The day starts in Grenoble, framed by the Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains. The route then leaves the city behind and follows quieter roads north. The big Alpine passes stay in the background, but the mountains remain present: a steady backdrop behind fields, villages and wooded hillsides. Around Voiron, the landscape becomes softer, before gradually opening towards the Rhône. Beyond Culoz, the river draws closer, with views of water, rock and the first Jura foothills. Seyssel sits quietly on the banks of the Rhône.
