The comment of Christian Prudhomme

This is unquestionably one of the highlights of the first week of the race, and a major first for this stage start and finish. Cobblestones haven’t been negotiated on the Tour since 2004. There will be 7 cobbled sectors over a total of 13,2 kilometres, including the Haveluy sector, only ten kilometres from the stage finish. The finish line will be located at the entrance to the notorious Arenberg Trench, the legendary backdrop to Paris-Roubaix.

To see an interactive map and explore the stage with Google Street View click here.