Saint-Privat-d'Allier - Le Falzet

We remain in the same department, yet this physically demanding stage offers a lot of variety. First, the descent into the Allier Gorge, a paradise for canoeists and rafters. Then crossing it on an old steel bridge over to Monistrol d'Allier, and then the climb back up mostly through forest to another plateau.
At the beginning of the stage, the path descends quite steeply to the Allier, so special caution is advised in wet conditions. At Rochegude there is a Saint-Jacques chapel, and as is often the case with churches and chapels, you have a beautiful view of the valley from there. Monistrol d'Allier offers another chance to refresh yourself because now follows a 400 m ascent in switchbacks through a forest, up to the "Monts de la Margeride," where we will enjoy ourselves for the rest of the day.

In the stage town of Sauges, this record guides us to the town center.