Blogs from Midi-Pyrénées, France, Europe - page 16

D809 to Marvejols,D1 to Col de Goudard, D42 to Mende The route we took today covers the area that was once terrorised by a huge beast,most likely a wolf ,that in the 1770's was responsible for over hundred human deaths. Such was the impact on the region that King Louis XV ordered the army to find & kill it but they failed. It was finally killed by a local farmer. The beast is still used today as a threat to naughty children who need to learn to behave. Cycling through through woods today I hoped it didn't have any ancestors ! Very little wind today which made for easier cycling along a quiet road along side the railway line & river ,it was the main road until bypassed. Later we crossed a narrow stone bridge where ... read more

D43,D23 to Cales, D673 to Rocamadour ,D32 to Couzou,D39 to Gramat,D14 to Reilhac,D25 to St Simon,D11 to Reyredignes,D2 to Figeac A tough ride today especially first 18 miles to Rocamadour where we gained 1600ft in height. Riding through a national park through gorges on very quiet roads with no hint of civilisation or animals giving the sensation of wilder terrain & more rugged landscape. Worth the effort ,what an amazing place buildings that cling to the sheer cliff sides .The perfectly preserved body of St Amadour was discovered in a rock covered tomb next to a small existing chapel in 1166, putting Rocamadour on the map as a destination for pilgrims. The valley offered some great short technical cycling climbs & descents ideal for Sir Bradley ,Mark or other cycling purists but not me. Climbing out ... read more

D65 to Thonac D706 to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac D47,D6 to Sarlat-la-Caneda D704 to Grolejac D50,D43 to Souillac. 9.15 start after very quiet night spent in Auberge.Lovely day again but very strong head winds most of the day. The first part of our journey through the Vezere valley passed by the limestone cliffs that had been continuously cccupied since Neanderthals first lived there 55,000 years ago & the last residents left just 300 yrs ago.There were many signs for caves & museums which we passed by as we would need months if we stopped to look at everything. We cycled through the gorge to Sarlat where we stopped for coffee in the beautiful Medieval square. Cycling our way up the Dordogne valley which was bordered by walnut trees planted in precise geometric patterns & of varying ages. Walnut ... read more

Bonjour amies, Friday 9 May - Sabarros Woken early again by the dogs - no lie ins for the wicked here! Set off to the market at Loures-Barousse - when we got there it was only 4/5 stalls. After a quick walk round we decided to head back. On the way we noticed a sign for some caves and thought we would go a-wandering, We came upon St Bertrand de Comminges a commune in the Haute Garronne department. It is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France Association. I have discoverd that villages actually pay for this honour so it does not mean that you won't find even more beautiful places that don’t have this recognition, and will be less packed with tourists. In fact when we climbed up to the Cathedral it ... read more

Mon dieu - yes its us again - twice in one day!! Monday morning, took tent down in double quick time and set off for Sabarros to our house sit in the Haute Pyrenees. As usual lovely countryside to admire - beats the boredom of motorways. Ian spotted the Pyrenees first, we were not sure if they were clouds to begin with but as they cleared there was no doubt. We stopped for a picnic lunch admired the view and were surrounded by lots of nightingales singing their heads off looking for a mate. Twas a special moment. We finally arrived to meet Alex and her lovely dogs at about 6pm. She had prepared a scrumptious dinner of local chicken - have not tasted anything like that for ages. The house and its setting is peaceful ... read more