Pave Orchids
1700 meters - 3 stars
This strip has an L shape and consists of two parts, namely the chemin des Prières (1000m) and the chemin des Abattoirs (700m).
The second part in particular has a wonderful name, of course. This part was already driven in the opposite direction in 1977.
The current combination of these two strips has been used since 1980.
The first part after leaving Orchies is not very bad, but the agricultural tools ensure that there is clay on the road here almost all year round.
After about a kilometer you have a clumsy pendulum immediately followed by a left turn. Not a difficult passage if you know how it is, but I've already seen it go into the side there.
As a cycling tourist you can take a moment in this corner of the facade of Cafe de la Villette. On the facade a painted cyclist and an arrow in which direction to get to Roubaix.
From the bend the strip rises slightly and the cobblestones are a lot messier here.
There are some deeper potholes all over the strip and you have to stay fully concentrated here to prevent a shock leak.
It is mainly the succession of these kinds of strips that take care of the demolition work and driving here at full speed is really only reserved for the strongest.
After all, it is still 60 kilometers from here to the velodrome and there are still many, many strips waiting.......