The Beautiful Lot Valley in the South of France - Wonderful South of France holidays and active breaks; walking, canal cruising, fishing; French hotels & French campsites

Begin at medieval Aiguillon then cycle to your first stop at medieval Clairac, with its riverside Abbaye des Automates. Stop here for scenes through the ages of boatmen, fishermen and winemakers and discover the spartan monk lifestyle and dazzling ecclesiastic garments.

Another highlight on the Véloroute way is the Temple-sur-Lot, where the national collection of water lilies blooms in glorious gardens (May-September). Work up a sweat to the ‘little Venice' of Casseneuil, then pause to admire the superb frescoes in the church.

By the time you reach Villeneuve-sur-Lot, you will have passed the half-way point. Reward yourself with a wander around this town, founded in 1264 by Alphonse de Poitiers. The Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) was built in the 13th-century under English rule.

Onwards, past the medieval village of Penne d'Agenais, cross the river at Monsempron Libos and you have arrived at Fumel, hotly disputed betwee n the English and French in the 14th- & 15th-centuries.

For those who want to sightsee without the sweat, you can follow the Véloroute by car!

You've got to be fit and enjoy cycling as you'll be doing between 18 and 45 kilometres a day between overnight stops on little country roads. You'll be following the ancient pilgrim way to Santiago - the Chemin de St-Jacques as it is known in French - which links several medieval towns and villages, and crosses ever changing landscapes on which history has left its mark. You'll come across a number of prestigious heritage sites, chateaux, churches and other religious monuments. Your overnight stays (half-board) are booked in advance for you at 2-star hotels and comfortable Chambres d'hôtes (French-style B&Bs). Detailed maps will be provided together with information on shops and places for lunch. Your departure point is Rodez and you will finish in Villefranche-de-Rouergue, taking a bus back to Rodez.

Prices (2006): 8-day/7-night stay half-board (bed & breakfast & evening meal): from 440€ per person (sharing double room)

The price includes: transfer by bus from Villefranche-de-Rouergue back to Rodez and transfer to/from Rodez airport if required.

Price does not include: lunch, cycle hire. Quality cycles (18 gears) can be hired locally for 89€ for 8 days (2006 prices).

Available: 01 April to 31 Oct 2006

Booking Reference: AYTVELO2

To book:

Loisirs Accueil Aveyron

Tel: +33 (0)5 65 75 55 50

Email: sla.aveyron@wanadoo.fr

Web: www.reservation-aveyron.com

You have total freedom to choose how long you stay at this welcoming 2-star hotel in Aurillac, the capital of Cantal. All cyclists are welcome, but the terrain is hilly which makes it an excellent cycling base for experienced cyclists and those who enjoy cycling as a sport. Your hotelier is a keen cyclist too and will advise you on routes and sites. He will give you on arrival your “road-book” with detailed maps and guides (‘topoguides’), places to stop, gradients, etc. After a day’s cycling, you return to relax in the heated indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna - and to a gastronomic meal based on local products and recipes!

Available: from Easter to All Saints 2006
Price per person (sharing double room): cyclists 45€ per night half-board (bed, breakfast and gastronomic evening meal) - non-cyclists 40€!
The price includes: free use of the hotel’s facilities (sauna, jacuzzi and heated indoor swimming pool); your ‘road-book’.
The price does not include: drinks, cycles, personal expenses, transport, cancellation insurance and booking fee (13€).
Extras: single room supplement 7€ per night.

To book and find out more:
Destination Cantal - Green France
Tel: 00 33 (0)4 71 63 85 15
Email: cantal@greenfrance.com
www.cantal-tour.com