This is my staple ride; challenging, close to home, and doesn’t take too much time. The biggest problem is that just to get to the main climb you need to climb a lot, then lose all that elevation to start again – see the profile below.
The route to Gourdon is through a canyon with steep cliffs on either side, through tunnels, past waterfalls, and over brides, past the river below. Gourdon itself is one of France’s “Les Plus Beaux Villages”, and is an excellent reward following the moderate climb. The views are spectacular, and I strongly recommend a cafe-creme and the salted caramel crepes from La Pause Gourmande.
France Escape 