fire, light and winter solstice festival), the Fête des Vendanges (wine harvesting festival) and a summer season that alternates open-air music and dancing. The Hôtel Montulé houses the Arts Centre.
The quality of its open spaces has also earned Dreux the national label of “City in Bloom” (Ville Fleurie).
The 9,000 sportsmen and women of Dreux are committed to all sporting events and are renowned masters in the art of organising such events. The numerous volunteers from the town’s many associations are always eager to play a part in major events like the Tour de l’Avenir, and a public of connoisseurs is always ready and willing to admire sporting exploits and performances.
© Ville de Dreux
Dreux is very proud to host the Start and the 2nd stage of the Tour de l’Avenir.
The Drouais (native inhabitants) adore cycling, manifest during the Tour of Eure-et-Loir which passes through the city every year. The “Vélo Sport Drouais” is a dynamic cycling club that widely relays the values of cycling and federates a host of amateur riders. Tomorrow’s future champions will be in Dreux for a weekend and the population of the entire urban area will be present on this occasion to discover the riders who will perhaps be the future stars of the Tour de France.
The City of Dreux has gone to great lengths in preparing to welcome this celebrated sporting event and all of those who contribute to its success. Each and every Drouais hopes that visitors will have some time to discover their city and its charms. The locals will do their utmost to have visitors enjoy their magnificent environment and extend their warm hospitality. Dreux wishes all the valiant champions performances to match their expectations and the best possible conditions for a fine and excellent race.
