It came at the end of a cold and blustery day of racing over 135 kilometres from Chatou.

Démare, riding for Groupama-FDJ in their first race under new sponsorship, crossed the line in 3 hours 07min 39sec.

It marked the second successive year where he had won the opening stage of the week-long race which is part of the International Cycling Union WorldTour. 

Bahrain-Merida's Gorka Izagirre of Spain and Confidis' Frenchman Christophe Laporte finished second and third respectively.

Both were awarded the same time after crossing within less than half-a-wheel of the winner in a photo finish.

Démare was the only specialist sprinter still left at the finish after a tough climb in the final two kilometres.

A crash 2.5km out had thinned the bunch and delayed several contenders, including Russia and Katusha-Alpecin's Ilnur Zakarin and Astana's Danish rider Jakob Fugisang.

The usual rule in that crashes in the final three kilometres are excluded from the timings was discounted due to the uphill nature of the final.

Team Sky's defending champion Sergio Henao of Spain finished safely in the bunch in 28th place.

Action is due to continue tomorrow with a 187km ride from Orsonville to Vierzon.

It is expected to end with another sprint finish.