CLASSIC LOT CYCLING (FURTHER DETAILS)

General information:
This is an Independent Cycling Holiday, where you move from hotel to hotel, it is a 10 night duration.

DIFFICULTY OF CYCLING
This is an average 2 bike holiday
Fairly long distances on some days, some ups and downs. Some short steep cilmbs out of the valleys. A few short sections on busy roads, but most of cycling is on quiet country roads.

Location:
On this holiday you cycle first alongside the majestic River Lot and then into the picturesque Célé valley. Here you pass ancient villages clinging to limestone cliffs or nestled in the narrow defiles of this steep valley (it was not known as Le Val Paradis without good reason). You’ll find prehistoric caves - there is the opportunity to visit the Grotte de Pech’ Merle - and other hidden treasures.

Then you climb to cross the causses (plateaux), riding along quiet country lanes and through pretty, medieval settlements. There are impressive châteaux as you pass through the bastide town of Villeneuve, and finally on to Villefranche-de-Rouergue. On the way back you return to the River Lot, hugging its banks all the way to St-Cirq-Lapopie, which dominates the valley above your Hotel - a perfect way to finish.

The cycling is a joy: the climbs are usually followed by excellent downhill runs, and there is plenty of opportunity en route for swimming, wine tasting, relaxing picnics - and delicious meals.

Who would this holiday appeal to?
This holiday will appeal to anyone who loves France! It would also be Ok for children as roads not too busy, although it is a 2 cycle holiday and children need to be reasonably fit. There are pools throughout with plenty of chances to be in villages or towns on stay put day. There is a great waterpark at Figeac (5kms from Capdenac on rest day)

Similar to which other holidays?
This holiday is similar to the routes offered on the Burgundy and Provence cycling holidays.

Possibility of non-standard departures?
Non-standard departures are not possible, although it does depart every 2 days.

This holiday can also be shortened to 8 nights, by taking out two of the rest days. We can also extend this holiday at any location, if the days are in the middle of the tour; 2 nights will need to added as otherwise the tour will become off balance.

Other details:
Continental Breakfast and Evening Meals are included on this holiday