At 8km, the deeply crevassed glacier is the longest in the Eastern Alps and - as the signs remind you - it is retreating rapidly.

BBC: Austria��s long and winding road

The first village to participate in the concept in 1996 was the appropriately named Brand, Austria in the eastern Alps, and it has remained the most popular rental among all the villages.

BBC: Rent an entire European village

From stage seven onwards, the race heads for the Jura mountains of eastern France, before going into the Alps and a punishing climb to the summit of Avoriaz.

BBC: Pyrenees will star in 2010 Tour