Embrun to Valloire

Stage 18 - Thursday, 25 July - 207 km (129 mi)

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The Stage

The race heads into the Alps for its first grueling day of 207 kilometers that climb the Col de Vars (2,109m) and the Col d’Izoard (2,360m) before dropping down to the town of Briançon. They then cross the summit of the Galibier (2,642m) via the Col du Lautaret, before descending to the finish in Valloire.

Winner: Nairo Quintana

Tour Touristique

Château-Ville-Vieille (Pop: 320) stands at the foot of Fort Queyras or Queyras castle, an impressive fortress built on a rocky ridge. A 13th century medieval castle, the site was recast by Vauban between 1693 and 1740 with the addition of three ramparts. The citadel was used to block the access to the Durance valley but it was disarmed in 1940 and listed as historical in 1948. Now a private property, the castle is used for television games and attractions in the summer season.

Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban is a quite interesting figure. "Vauban made a radical suggestion of giving up some land that was indefensible to allow for a stronger, less porous border with France's neighbours."

View attached image.

View attached image.

View attached image.