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Amilly
199 km
Monday 7 March
This stage links the two cities which hosted the last three time trials in Paris-Nice, with Montfort-l’Amaury opening the 2010 edition and Amilly giving start to the 2008 and 2009 ones. The race will leave the Yvelines department for Loiret upon passing Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines. Frontrunners will have to be on their guard from then on, since the crosswinds of the Beauce plain are likely to break up the peloton. On paper, the most likely outcome in Amilly is a mass sprint with riders battling it out in the last 300 metres of the final straight.
View of the towers© Communication Department - Montfort l’Amaury
On the Northern edge of the Rambouillet Forest, lies the town of Montfort l’Amaury situated amongst the ruins of its medieval castle.
Its architectural heritage reflects a thousand years of history. Anne de Bretagne, once the Queen of France, was responsible for its exceptional destiny.
In the shadow of its monuments, nestled between a plain and the forest, artists and writers dedicate this area to inspire inspiration.
Maurice Ravel, the French composer of impressionist music lived here up until his death in 1937 and whose house, "The Belvedere", has now been transformed into a museum.
Montfort l’Amaury with its history and culture, is now a popular tourist destination, especially for walkers and cyclists who visit throughout the year.
Centre-bourg vu du ciel© J.M. Thibault
Located just outside Paris, Amilly with its population of 12,200 is part of the urban district of Montargis, including 800 hectares of forestland. This natural region so close to the urban area has prompted the preservation and enhancement of the countryside, which offers the opportunity of hiking and biking in what is quite a remarkable natural setting.
Found in the heart of the town centre, is Saint Martins church, built in the sixteenth century which is now classified as a French historical monument.
The recent opening of the new library has contributed to Amilly’s cultural influence. Its also well known for good results in sports, particularly football and jujitsu as well as providing contemporary concerts and art exhibitions.
Showing its openness to Europe, Amilly is twinned with the towns of Nordwalde in Germany, Vilanova del Cami in Spain and Calcinaia in Italy. To celebrate this, a Day of Europe is held every summer in July.
