The most beautiful stages of the Tour so far

The Tour de France may be the biggest bike race in the world, but it's also a showcase for the beauty of the French countryside. Here's a compilation of our favourite scenics from the first nine days of the race.

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Stage 3: Verviers-Longwy

The two days of the Tour, which took the peloton from Germany to France via Belgium, were plagued with rain. For the first day in France, however, blue skies reigned and the French countryside was on full display.  Check out the golden clock on L'Eglise de Vielsam and the spectacular Le Chateau de Vianden in particular.

Stage 4: Mondorf-les-Bains-Vittel

The stage may have been most notable for for the controversial explusion of Peter Sagan from the race, but the scenery also provided a unique combination of the old and the new. The new was represented by the arrayed solar panels of La centrale Photovoltaique de Toul-Rosieres, while those more into traditoinal aesthetics may find the Cathedral Saint-Etienne in Toul and the manicured gardens of le Chateua des Beavau-Craon were the highlights of this stage.

Stage 5: Vittel-La Planche des Belles Filles

Out of the rolling plains and into the peaks for the first time, Stage 5 gave us our first glimpse of the peaks and crags for which the Tour is famous. Look out for the stunning Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut too.

Stage 6: Vesoul-Troyes

It's all about the architecture in Stage 6, with chateaus, cathedrals and eglises galore. The spectacular Lac du Temple also makes an appearance.

Stage 8: Dole-Station des Rousses

Everyone knows the Pyrenees and the Alps, but France's third mountain range is just as spectacular. Stage 8 gave us our first glimpse at the sights of the Jura. 

Stage 9: Nantua - Chambéry

The peloton might want to forget the peaks and descents of Stage 9, but they look pretty impressive from this perspective.

You can watch every stage LIVE and exclusive on SBS. Find out more about how to watch.