rocamadour
 

It certainly looks very nice, but my daily mileage ratio requires me to get further south on that stage of my trip, so it looks like Cahors for me.

Cheers
Lee

Needs must if the devil drives - I often have (and still do at times) ride past some amazing places just because of the time/schedules- so I try to slow it down and re-arrange my planning as not to miss places like that that really need to be experienced. It's too easy to sit and throttle by ...and miss it.
But if Cahors it must be then Cahors it is!
In the 13th century, Cahors became renowned as the birthplace of Pope Jean XXII. He did a lot of good work for the town, including the construction of a University. Between the river and the Boulevard Gambetta, stroll through the streets to enjoy this beautiful architecture http://www.visit-midi-pyrenees.com/pics/blanc.gif With the 100 years war, the town was fortified, and some trace of this remains (la tour des Pendues, la Barbacane – both on the northern side of town). Above all, the Valentré bridge on the west of town, known as the devil’s bridge because it really was devilishly hard to build. They even engraved a devil on the central tower, and some say that this protected it from attack by the English. It’s a daunting bridge with its three square towers each over 40m tall. Six gothic arches span the Lot river.
Fishing anyone?
http://www.visit-midi-pyrenees.com/v...ors/cahors.jpg

"Very nice but a little too fussy" sums up the restaurant very well.

Hi there and back again
 

Well I did it - France, Spain, Andorra and back through France - XRV750 - chugged along and did not skip a beat - the camp sites were good to excellent and the one B & B was great. And for the record I passed through all the borders without even being stopped !!

I can recommend the B&B at Refuge-pour-Motards at Laponouse de Severac www.refuge-pour-motards.de/english and the camp site Camping Moto at St aubin de Narirat Dodorgne www.motocamp.com . The trip was great - lots of open roads and great country side - over the Bridge at Millau and over the Pyrenees too - there is still snow up there... nearly forgot the Camp site in Andorra Xixerella in La Massana. I was the only one there until the arrival of two German chaps both on XRV 750s like mine - never got to chat to them as they parked themselves 200m away and did want to mix !! How odd....

1800 miles and a sore bum - where next ---- Lithuania sounds fun !!!!

Nigel

Nigel, glad your trip was a great success, it certainly sounds enjoyable.

How was the Portsmouth - Caen overnight ferry? , did you have a reclining seat or a cabin?

Cheers,

Lee

Hi Bertrand,

There is a hotel in Cahors, which is near the Valentre Bridge. Is this area worth riding into or would I better staying on the oustskirts and just wandering in to town in the evening by foot.

It may sound a stupid question, but the least hassle in parking / finding hotels etc the smoother the overall trip would go.

Lee

I can probably manage slightly fussy, but is there anywhere else close by to get a nice meal. I may even walk down into the town, so can you recommend anywhere in particular to look out for.

Cheers
Lee

The boat from Portsmouth to Caen
 

Hi - Thanks for the question - if you are travelling during the day then the reclining seats are fine and the Lounge is reasonably quite - I did this on the return leg.

On the way out I booked a reclining seat on the night boat - most people appeared to has done this before and all produced sleeping bags and mats and slept on the floor !! and why not. You pay the £5 for the quiet of the Longe...

If I was to do it again I think I would upgrade to a cabin for the night boat !!
:clap:

Loches
 

Dear Lee,
The hotel at Loches is just off the main road, it was easy to find, but perhaps 2km out of and above the town. Don't bother to walk. Sorry don't know any places in town. I think the hotel locality did not have any other services nearby. I suggest you might put up with the fancy meal, or ride into town for a snack or takeaway.

This sounds like a strange place, Lee. You be careful there!!!!:oops2:

Hi caminando,

Yes, Peniscola does sound strange doesnt it, but I know from past experience that its not as odd as its name suggests........but i will be careful all the same !!

With regard to the border crossings, I think Nigel was mainly referring to Andorra as i had been told that it cane be a nightmare to pass through there.

Cheers
Lee

[quote=Electra;244078]
put up with the fancy meal, quote]


that sounds like a plan, fussy food it is then...

I am sure I can manage one night of semi-gourmet nosh.

Thanks for your help.

Lee

My Big Trip, extensively planned, ferry booked, hotels booked etc etc. Due on the Portsmouth - Caen ferry on Wednesday July 15th at 11.30 PM .......

At 9.30 AM on Monday 13th July I pulled my back in work and knew instantly that i would not be riding. I refused to admit to myself that i could not go and waited until midday on the wednesday before cancelling everything. I could not put my own socks on let alone ride the bike..

To say that I was disappointed is a vast understatement and all that i can do is re-plan for another time. I managed to get on a plane the following week and have a holiday with the family in Spain but I kept looking at the garage that i had booked for my bike and crying into my beer.

Never mind, EH, theres always another time.

:(

Borders Andorra
 

Crossed through this border about 20 times and never even slowed down, if its misty you might even miss it.
steve