![](https://culinarytravelsinfrance.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/9d173-cyclisme.jpg?w=320&h=213)
The following story is reprinted with the author’s consent.
This is about a small country village of some 700 inhabitants, tucked peacefully away in Brittany somewhere along that breadth-taking beautiful stretch of coastline known as la Côte d’Émeraude or the Emerald Coast. In truth, few things have ever really changed in this part of the world, oh to be sure, many years ago they filmed a swashbuckling-type movie at a nearby castle and indeed a few stars where seen being whisked through town but with that exception, there’s been the occasional car accident, usually involving a tourist, some low level truancy and of course the usual summer tourist falling off the high rocky cliffs. Quite frankly, other than that, very little has upset the natural ebb and flow of daily life in this village that is until one day when the mayor proudly announced that they had been chosen as a ville de stage for the Tour de France. It was an event of seismic proportion and one that proved to be a life changing moment for everyone.
There are likely only a few things that truly stir the passion in Frenchmen, young and old, as much as the world famous Tour de France. Years ago, legendary names such as Anquetil and Poulidor literally divided France, right down to the smallest village, even families were emotionally split into two rival camps. Today the passions remains as strong, if not stronger, of course with different heroes the likes of iron man Lance Armstrong, recent Tour winner Alberto Contador or the Frenchman, Christophe Riblon. For every Frenchman who has a favorite cycliste, the Tour de France is an event of passion, high drama and emotion, discussed at great lengths in cafes or argued in smoky Bar-Tabac over beers and endless cigarettes. Although the climax of this exhausting, marathon event culminates on the grand Avenues des Champs-Élysées, the emotional battles are fought tooth-and-nail by brave men, one stage after the next, throughout the French countryside.
Read the full story: http://aubergechezrichard.blogspot.com/2011/02/stage-de-velo.html