Stage 7 of the 2025 Tour de France travels west from Normandy to Brittany and sees the race return to a modern classic: Mûr-de-Bretagne.
This otherwise nondescript main road out of the town of the same name first featured mid-race way back in 1947, but was reinvented in 2011 as a hilltop finish.
It has featured twice since then, both times as a double ascent, won by Dan Martin (2018) and Mathieu van der Poel (2021).
Van der Poel will be looking to repeat his 2021 success, but he will likely have to battle it out with Tadej Pogačar.
Stage 7: Saint-Malo > Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan
- Date: 11 July
- Distance: 196.6km
- Elevation gain: 2,450m
- Stage type: Hilly
Route profile
Route map
Mûr-de-Bretagne is long and straight, tougher at the base, then eases off towards the summit.
“The peloton’s stay in Brittany will kick off with another contest between the puncheurs,” says race director Christian Prudhomme.
“After leaving Saint-Malo and heading for Saint-Brieuc, history buffs will recall the exploits of Bernard Hinault as the race passes through his home village of Yffiniac.
“But everyone’s attention will be focused very much on the present as the double ascent of the Côte de Mûr-de-Bretagne approaches.
“A warning to attackers who are a bit too eager – it’s a climb where tactical sense is almost as decisive as physical strength.”
What's on the menu today?
We’re out of Normandy now and into our third French region, Brittany. That means the menu changes, with seafood including oysters back in favour thanks to the rocky seashore. Saint-Malo is a walled port city once the home to pirates and now to the ferry to Portsmouth.
Galettes – savoury buckwheat pancakes, typically with ham, cheese and an egg on top – are a local delicacy. Around the Mûr-de-Bretagne finish, the batter includes mashed potato.
There are more pancakes for dessert, with crêpes a Breton speciality. Cider remains the favoured drink to wash it all down.
One to watch: Tadej Pogačar
After out-sprinting van der Poel to win stage 4, our money is on Tadej Pogačar. Stage 7 looks to be one of the more likely contenders for the reigning champion.
