Day 14 - Figeac to St-Cirq Lapopie

October 2^nd, 2002

bonne  fête en France

Chocolate for breakfast, how else to celebrate one’s birthday? We left Figeac early and headed to the beautiful Célé valley. The riding was once again spectacular. We rode through a narrow valley, with the Célé River on one side and overhanging cliffs on the other. We passed through several small villages, like Espagnac-Ste. Eulalie, St-Sulpice and Cabrerets, where many of the houses are built into the rock. One of the highlights of traveling in France is taking the time to visit and appreciate sleepy villages like these. Lunch consisted of “une boule avec fromage Rocomadour” and croissants. Spiros got injured playing with a kitty cat, apparently he wasn’t serving up the cheese quite as fast as she wanted.

The ride ended after a steep climb to the enchanting St-Cirq Lapopie (yes….another plus beaux villages). Perched on a cliff 100 meters above the Lot River, this charming town serves up spectacular views. Although quite touristy, it is well worth spending some time touring this 13th century town. 

The only hotel open wanted 107€…so off to the youth hostel we went. It is located in the Maison de la Fourdonne. We toured the town and then discovered the restaurant we wanted to go to was closed along with every other restaurant in town….Quelle catastrophe! But my sweetie couldn’t let my birthday go without some kind of a treat. He found the only store opened and got us some tasty 4 cheese panninis and ice cream.