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Stage by stage
stage 5 - Onet-le-Château 
Mende
178.5 km
Thursday 8 March
Mende
178.5 km
Thursday 8 March
En ligne - A sporting perspective
This could be the crucial stage. From the midway point, around the Gorges du Tarn, the relief will start to wear down the riders. Race regulars know that they will have to save themselves for the last eight kilometres, which can be decisive for victory on the Paris-Nice race. After the Côte de Chabrits slope, fireworks could be in store on the climb up the Croix-Neuve slope (also known as the Laurent Jalabert climb). Over the last three kilometres, the gradient is 10%!
Onet-le-Château
The château© Onet-le-Château Town Hall
At the heart of the Aveyron, Onet-le-Château, the fourth town in the département, is part of the Urban Community of Greater Rodez and stretches 20 km between city and countryside. In fifty years, the inhabitants, known as Castonétois, have grown from 1,200 to 11,200 in number – a strong demographic trend but also an economically profitable one as the municipal territroy includes one of the département’s most important labour markets. A dynamic city, therefore, whose calendar contains a host of major events. Highlights include the Festival of Laughter, Amateur Theatre Festival, New Year’s Concert, Sports Festival, Transcastonétoise U13 International Football Tournament, and the World BMX Flat Championships, while the forthcoming theatre, a flagship project for the municipality, aims to extend the town’s cultural influence still further. Onet-le-Château is just as lively on the sports front, with over 3,200 members belonging to 35 clubs. It will extend a most enthusiastic welcome to its first Paris-Nice.
Mende
View of Mende© Studionature.com
At the heart of the Lozère, gateway to the Causses and the Cevennes, both recently inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Mende enjoys a truly attractive quality of life. It has preserved a rich historical heritage, particularly the 15th-century Gothic cathedral, surrounded by the charming mediaeval town with its narrow streets. Along with 21 other municipalities, Mende and Lot in Gevaudan have been awarded the label of ‘Art and History Region’. Looking to the future, Mende has played a key role in the creation of the Regional Business Park whose role is to welcome new incoming businesses. Twice voted "the sportiest city in France," Mende, with its 80 sports associations, boasts a wide range of facilities and houses the Lozère Omnisports Centre, enabling young athletes wishing to attain top level to fulfil their desires while pursuing their education. An ideal playground for all who wish to live or move there.