Classic Lot Cycling

Location: The Lot and Aveyron, France. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: 2 bikes Duration: 11 days (10 nights) 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 This holiday explores the 'real' France: majestic rivers, endless patchwork fields, pink-gold cliffs and ancient villages and chateaux. Often, it's as though you've got the countryside wholly to yourselves! Excellent choice too for lovers of fine food and wine.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Tour de Faure

Right at the bottom of the hill winding up to St Cirq-Lapopie lies your first hotel. Time for a swim before dinner which is taken at l'Auberge des Versanes, a short stroll from the hotel.

Day 2 - Tour de Faure to Grezes 40km/25mi

You ride along the Lot, then follow the Cele (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 Espedaillac and on to our super-friendly hotel in Grezes. It's a wonderfully peaceful spot in the heart of the Quercy National Park.

Day 3 - At Grezes

After a swim in the pool, perhaps cycle to Assier (8km) where you can visit the Renaissance chateau. 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 - Grezes to Capdenac 34km/21mi or 38km/24mi

A great freewheel down into the Cele 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 Beduer 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 Diege valley. There's a lovely pool, jacuzzi and sauna 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 - Capdenac to Villefranche 29km/18mi or 39km/24mi

A lovely cycle route today starting off following the curve of the pretty Diege 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 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. Or cycle through the spectacular Aveyron Gorges to Najac, and train (30 mins) back.

Day 8 - Villefranche to Cajarc 37km/23mi or 47km/29mi

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 then 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 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: pretty cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, quirky shops and Romanesque church.

Day 11 - Leave Tour de Faure

You leave your hotel after breakfast.