Strava published a great photo-journal of a classic stage ride Paris Brest Paris, (Click here for event info).

15 stages across France. It’s not a race like The Tour. Rather it’s filled with regular folk that like to ride. Beautiful pictures and stories from Strava. Enjoy. 1200 km (745 miles) From Paris the sea and back to Paris.

http://stories.strava.com/parisbrestparis