Day 6 - Belvès to Les Eyzies

September 24th, 2002

"Bravo! Bon courage!"

It was a clear and chilly morning as we left Belvès. We cycled to the Dordogne, through more awe-inspiring scenery. Heading towards Cadouin, we tackled our first real hill of the trip, a 4 km uphill. As I struggled up the hill, I was cheered on by an old man by the side of the road. He stopped what he was doing, clapped his hands and yelled “Bravo! Bon courage!”.  Being cheered on by a kind stranger made reaching the top that much sweeter. This is typical of the treatment a biker will get in France.  It is a country where everyone loves and welcomes cyclists. You are not a tourist, but a fellow cycling enthusiast.

We stopped off in Cadouin to see the Abbey and then continued on to Trémolat. In Trémolat, we decided to take a side trip up to a look out point, for some spectacular views of the meandering Dordogne River and valley below.  Next stop was Limeuil where the Vézère and Dordogne rivers meet. It is another plus beau village.  We spent several hours touring this magnificent, peaceful town. We topped off our visit of Limeuil by indulging with a couple of crêpes au chocolat at a café by the river…good times. We followed the Vézère River, for the next 20 km to Les Eyzies, on beautiful back roads through more majestic forests. Les Eyzies itself is not very awe-inspiring. Nevertheless, it is a good base.