France’s least accessible region is almost unknown to foreigners, and only a vague idea to the French themselves. Dramatic moors and gorges, pristine rivers and forests, astonish all who reach them. Imagine a New England version of the Grand Canyon. More varieties of local honey in the country store than there are cars on the road in a day.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
We assemble in the Dordogne Valley. Along the river past the castle at La Treyne, and the Grottes (caves) de Lacave. Pastoral biking, ending with a climb to the Causse de Gramat. Rocamadour is our destination, a spectacular vertical town where public transit is provided by elevators.
(D)
Day 2:
A morning train carries us south to the Lot Valley. Optional stop in beautiful Figeac. A quiet lane follows the picturesque banks; stop for café in each of the infrequent villages.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
On up the Lot Valley on a beautiful road. A quartet of pretty towns line our route, each with its own château.
(B)
Day 4:
One of our prettiest days, and an introduction to two new types of scenery. The Causses, represented on today’s menu by the Causse de la Sauveterre: limestone plateaux swept by wind and grazed by sheep. And also the spectacular gorges that we came to see.
(B) (D)
Day 5:
Down the Tarn Gorge and up the Jonte Gorge. This ride is simply amazing. Villages built into the sides of the cliffs, wild buzzards circling high overhead, nesting in the overhanging rocks.
(B)
Day 6:
First up to the Causse Noir, and then along the Gorges du Trévezel, on a tiny lane in the middle of a pristine valley. On the way home, visit the Grottes de Dargilan and their spectacular local caves.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
Start with a climb onto the Causse Méjean, to visit the Aven Armand: a giant underground cavern with the world’s largest known stalagmite. Then across the causse and down to Florac, a regional center.
(B) (D)
Day 8:
Cycle down out of the hills to the railroad. An hour on a country local takes us to Nimes and civilization again.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Departures in 2008: May 24, July 12 and September 13.
Trip price includes the bike!
Optional Single Supplement: $375
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
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