Day 1 sets the line along the Saône. The route leaves Lyon to the north, first through suburbs and riverside sections, then below the Monts d’Or into the Val de Saône. It rides mostly smoothly, with short rises rather than long climbs. Trévoux, Villefranche-sur-Saône and the first Beaujolais towns shape the day: stone villages, vineyards in sight, wide river country. After Belleville, the road continues north. Mâcon closes the stage with its quays, old streets and Burgundy waiting ahead.
