The local Gironins are a fairly dour lot but the Tour de France brought out the crowds, waving, cheering and generally enjoying the festive spirit and the commercial circus of one of the greatest races on earth.

The Rambla, or Rambla de la Libertat to be more precise, is the commercial and social centre of Girona from where all activities tend to start or finish. Walking from the Plaça de Catalunya past the Pont de Pedra bridge to the main Tourist Information Office along a wide pedestrianised avenue, this is the Rambla. Whether shopping for the latest in fashion or just wanting a coffee and watching people go about their business, it is the best place to get a feel for life in Girona. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along here with terraces full of tables spread outdoors all year round for both locals and visitors to enjoy. The "paseo" tends to be a bit more purposeful than in other parts of Spain but is equally important on weekend afternoons for families meeting at their favourite cafe to catch up on the weeks gossip or read the paper. Only a few paces from the Adjuntament (Town Hall) everyone passes along the Rambla at some stage.