Day 1. Arrive GOURDON: collect cycles and  equipment,  route briefing and instruction. Perhaps cycle to the Grottes de Cougnac or admire this medieval charming village with narrow streets and golden limestone houses.

 

Day 2. GOURDON - MONPAZIER 35ml(56km)

Cycle from Gourdon through the green hills of the Bouriane to the bastide town of Monpazier. You are now in La France Profonde. Pass through pretty

villages such as Daglan and St.Pompon. Set aside time to stroll around one of  the Perigord’s most beautiful and well preserved bastide’s, Monpazier.

 

Day 3. MONPAZIER - PUY L'EVEQUE/TOUZAC

35ml(57km)

Ride from Monpazier toward Puy L’Eveque. Make the transition from the Dordogne region to the Lot Valley. Stop and admire Chateau Biron, the grounds contain a restored Renaissance chapel and a guardhouse which have wonderful views over the village below. Cycle through the valley of the Gavaudun. Deserted roads, pretty villages, wonderful cycling.

 

Day 4. PUY L'EVEQUE/TOUZAC - CAHORS 30ml(48km)

Pedal through the Lot Valley and its fabulous vineyards, famous for its blood-red wines. Appreciate some spectacular views. Stop for lunch in one of the many lovely towns and villages that you will pass through. Todays destination is Cahors.Explore the old cathedral quarter of this beautiful medieval capital city with its many narrow streets. Perhaps visit the open market or learn the legend of the famous 'Pont Valentré' the oldest fortified bridge in Europe.    

      

Day 5. CAHORS - ST. CIRQ LAPOPIE 23ml(37km)

Cycle along the banks of the River Lot over-shadowed by its towering cliffs to the spectacular village of St.Cirq Lapopie, perched on a cliff 330ft above the river and is one of the major beauty spots of the Lot valley. Wander through St.Cirq Lapopie discovering all that it has to offer.The streets are well preserved with many old houses whose frontages out of stone or wood date from the 13th to 16th Centuries. These small, narrow houses are characterised by their steeply pitched tiled roofs.

 

Day 6. ST. CIRQ LAPOPIE CIRCULAR TOUR 22ml(35km)

A day ride to discover the delights of the Cele Valley. One of the most beautiful valleys in the region. Explore a surprising number of villages tucked away in this enchanting valley. Pech Merle cave near Cabrerets is not to be missed, probably the finest prehistoric painted cave still open to the public.                                                       

 

Day 7. ST. CIRQ LAPOPIE - GOURDON 42ml(67km)
On your last day you return to Gourdon, your final destination. It is your longest days cycling through river valleys and forests back into the green hills of the Bouriane.

 

Day 8. DEPART GOURDON