David Millar: "After winning the prologue time-trial in 2000, this is always a huge day for me - and it would be incredible to win the prologue of the centenary Tour in the centre of Paris. It will be very competitive, but the route is fast and spectacular and it’s a good distance for me, so I'm hoping to get the right result."

Tourist trail: France's capital has it all - awesome museums, excellent dining and truly memorable monuments.

Eat and drink: Enjoy a classic steak-frites at Chartier (7 rue du Faubourg-Montmartre; 01 46 70 86 29; www.restaurant-chartier.com). This no-nonsense traditional French canteen-restaurant is often crowded but a great experience - and cheap.

Detour: Climb the Eiffel Tower if you've a head for heights and visit the splendid Musée d'Orsay and the Louvre if you're a museum lover. Freewheel around the streets by the Sacré Coeur and stop for espresso and croissants at one of the cafés for that classic Parisian moment.

Rest: Some say the room with the best view in Paris is No 70 at the Parc St Severin Hotel (22 Rue de la Parcheminerie; 01 43 54 32 17). This beautiful penthouse suite is encircled by a private terrace affording views across the rooftops.

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SUNDAY JULY 6
STAGE 1 (160km)  St Denis/Montgeron to Meaux
START: 11.40am. FINISH: 5.15pm

David Millar: "Definitely one for the sprinters. There's a descent to the finish so it will be very fast, with lots of fighting for position. Italian Alessandro Petacchi was the quickest guy at the Tour of Italy but the Australians - Baden Cooke, Stuart O'Grady, and Robbie McEwen - will be keen to make a winning start."

Tourist trail: The pretty county town of Meaux sits on the banks of the Marne river.

Eat and drink: If you thought Brie was a bit meek and mild, try the real thing. The locals call their appelation contrôlée brie "King of Cheeses and Prince of Desserts". If the day's exertions have given you a bigger appetite, tuck into a steak (rare, of course) accompanied by the town's other speciality - full-grain mustard.

Detour: Freewheel around the old quarter enjoying the 12th-century cathedral and old town houses. Meaux is also only a half-hour from Disneyland Paris if you're looking for some more action-packed rides.

Rest: Make a start up the Marne valley towards the next stage stop of Sedan and stop at the Hostellerie Le Gonfalon in pretty Germigny-L'Eveque (01 64 33 16 05), set in a wooded position on the banks of the river.


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