CARCASSONNE AND THE MILLAU

Fresh from your early morning LeShuttle from Folkestone, you’ll be heading south through the sweeping French countryside to Reims, the Heart of France and the coronation place for many French Kings before the Revolution. It’s the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine growing Region and many of the champagne houses are headquartered here.

Heading further south, we avoid the main roads wherever possible in favour of the quiet D roads so you can experience real France with its small shuttered villages and towns. Tonight we are staying in Bourges, once the capital of France in the heart of the Aquitaine. Its remarkable half timbered houses and UNESCO listed Cathedral are a sight to see.

From here we will ride further south through the forests and lakes of the tranquil landscape of the Livradois-Forez National Park onto Mende.  Built in the Lot valley, surrounded by mountains, this charming small town, is both peaceful and welcoming. Take time to discover its paved side streets lined with old houses, quaint squares, and the picturesque medieval Notre-Dame bridge.

The following morning we ride southwest passing the famous Millau Bridge, but not before entering the Gorges du Tarn, one of the first specific tourist roads to be built in France and it has remained one of France’s most spectacular touring routes.  It’s about 53 kilometres long and 400m to 600m deep with tunnels and rocky overhangs along its length.

Our destination is Carcassonne, the fortified City in the department of Aude, in the region of Occitanie. With 3 kilometres of defensive ramparts, the old city of Carcassonne is one of the largest surviving medieval walled cities in Europe, occupied and fortified since before Roman times.  We have a day off to explore this enchanting city with its typically French bars, shops, cafés and restaurants. Sample the town’s charms by simply strolling through its streets. Drink in the atmosphere and enjoy the authentically gallic experience.

Leaving Carcassonne, we’ll make our way to Rocamadour the stunning little village clinging to the cliffs above the L’Alzou. Located to the southwest of Padirac in the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, Rocamadour is built on 3 successive levels, climbing 120 meters, it is both a place of legend and history where old stone houses, majestic towers and a castle keep cascade off the cliff into the Alzou Canyon below.  The town, constructed of beautiful gold stone and lauzé roofs also houses a number of charming restaurants and quirky boutiques where you can relax and enjoy the charm of this remarkable town. We will spend 2 nights here, so you have the option to spend the day exploring the town or if you prefer to ride out into the surrounding area.