Dordogne and Lot

Day 2

 Leaving Bergerac in a southerly direction we are soon into open countryside as we ride through fields of sunflowers and corn. Passing through several bastide villages, full of half-timbered houses and narrow streets and unchanged since the Middle Ages, we spend the night in a hilltop village with fine views over the surrounding countryside. (52 miles).

Day 4

From Cahors we take a road that many cyclists dream of. Indeed, we reckon that long after we are pedalling the big bike in the sky, this day will remain with us as one of the finest we ever spent on two wheels. There is a gentle climb out of Cahors through ancient oak forests before descending to the awe-inspiring village of St Cirque Lapopie. You may have seen it on calendars and in brochures, but to visit it is an altogether different experience and one that you will remember for a long time as you turn a corner and see it clinging to the hillside with the river below. There’s another climb afterwards, giving a famous view of the Lot river, before descending again to follow another pretty valley all the way to our stop in Figeac. And what a pretty place Figeac is! A mediaeval town where we stay right in the heart. (54 miles).

Day 6

Leaving our hotel in the heart of our town, and situated next to an ancient abbey building, we ride along the river Dordogne with glimpses of heron below and birds of prey above. We are now entering the most famous part of the Dordogne and whilst there are more tourists here we take the back roads to places such as Domme with its famous belvedere overlooking the river, and the castles at Castelnaud and Beynac, and the lovely La Roque Gageac, situated under a cliff beside the river. From here it is a short ride to Sarlat where we stay in the mediaeval heart of the village. You could be forgiven for thinking this was a film set but it is the real thing, a real treasure of a place! We eat our evening meal in an authentic French restaurant where we will probably be the only English speakers and where you will get great food and wine and a warm welcome from the owner. (46 miles).

Day 8

Departure