Hidden Valleys and Villages

Location: The Lot and Aveyron, France. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: 2 bikes Duration: 7 days (6 nights)   5 days (4 nights) option available. Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and all evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 11 May '12 to 20 Sep '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights The Lot remains undoubtedly one of France's least spoiled regions, with dramatic views at every turn: forgotten valleys, cliff-hanging villages, mediaeval towns and world-famous pre-historic sites. Wonderfully friendly hotels too.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Tour de Faure

At the bottom of the hill up to St Cirq-Lapopie un des plus beaux villages en France lies our first hotel. It has a lovely swimming pool if you fancy a dip. Dinner is taken at l'Auberge des Versanes, a short stroll from the hotel.

Day 2 - Tour de Faure to Labastide 31km/19mi

West first along the Lot (lovely and flat!) then north along the Cele via the pretty little village of Cabrerets. Chance to visit the world-famous caves at Pech'Merle - over 2km of galleries and caverns - before climbing up onto the Causse de Gramat where you're rewarded with great long-distance views spanning the open countryside. It's then on along quiet little roads, in and out of woods and sleepy farming hamlets, and on to Labastide. Our hotel here, an ancient posting house run by the affable Jan Recourt and his wife, Helene, is a real favourite among Headwater guests - great food!

Day 3 - At Labastide

Joachim Murat, the village's most famous son, Napoleon's brother-in-law and King of Naples, was born here. Lots of things to explore: Romanesque and Gothic churches, 14C frescoes, gilded altars and nice little cafes. The more energetic can cycle (or taxi) to Rocamadour (30km).

Day 4 - Labastide to Cajarc 49km/30mi

A longish day's cycling, but lots of downhill bits, and masses of interesting things to see en route! First stop is Soulomes where C14 frescoes have been uncovered in the gothic church. From here, it's a lovely freewheel down through the pretty villages of the Cele valley - it's worth the short detour to visit the C11 abbey at Marcilhac - with lots of tempting riverside picnic spots all along the route. After crossing the river at Monteils, it's a gentle but steady uphill stretch before your final downhill whizz to Cajarc. Great food, lovely pool!

Day 5 - 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! Or, of course, just relax by the pool - you are on holiday after all!

Day 6 - Cajarc to Tour de Faure 23km/14mi or 31km/19mi or 47km/29mi

Easy flat pedalling today passing first through Calvignac, then on to the Renaissance castle of Cenevieres 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, quirky shops and Romanesque church sitting majestically on the cliffs, provide the ideal end to this trip.

Day 7 - Leave Tour de Faure

Note: The village fair in Labastide takes place throughout the second weekend in August. Join in the fun or come at a quieter time.