Distance: 185 km
Climbs: 4
Points for the polka dot jersey: 35
Points for the green jersey: 40
Bonus Points: Mur de Péguère (bonus points: 8, 5 and 2 seconds to the first three riders classified)
Neutralised start: 12:05
Real start: 12:10
Estimated finish: 17:07 – 17:44
Village opening: 09:00
Sunny weather over the plain, becoming mostly cloudy over the mountains with a slight chance of thunderstorms towards the end. Temperatures around 26-30°C in the valley, 23-24°C near the passes. Light northerly wind, moderate near Tarascon-sur-Ariège.
Limoux
Stage city for the 3rd time, sous-prefecture of Aude (11), 10 800 inhabitants (Limouxins)
In 2012, thanks to a long breakaway between Limoux and Foix, Luis León Sánchez picked up his fourth stage victory on the Grande Boucle. The previous year, the pack headed through the town towards Montpellier, where Mark Cavendish tasted triumph for the fourth time.
The longest carnival in the world takes place in Limoux from January to March. It is folklore at its purest, without any reconstitutions, which is why it is so suited to the town and its surrounding area. It has left its mark on generations and is an integral part of the town’s cultural heritage.
Foix
Stage city for the 6th time, prefecture of Ariège (09), 9 800 inhabitants (Fuxéens), 15 300 inhabitants in Ariège
The last visit of the Tour de France to Foix, in 2017, stands out thanks to the superb victory achieved by Warren Barguil in a short stage through the Ariège, starting in Saint-Girons. The Frenchman left a prestigious trio made up of Alberto Contador, Mikel Landa and Nairo Quintana trailing in his wake.
The Labouiche River is the longest navigable underground river in Europe. With an exceptional four-kilometre long route, it leads into the very depths of the Ariège, taking in caverns and tunnels boasting many concretions, as well as the Salette waterfall.