Bibendum

Tour de France 2025

Tuesday 15 July: Rest Day
By car: 368 km
By bike: 0 km

Today was a Rest Day for the Tour - but not for me. I’ve got the make another long haul down to the outskirts of Toulouse. But first, a little tourism. Clermont Ferrand is famous for a few things. It was the starting point for the first crusades, the volcanic landscape around it give it a very distinctive landscape, which in turn led to the establishing of Volvic mineral water in the village just outside Clermont Ferrand, it was the birthplace of Amélie actress Audrey Tautou, but its principal fame these days is as the base and worldwide headquarters of Michelin. 

Michelin has been synonymous with the development of tyres for nearly 150 years now - but it was responsible for the manufacture of much more - aircraft in the Great War, some cars, trains, its Red and Green Guides, and of course, its mapping. Michelin, and the Michelin Man - actually called Bibendum, one of the world’s oldest trademarks, has become so iconic and recognisable, that it was declared the twentieth century’s most-recognised brand. 

Michelin have traded on this fame by opening L’Aventure Michelin, part museum, part history, part celebration of the company, and it is excellent. If you are ever in the area, I really would recommend a visit. I spend more than a good couple of hours there.

After that, it was a jump in the car, and drive down to my charming Airbnb in Montauban, close to  tomorrow’s stage around Toulouse. A bit of disaster along the way as my Bip+Go motorway tag died on my whilst within a péage section of autoroute. I did manage to get things sorted in the end, but it now means the frustration of getting out of my (right-hand drive) car at every pay station.

Likely spot me tomorrow at : Intermediate Sprint at Labastide-Beauvoir, 59.5 km remaining

Tomorrow's T-shirt: Philosophy Football Cavendish 20 wins (2011 !)

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Location: 82000 Montauban, France

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