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Stage by stage
stage 1 - Seyssins 
Saint-Vallier
187 km
Monday 4 June
Saint-Vallier
187 km
Monday 4 June
Seyssins
On the borders of Grenoble, Seyssins is known as a Rural Town© Balloïde-Photo
7,000 inhabitants (Seyssinois)
Seyssins is one of the 28 municipalities in the Grenoble Alps Metropolitan Agglomeration. Much appreciated for its environment and quality of life, the town stretches from the banks of the Drac (a tributary of the Isère at 210 m.) as far as the Moucherotte summit (at 1,900 m.) – a peak of the Vercors mountain range and picture post card of the agglomeration’s. The natural spaces, including 130 hectares of forest land, make up almost two thirds of the commune and its characteristics have earned it the title of "Rural Town" Its historical heritage is worthy of note, in particular the Saint-Martin church which was built between the 9th and 12th centuries. The commune has undergone important urban expansion since 1960 in respect of the quality of its natural spaces. A dynamic community, Seyssins boasts a range of almost 80 different associations – with over 5,000 members. There are also nearly 300 economic units, most of which are situated on the plain.
On the borders of Grenoble, Seyssins is known as a Rural Town.
Saint-Vallier
Quai Bizarelli© Saint-Vallier town
4,300 inhabitants (Saint-Valliérois)
At the confluence of the Galaure Valley and the Rhône, close to the large agglomerations of the Rhône-Alpes region; Saint-Vallier is a historically rich town with a past dating back, so the records show, to the Roman era, firstly under the name of Ursuli and then Orsolles. It took its current name in the 6th century in memory of Valère, Bishop of Viviers. Birthplace of Diane de Poitiers, it underwent industrial development in the 18th century, but its economic rise dates mainly from the 19th century with the arrival of the railway. Seat of a canton of nearly 25,000 inhabitants and an industrial and administrative centre; Saint-Vallier is home to some of the high technology industries in the nuclear and aeronautic fields. An educational centre which is sports-oriented, cultural and commercial; the town’s diverse offer of public facilities and its active community have earned it a reputation for providing an excellent quality of life. A pioneer in the field of sustainable development, Saint-Vallier has been awarded the label of "eco-friendly town".