The Paris-Nice race, also known as "La Course au Soleil", is a stage race held every year in France. It is considered one of the first major races of the cycling season in Europe.
Paris-Nice usually takes place in early March, marking the start of the road racing season. The race takes place over an eight-day period and includes several stages that cross France, usually starting in the Paris region and heading south towards the Côte d'Azur.
The Paris-Nice race is renowned for its varied and often changing weather conditions. Cyclists can encounter mountainous stages, hilly roads, as well as flat stages. Weather conditions can vary from rainy and cold to sunny and mild, hence the nickname "La Course au Soleil".
The race attracts some of the world's best cyclists, both sprinters and climbers, and is frequently used by teams to prepare for upcoming major races such as the Tour de France. Paris-Nice is also one of the races on the UCI WorldTour calendar, the highest level of competition for professional cycling teams.
