STAGE 2: LAUWIN-PLANQUE TO BOULOGNE-SUR-MER

Stage 2: Lawin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer

Clearly there is lots of detail about the TDF route all over the place, so these are just my insights from living here and having visited most of the towns on the routes of the first three stages. And to avoid repeating myself endlessly, these three stages are essentially totally flat. What the Tour organisers mark as hills, for example Mont Cassel and Mont Noir on stage one are tiny bumps in the road by Tour standards.

I’ll add further details to this page closer to the time; hopefully I’ll get the chance to go and drive some of it and look out for good places to view the race. Watch this space as they say!

Hardelot Plage

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Nausicaa-Sea-life-Centre-Boulogne©Yannick-Cadart-CD62

Nausicaá aquarium in Boulogner-sur-Mer

Etaples CWGC Military Cemetery – largest in France.

Route Details and Key Highlights

Starting in Lauwin-Planque, just outside Douai, 30 minutes by train from Lille, the route essentially goes east to the coast at Boulogne.

Arras: Historical Town and WW1 Memorials

A good spot to watch it would be in Arras. The town was almost totally destroyed in WW1 – it was just a few kilometres from the front lines – but was very sympathetically restored. It is close to some of the most famous sites and memorials of the Great War, notably: Vimy Ridge, with the Canadian Memorial and the Wellington Quarries.

Montreuil-sur-Mer: WW1 History
and Scenic Views

Heading west, the next notable town is Montreuil sur Mer, again a major WW1 location. The town housed the headquarters of the British Army for much of the Great War; with Field Marshall Douglas Haig being billeted close by.

Etaples and Coastal Sights

The stage then heads further west, before turning north just before the lovely sea-side town of Etaples. And then zig-zags up to Boulogne.

Le Touquet and Hardelot Plage

The races passes close to some of the most famous spots on the coast: Le Touquet and Hardelot Plage. And close to the largest CWGC cemetery in France at Etaples.

Arriving in Boulogne-sur-Mer

Boulogne itself is famous for its fish market, the huge Nausicaá Aquarium attraction and is a bustling port town, the largest in France. There are some direct trains to Boulogne from Lille. Though many involve a change.

towns along stage 2

Place Rihour – Lille

DISCOVER LILLE

Lille, the vibrant capital of Flanders, is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere. Explore the charming old town, indulge in delicious French cuisine, and experience a unique mix of French and Flemish cultures.

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