Tonight’s Accomodation

8 August 2019

Every day gets better. We left Conques around 8am this morning following the river downhill at a very comfortable 15 deg. There were no cafe’s open for our 20km coffee stop so continued on to Figeac at about 40km. A relatively easy ride with more stunning scenery. Lunch stop in Figeac another amazing town and a quick tour of the Church. Leaving around 2pm the heat was in the 30’s so we completed the next 40km at a slower pace, with the climb up to Grezes at 40deg in places. It was so worth it, more amazing accomodation in a 17th century Chateau where we made good use of the swimming pool.

Abbey Curch of St Foy

Conques

Conques

7 August 2019
The predicted thunderstorms arrived early morning bringing rain and a cooler start at 15 deg. Very hot overnight with a lot of road traffic noise so sleep could have been better. A shorter ride today and nice with the cooler start, to finish in the famous village of Conques.

Another of the Grand sites of France. An 11th century town with Architecture of the middle ages. We wandered the streets in the now 30deg heat feeling exhausted and needing rest. Tonight’s accomodation is amazing.

6 August 2019

We left this morning 8.15 leaving Aumont the at 900m elevation and slowly climbed to 1340. Nice and cool with slight breeze. Had a long decent into Espalion where we had a lunch stop by the river. A 13th century Roman city. The temperature had climbed to mid 30’s so the last 15ks to Estaing was slow. What an amazing town along side the river Lot. Eastaing is one of the most beautiful villages in France. We are seeing lots of walkers and a few cyclists.

5 August 2019

A typical French breakfast again this morning. Bread,jam and yoghurt meant an early cafe stop to replentish after gradual climbing for several hours. We are passing many walkers although we are not on their route all the time often we are taking the road option. Sunny and hot so nice to have a shorter day and finish with a 4 course lunch and vino. The highlight today was the donkey.

Luxury accommodation

4 August 2019

Lots of climbing today. Stunning scenery and peaceful countryside. One little single track with very large rocks, but the bikes handled it perfectly. A large baguette helped get us up a 13k climb in a moderate temperature of 36 degrees. Finished off with cold beers and a pastis.

Rocher saint Michel d’aigulhe

Notre dame de puy

Statue Notre Dame de France

3 August 2019

Rest and recovery in Le Puy

2 August 2019

Another cloudless perfect riding day. We mostly followed a bike path route which was previously a railway line. The terrain was paved except for a downhill chunky gravel track and some easy gravel path. The final 13k was on the road following part of the loire river. Great accommodation again for the next two nights. The bath is perfect.

Continue reading “Day 2 Pelussin -Mountfaucon en Velay” →

31 July 2019

We packed our panniers and left the outskirts of Lyon before 9am. A perfect 20deg morning. kev the navigator found our roads and tracks. A lot of lovely scenery along the way, paths through farmland, along the river Rhone and finishing with a 6k climb up hill in over 30 deg. We took our time plenty of food and drink stops. We are staying tonight in a 14th century chateau. Its good to have the first day done.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

Kevin and Nicki Mullaly and Martin and Judy Ross are cycling from Lyon to Le Puy, Le puy to Santiago Compostela following the camino del Norte route. This blog is a record of our rides and photos.