Brittany:Tour de France 2021@font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145

Brittany in the lead

The Grande Boucle? It brings elation to the streets, inspires dreams for every cyclist, and makes all fans’ eyes sparkle – but not only. The whole of Brittany – this mythical and festive land of cycling – is getting in a spin! The buzz is palpable as we imagine the atmosphere that will bring us together again: the cream of world cycling, passion, the wind, the sun… Breathtaking stages, shouts of bravo and unrivalled landscapes. The coast and countryside, the tarmac and nature, straight lines and climbs, various types of land: these are the elements that make up this human adventure. A truly festive tour with the rediscovered joy of celebrating and sharing emotions, together!

Stage 1 – Brest-Landerneau – The “postcard” step

Saturday 26 June – 187 km

The lucky winner to kick-start the 2021 edition is Brest! This City of Art and History is practically a regular, hosting this year its 4th “grand départ” – a record after Paris! This stage, entirely in Finistère, heads south, via Daoulas, staying close to the coast; it goes through Locronan, a splendid town of character, then Quimper, the capital of art and legends. Then Pleyben and its superb churchyard, before climbing the Monts d’Arrée. Offering a wonderful view of the regional natural park, the windy summits will challenge climbers’ calf muscles. A punchy 3-km climb finishes the stage in Landerneau, a stronghold of contemporary art with little streets steeped in history.

Stage 2 – Perros-Guirec – Mûr de Bretagne Guerlédan – Punch and more punch!

Sunday 27 June – 182 km

It’s taken 25 years for Perros to be a start town, but the Tour is back on the Pink Granite Coast for this second stage in Brittany! Exceptional images are guaranteed, from Ploumanac’h to Trébeurden and beyond. You won’t take your eyes off the sea or the cyclists for the first half of the course. The race runs alongside the coast to the east, before heading south to Saint-Brieuc via Paimpol, Beauport abbey and Plouha cliffs. Flirt briefly with Monts du Mené before returning to the heart of Brittany. The arrival in Mûr is spectacular! The mythical 2-km climb makes every cyclists’ eyes sparkle and makes young Bretons dream of the yellow jersey. And just for fun, as in 2018, it will be climbed twice!

Stage 3 – Lorient-Pontivy – An imperial sprint

Monday 28 June – 182 km

Watching the cyclists speed by is almost a formality for Lorient, stage city on the Tour for the 13th time in its history. Its joyful and popular identity matches that of the race – and enthusiasm mounts at the thought of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Festival Interceltique at the same time! From south the north, this stage in Morbihan heads towards Quiberon bay, which is not called “Sublime” for nothing… After the Ria d’Etel, Carnac and its alignments of standing stones, it reaches La Trinité/Mer, where it moves inland, to the heart of Brittany. The focal point is the Napoleonic town of Pontivy, which, along with Landerneau, is a new stage town ready and eager to welcome the Tour! The finish line of the sprint in front of Château des Rohan promises to be amazing.

Stage 4 – Redon-Fougères – Castle life

Tuesday 29 June – 152 km

For the 4th and final stage in Brittany, which is the shortest and without any particular difficulties, the spotlight is on Ille-et-Vilaine, from Redon in the south to Fougères in the north. For Redon, situated between the sea and the land, this is its first time as a start town. The caravan and the cyclists then set out northwards to inland Brittany, with the wind and the countryside, to Bain-de-Bretagne. The peleton will then head to the border area of Brittany, where forts once defended the region. The race is set to go through Vitré, the thousand-year-old medieval city, before ending with a sprint close to Fougères castle, the granite fortress town. Tomorrow will be another day on the Tour, in Mayenne!

tour-de-france-2018-la-baule-sarzeau-aso-pauline-ballet.png

An eco-responsible Tour

Like all events, the Tour de France has an impact on the environment. While the organisation of the race is working to reduce this, Brittany, which is strongly committed to the environmental transition, is particularly demanding in the matter. Hosting the race is a celebration, but it will be even more successful if it leaves the lightest ecological footprint possible! Adopting an environmental approach especially means that everyone needs to make an effort.
Read the Tour’s commitments

For the safety of everyone, act properly

With cyclists, race staff, the caravan and the public, that’s a lot of people in the towns, villages and climbs! Basic requirement: stay well on the sides and do not cross the road. Do not use smoke devices on the side of the road. Never leave your children unattended or your animals unleashed. Do not run alongside the cyclists and keep a 2-metre distance. For protection against Covid-19, always wear a face mask and remember to use hand gel regularly.

See the Tour de France 2021 website