Day 1: Arrive in Figeac

This tour starts in the historic town of Figeac, which can be reached by train from Paris or Toulouse (transfer can be arranged from Toulouse airport). Figeac lies on the River Célé and is a beautiful town with an unspoilt medieval centre. On your arrival you will be met and taken to your first overnight stop in a neighbouring village.

Day 2: Figeac to Tour-de-Faure 30 miles.

Your cycling begins in the wonderful River Lot valley. Surrounded by limestone cliffs you will enjoy vistas of castles and mediaeval villages. You will make your way to St Cirq lapopie, a famous village overlooking a bend in the Lot and perched on the edge of the cliff; the ancient houses rise up over the rocky slope protected by the 500-year-old church.

Day 3: Tour-de-Faure to Corn 30 miles.

Shortly after leaving Tour-de-Faure you reach the confluence of the Rivers Lot and Célé and following the Célé valley, still s urrounded by limestone cliffs and with some wonderful examples of ancient dwellings built into the cliffs, you will reach the small settlement of Corn for your overnight stop.

Day 4: Corn to Rocamadour 30 miles.

Leaving the river valley behind you will explore the Causse limestone plateau and its remote treasures. A splendid pilgrimage route will lead you through a canyon to the stunning town of Rocamadour, steeped in history.

Day 5: Rocamadour to Lacave 30 miles.

Crossing the Gramat limestone plateau using its tracks and small roads you will discover remote ancient villages, Lacave caves & castle, a land full of orchids and wild flowers, and shepherds' stone huts that locals call "Cazelles" (usually circular in shape with a conical roof of flat stones) that have been around for more then 3000 years! Time seems to have stood still in this area!

Day 6: Lacave to Saint-Cere 30 miles.

Passing into the upper part of the Dordogne valley, you cross the border between the Quercy and the Dordogne regions. Here, fortified villages, a castle which is one of the largest fortresses in the south of France, are all sights to savour. In the valley, the pretty Saint-Cere is protected by the high towers of Saint-laurent-les-tours - now a museum of paintings. And there is also the Montal renaissance castle.

Day 7: Saint-Cere to Figeac 30 miles

The final part of the tour takes you to the "chestnut grove" area and its beautiful scenery where chestnuts have been collected since the Romans introduced the trees 2000 years ago. Again, this area abounds in mediaeval towns and castles as you wind your way back to the historic Figeac for the final night. If time permits you should visit the Champollion Museum, dedicated to the work of Jean-François Champollion, the first translator of the hieroglyphics, who was born in Figeac.

Day 8: Departure from Figeac.