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Aix-en-Provence
27 km
Friday 11 March
The last time Paris-Nice featured such a long individual time trial was 1968. Contenders for the final victory should be well placed at this stage of the race and they will have to let their legs do the talking. Those who are able to do so will try and make the difference in a stage which is tailored for specialists. The parcours crosses the heart of the Pays d’Aix and stays mostly flat along the Durance river, but the effort required on the Côte de la Cride could break the rhythm of pure power riders.
Town Hall Rognes© City of Rognes
Situated at the gates of the Luberon, twenty kilometres north of Aix-en Provence, Rognes is an area that has retained its agricultural character, many with vineyards and including its local wine producer,(AOC Cote aux d’Aix ) its also renowned as a quality truffle region.
Local stone has also given Rognes its acclaim, it has been used since the Roman Empire, when they recognised it for its charm.
The old stone quarries of Rognes have exceptional acoustics and are now used each year to host a festival, where artists come to perform in the unique atmosphere of the disused quarries.
The surrounding countryside offers tourists panoramic views over the Sainte Victoire and Mount Ventoux, along with the vineyards, windmills and the remains of the Château Foussa.
Rognes, is an authentic Provencal village with a population of 4500 people, and a place that has hung on to many of its vibrant traditions.
Place d’Albertas© Aix-en-Provence
Over the last three decades, Aix-en-Provence has seen quite an urban development growth, however while at the same time being able to increase in size sympathetically and conscious of its beautiful surroundings.
Now with a population of 150,000, Aix-en-Provence is home to France’s National Choreographic Centre and the Grand Theatre de Provence.
Attracting tourism to the area, is The International Festival of Lyric which takes place every July, and of course the Granet Museum, who regularly organize major exhibitions dedicated to the great artists such as Picasso, Cezanne and Alechinsky.
Serviced well with transport networks including the TGV, motorways, airport and the port of Marseilles, this historic capital of Provence is easily accessible.
Also based here is the ITER energy research centre (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) which is the most advanced thermonuclear station in the world.
Aix-en-Provence welcomes Paris-Nice for fifth time.
