Читать книгу Cycle Touring in France. Eight tours in Brittany, Picardy, Alsace, Auvergne/Languedoc, Provence, Dordogne/Lot, the Alps and the Pyrenees онлайн

13 страница из 56

Best time to visit

June to September.

The mountainous Pyrénées, although not as high as the Alps, can also experience fickle weather conditions in summer, so be prepared for the odd afternoon thunderstorm in July and August. High mountain passes are often not open until late May/early June due to late snowfalls in the spring. July is normally the driest month.

Route 7 Rivers and Castles: Dordogne and Lot

Character and terrain

This circular tour starts in Brive-la-Gaillarde and heads south, crossing the River Dordogne to the charming villages of Carennac and Autoire with their clusters of typically medieval Quercynois houses with brown-tiled turreted roofs, dovecots and towers. The castles of Castelnau-Bretenoux and Montal are visited before an ascent through lovely woods to Figeac.

From Figeac cycle alongside the unspoilt River Célé for almost 50km to its meeting with the River Lot and the magnificent hill village of St Cirq-Lapopie. Follow the Lot west through Cahors and Luzech with vineyards bordering the river, then cycle across hilly country to the massive castle of Bonaguil and the bastide town of Monpazier before once again crossing the Dordogne. Travelling east along its northern bank you encounter yet more impressive castles and some of the most beautiful villages in France, before eventually reaching Souillac and taking a short train ride back to Brive-la-Gaillarde.