A historic tour from Bar-sur-Aube to Clairvaux

General de Gaulle meets Saint Bernard de Clairvaux, and you have a date with history on this fourth stage. From historical heritage to arts and crafts, this promises to be a thrilling day on the Raid Bulles!

Your route begins with a plunge into contemporary history as you reach Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, the village of General de Gaulle. A must-see for history buffs! Here, explore the Charles de Gaulle Memorial, which traces his life and work. You can also visit La Boisserie, his family home, and admire the monumental Cross of Lorraine, symbol of the Resistance, which overlooks the village.

Leaving Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, you continue through several forests, the green lungs of the region. You then approach Bayel, a village that is home to a treasure trove of craftsmanship: the former Royal Champagne crystal works.

This cycling stage ends in Clairvaux, a place steeped in history. It was here that Saint Bernard founded Clairvaux Abbey in the 12th century, a major centre of the Cistercian order that marked the history of monasticism in Europe. Under Napoleon, the abbey became one of the largest prisons in France. The prison was still in use until 2023. Not to be missed!