Le Bouveret
PROLOGUE - 25 APRIL 2023
Stages
City of departure and arrival : Le Bouveret
25April
A little corner of Valaisan heaven on Lake Geneva
Located on both sides of the Port-Valais hill, the complementary villages of Le Bouveret and Les Évouettes have much to offer. In particular, Port-Valais is favoured by epicureans, who are fans of diverse gastronomy, and those in search of outdoor activities. In addition to our restaurants with their sunny terraces, the many soft mobility itineraries will delight cycling enthusiasts.
Le Bouveret is a convivial and welcoming village. While it is very busy in the summer, it remains popular during the other seasons too. You will be able to find all sorts of sports and water-based fun. You will also be able to devote yourself to the joys of walking, cycling and boating. There are two theme parks for children and adults alike: the Aquaparc and the Swiss Vapeur Parc.
The quiet little village of Les Évouettes is an integral part of the municipality of Port-Valais. Its renowned wines, which are appreciated by connoisseurs, come from the first vineyard on the left bank of the Rhône when arriving from Évian (France).
From Port-Valais, you will be able to climb up Le Grammont, taking a welcome break in the Chalavornaire mountain pastures, which offer breath-taking views over the plain, the Vaud Alps and Lake Geneva.
26April
Crissier – Vallée de Joux
1st STAGE | 26 APRIL 2023
Departure city : Crissier
Departure city : Crissier
The unexpected charms of Crissier
Renowned for its big gastronomic names, Crissier will also surprise you with many other lesser-known attributes.
Nestled in the dynamic Ouest Lausannois District, our town marks the border between Lausanne and its suburbs and the Gros-de-Vaud countryside. This location gives Crissier’s landscapes great variety, which is also linked to its rich history. Its agricultural past, for example, has left a strong rural legacy: half of the territory remains green and wooded. North of the town, there is vast countryside intersected by two rivers, one of which has remarkable waterfalls. The town also has a vineyard overlooked by a 17th-century castle. The closeness of major transport routes then led to the development of industrial areas, which are home to a highly diversified economic fabric. More recently, demographic changes in the Lake Geneva region gave rise to innovative districts, with the population now close to 10,000 inhabitants.
The intangible heritage of local associations can be added to these elements. Our handball, football, gymnastics, table tennis, bowls, shooting and combat sports clubs are recognised all over the region, as much for their athletic performances as for their festive events. Moreover, this is an opportunity to thank the members of these associations for their commitment to promoting sporting prowess and social events, thus bringing together citizens from all backgrounds and gifting them shared memories. Thanks to these associations, there is a warm atmosphere in Crissier, the soul of the village remains, and the quality of life is guaranteed.
We hope that our town will be a delight for your eyes as much as it enchants your tastebuds.
Arrival city : La Vallée de Joux
Explore, breathe and taste !
Both accessible and off the beaten track, intimate and full of large spaces, the Vallée de Joux has proven to be a land of escape, contrast and inspiration for many craftspeople, regional producers or renowned watchmakers. While the Lac de Joux alone is an excellent reason to “climb” up to the Valley, it also offers a wide range of activities.
Arrival city : La Vallée de Joux
The Lac de Joux is the largest body of water in the Jura Mountains and a perfect destination for those who love nature and outdoor sports. The lake lies at 1,004 metres of altitude and you can swim in it, partake in many watersports or even enjoy a cruise aboard the boat Le Caprice II. Thanks to the many hiking and mountain biking trails, you can get away from it all on the routes around the lake. Or go a little higher to discover the Risoud Forest, the Dent de Vaulion mountain or, in the heart of the Jura Vaudois regional nature park, the drystone walls that criss-cross the pastures of Mont Tendre. It is an ideal region for athletes but also for families who will find all they need for holidays combining nature, relaxation and culture. The Sports Centre in Le Sentier, with its swimming pool, Wellness area and various facilities, offers à la carte leisure activities for children and adults alike. Make sure you don’t miss out on a family visit to the Espace Horloger museum, which details the entire history of fine watchmaking and local know-how, or an evening spent contemplating the starry sky at the AstroVal astronomical observatory.
Unmissable events :
27 to 30 April : 45th Comptoir de la Vallée de Joux (trade fair)
25 June : Vallée de Joux Triathlon
1er juillet : Tour du Lac de Joux en course à pied
2 July : slowUp Vallée de Joux (green transport event)
23 September : Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOP (cheese) Festival
Departure city : Morteau
27April
Morteau – La Chaux-de-Fonds
2nd STAGE | 27 APRIL 2023
Departure city : Morteau
Doubs department, France
7,270 inhabitants
14.11 km²
Elevation of 760 m
In the heart of the French-Swiss Jura Arc, Morteau is a small town with a big character, as well as a high-quality architectural heritage.
The Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church is listed as a European Cluniac monastic site. Built in 1576, the Château Pertusier mansion has a listed Renaissance facade and it houses the Watchmaking Museum. It will be one of the future showcases for inscription on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with its candidacy for “Craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking and art mechanics”.
Located on a departmental road known as the route des microtechniques (‘microtechnology road’), the town is distinguished by its historic watchmaking activity and a renowned high school that offers excellent curricula with professional arts & crafts diplomas in fine watchmaking and fine jewellery.
The town is at the centre of a community of municipalities of 20,000 inhabitants, and its 1,000 companies ensure its constant development as well as ranking Morteau among the ‘Territories with a strong identity with industrial expertise’.
95,000 inhabitants living within 30 minutes guarantee an attractive commercial offering for the town, with its local stores and shopping area. Its rich natural heritage means it is able to produce high-quality regional products, such as Comté (PDO) cheese and the famous Morteau sausage (saucisse de Morteau), which enjoys a PGI label.
Thanks to our exceptional mid-mountain natural setting, a wide range of sporting activities are possible: mountain biking, hiking, canoeing-kayaking, canyoning, caving, cross-country or downhill skiing.
Arrival city : La Chaux-de-Fonds
The watchmaking metropolis
Perched at an altitude of 1,000 metres, La Chaux-de-Fonds is a cycling town. It has welcomed the Tour de Romandie several times as well as a starting stage for the Tour de France. Great champions (Jean-Marie Grezet yesterday, Alexandre Balmer today) and others regularly ride its often steep streets.
The watchmaking metropolis also hosts sporting events such as the World Fencing Championships, international hockey matches and the Résisprint athletics meeting.
Arrival city : La Chaux-de-Fonds
La Chaux-de-Fonds is a hive of activity in terms of both economic and cultural activities. L'Heure bleue, a rare Italian-style theatre in Switzerland, resonates with the voices of artists such as Louis Jouvet, Michel Bouquet and Sandrine Bonnaire. The Salle de Musique (music hall) boasts exceptional acoustics and regularly welcomes the biggest names in classical music.
Since 2009, both the town of La Chaux-de-Fonds and its neighbour Le Locle have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognised for their Watchmaking Town Planning. These two towns, built by and for watchmaking, are characterised by town planning that serves the industry. Their chessboard system highlights the need to make the most of the light and to make it easier to move around within cities that experienced very significant growth at the end of 19th century. The watchmaking industry is still vibrant and innovative, and it contributes to the identity of the mountains of Neuchâtel.
The watchmaking metropolis is home to around 40,000 inhabitants and is characterised by its 20,000 jobs, most of which are linked to watchmaking and microtechnology. The town is home to several global brands that design, manufacture and export watchmaking products for all the different sectors of the market.
28April
Châtel-Saint-Denis
3rd STAGE Time Trial | 28 APRIL 2023
City of departure and arrival : Châtel-Saint-Denis
City of departure and arrival : Châtel-Saint-Denis
Les Paccots – La Veveyse: there is so much to see !
An entire district, in the heart of its emblematic administrative centre, Châtel-St-Denis, is delighted to be able to experience a stage of the Tour de Romandie 2023 and follow the cycling rhythm.
Ideally located between Lake Geneva and the Fribourg Prealps, Châtel-St-Denis and its Les Paccots – La Veveyse destination are perfect for bike expeditions in all shapes and sizes. So, it comes as no surprise that the individual time trial on 28 April 2023 has been deemed ‘demanding’ by the specialists !
However, there is so much more to the riches of our region. Indeed, all and sundry, whether they are epicureans, athletes, adventurers or nature lovers, will find their pleasures here! Our landscapes will unveil their many facets and palettes of infinite colours to you over the seasons.
Dear families, children and adults alike, come and discover our secret corners and partake in your outdoor activities, relish our rich local gastronomy and attend the many events that we enjoy constantly reinventing. Embark on an authentic experience, staying close to its inhabitants, and with infinite delights.
Our playground awaits you !
Departure city : Sion
© José Fangueiro
29April
Sion – Thyon 2000
4th STAGE | 29 APRIL 2023
Departure city : Sion
Sion, the Swiss Capital of the Alps, welcomes you
Welcome to Sion! In its magnificent natural setting and overlooked by its two castles, Valère and Tourbillon, the Swiss Capital of the Alps is characterised by its conviviality, sunny climate, and its rich historical and archaeological heritage. The site has been inhabited for more than 7,000 years and has a major place in European prehistory.
With its narrow little streets and colourful façades, the mediaeval old town is one of the best preserved in Switzerland. It is also one of the liveliest, with its dozens of boutiques as well as all the restaurants and terraces where you can enjoy the sun all year round. Ever Friday, the public crowds the market. In summer, the streets turn into theatres and concert venues, with many events giving rhythm to the life of the city.
The capital of Valais is resolutely future-oriented and is investing in training, research and innovation. The Energypolis Campus symbolises this ambition, bringing together students and researchers from around the world on one site. Located a stone's throw away, the Swiss Innovation Park is home to start-ups and companies that enhance this research.
In Sion, nature is never far away. The city is surrounded by preserved natural sites. Admire the Lac de Montorge overlooked by the ruins of a medieval castle or the Domaine des Iles, maintained by the Bourgeoisie de Sion office, an oasis of calm surrounding a magnificent lake.
With its 420 hectares of vines, Sion is also the Valais canton’s second-largest winemaking town. Take a walk along the Bisse de Clavau irrigation channel to discover terraced vineyards, supported by drystone walls that are sometimes over 100 years old.
Arrival city : Thyon 2000
Arrival city : Thyon 2000
Thyon Region
Thyon is located on the western slope of the Val d’Hérens in the central Valais, not far from the administrative centre of Sion, ranging in altitude between 1,500 and 2,100 metres.
The Thyon-Région resort is particularly suitable for family holidays. It has many holiday apartments and offers a pretty panorama over the Bernese, Valaisan and Vaud Alps, dominated by the 4,000-metre-plus peaks of the very famous Matterhorn and the majestic Dent Blanche.
The greatest advantage of the Thyon 2000 resort is its easy access to skiing. Thyon is indeed very well suited to skiers’ needs as a “ski-in, ski-out” resort! In addition to breath-taking views, the destination offers you guaranteed snow, which will let you ski in Switzerland’s largest skiing area, the 4 Vallées, from the first weekends of November onwards.
ENJOY ACTIVITIES IN NATURE - BREATHE PURE AIR - WITH THE FAMILY OR WITH FRIENDS, WELCOME TO THYON
Although Thyon is at its peak during the winter season, the summer also offers visitors a range of experiences. The resort has huge hiking areas, mountain biking trails and other activities:
ARCHERY AND RACLETTE
Come and add another string to your bow with this outdoor sport. The introduction to archery will be followed by a raclette, a delight for your tastebuds.
OUTDOOR ESCAPE GAME
An escape game combining the usual thinking required for escape games, the level of difficulty of a treasure hunt and the benefits of a hike through nature.
DISCOVERING WILDLIFE
Set off to observe the local wildlife with a game warden at sunrise.
GRANDE DIXENCE ALPINLINE
Discover the AlpinLine 700-metre long zipline, located next to the world’s largest gravity dam, the Grande Dixence.
Information and bookings at https://www.thyon.ch/ete/
Departure city : Vufflens-la-Ville
Vufflens, La Venoge and the Gros-de-Vaud Region
La Venoge river is like a natural border, south-east of the Gros-de Vaud District, that connects six Tour de Romandie stage towns: Vufflens-la-Ville, Mex, Penthaz, Penthalaz, Daillens and Lussery-Villars. The Gros-de-Vaud Region lies between town and country, between lifestyle and culture, and it offers a variety of activities for everyone in the towns of Lausanne and Yverdon, La Sarraz and Moudon.
This region in the heart of the Canton of Vaud proposes everything the plateau has to offer in diversity in terms of outings and discoveries in the middle of nature; preserved villages, a heritage of churches and temples, old mills, hundreds of kilometres of walking and cycling routes, themed and educational trails, concerts and shows, original accommodation (at farms, in tepees, on straw or in the trees) and local or refined gastronomy to suit everyone’s taste.
The riders are going to have to be courageous during this stage. As Jean-Villard Gilles wrote in his poem “La Venoge”: “We must make a great effort to follow it from start-to-finish; we’re immediately daunted, as, instead of taking the shortest route, it makes mighty detours, […].”
With these vales, hills and other winding turns, Vufflens-la-Ville and the other partner towns will host this partially looped final stage and welcome the world cycling elite.
Arrival city : Genève
© Magali Girardin
Arrival city : Genève
Geneva, a city of sport and great sporting events
Geneva is renowned around the world as an international city. In particular, it is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations (UN) and the global headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Office (ILO), not to mention all the intergovernmental bodies also present. In addition, over 150 state representations and some 250 non-governmental organisations have their head offices in Geneva.
Today, Geneva is considered one of Europe’s most dynamic regions in terms of growth, export and job creation. Hundreds of international companies have chosen the region to set up their economic and strategic centres.
Geneva is also one of the global marketplaces for trading and international trade financing. It is also a key financial marketplace at a global level. Geneva’s development in economic, social, cultural and sports terms holds great appeal.
Geneva is, above all, a city of sport where many regional, national and international events are held, such as this stage finish for the Men’s Tour de Romandie. The City of Geneva is particularly proud to welcome this final stage of the 2023 edition, so that the population may encourage the riders and follow the rhythm of the pedal strokes. There is no doubt that the fantastic Genevan public will show its enthusiasm and commitment to cycling.
