From Lyon, the stage heads south into the broad Rhône Valley. The opening is calm and straightforward: flat paths, cool air and a steady rhythm along the river. Beyond the suburbs, the landscape begins to open up. Vienne adds a touch of Roman history to the route, before the vineyard slopes of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu draw closer to the water. Orchards, gravel banks and long river views shape the ride towards Valence. The south is still subtle here, but the light, the hills and the first Mediterranean hints are already on the horizon.
