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This picture was taken in Saint-Amand-Montrond. I read somewhere this little town is the third biggest producer of gold and jewels in France (Cité de l’Or). I went to the cistercian abbey of Noriac, outside of town, but it was late afternoon and I found the entrance fee too heafty to justify a quick visit. Back to Saint-Amand-Montrond. This place was three times was the stage place three times in the Tour de France cycling race. Twice the winner of the ride was disqualified. Lance Armstrong (later disqualified), Fabian Cancellara (after Stefan Schumacher disqualified) and Mark Cavendish won in Saint-Amand-Montrond. It is also the birthplace of current topper Julian Alaphilippe ‘