dossier

Day 2: Tour de Faure/Grezes (21mi / 38km )
You ride along the Lot, then follow the Célé (all easy cycling). So much to see: the open-air museum of Cuzals, prehistoric art at Pech’Merle, the ruins of the abbey at Marcilhac, and the cliff villages of St Sulpice and Sauliac. Then up over the Causse de Gramat - great views - via Espédaillac and on to our hotel in Grèzes. It’s a wonderfully peaceful spot in the heart of the Quercy National Park.

Day 3: At Grèzes
After a swim in the heated pool, perhaps cycle to Assier (8km) where you can visit the Renaissance château. From here you can catch a train to Rocamadour - one of France’s most spectacular sites. Ancient chapels, houses and an elegant C14 fort hang by their fingernails from a near-vertical cliff, about 500m above the valley floor.

Day 4: Grèzes/Capdenac (19mi / 36km )
A great freewheel down into the Célé Valley then along the north bank of the river. The huddle of curious old buildings at Espagnac will lure you across the river to visit the priory. Here, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue to Béduer off-road, along the GR track. Then there is a choice of country lanes to Capdenac.

Day 5: At Capdenac
Our family-run hotel is just a couple of kms from Capdenac, in the charming little village of St Julien, in the Diège valley. There’s a lovely pool if you fancy a ‘day off’, or perhaps cycle or train (8km) into mediaeval Figeac. Ancient buildings hide in cobbled alleyways, and you can visit the museum about Champollion, who deciphered the Rosetta Stone.

Day 6: Capendac / Villefranche (18mi / 29km )
A lovely cycle route today starting off following the curve of the pretty Diège Valley. Lunch in the cobbled, arcaded streets of Villeneuve then an exhilarating downhill whizz to our *** hotel just outside Villefranche. A great swimming pool if you fancy a dip - and the Michelin-rated chefs here ensure that the food is extra special too!

Day 7: At Villefranche
It’s a 5km cycle into the fortified bastide town of Villefranche perched on the banks of the Aveyron river. All streets lead to the arcaded central square - massive tower of the collegiate church and one of the largest cloisters in France. One of France’s most colourful markets is held here on a Thursday. Or cycle through the spectacular Aveyron Gorges to Najac, and take the train (30 mins) back.

Day 8: Villefranche/Cajarc (17mi / 32km  or 25mi/45km)
Today’s route takes you along quiet little country backroads and up onto the plateau. Stop for lunch in the pretty little village of St Croix (L’Ausset does the best chicken and garlicky potatoes we’ve ever come across!). It’s then a gentle ride to Foissac - well worth a detour to visit Les Grottes - before crossing the river to Cajarc.

Day 9: At Cajarc
Mediaeval Cajarc is a lively town with its attractive old buildings grouped around the C13 church. It offers a good choice of walking and cycling options. A particular favourite is to cycle east along the north bank of the Lot taking in the pretty villages of Montbrun – its ruined castle sits high on the cliff – and Larroque Toirac, with its 7-storey manor house. The pretty little hamlet of Ambeyrac is on the opposite side of the river. Return via the Saut de la Mounine (Monkey’s Leap) – stunning  picnic spot and the best views of the Lot!

Day 10: Cajarc / Tour de Faure (12mi / 22 km or 25mi/46km)
Easy flat pedalling today passing first through Calvignac, then on to the Renaissance castle of Cenevières where the Count himself may show you around the great vaulted rooms and secret dungeons. As you continue along the valley, you might like to take an optional detour to the beautiful perched village of St Cirq-Lapopie. The pretty cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and Romanesque church sitting majestically on the cliffs, provide the ideal end to this trip.

Day 11: Leave tour de Faure
We take you to Cahors station after breakfast.