Places to ride to from RidersRest...
We have compiled many routes with a description and maps which incoorporate most of these spectacular locations they can be seen at
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You will find us more than willing to assist in route planning during your stay with us or for your onward journey.
We are competant with most SatNav systems and have the facilities to upload waypoints and routes using MapQuest/Navteq mapping technology.
If you would prefer we could also organise lead rideouts from Ridersrest for a small fee (Usually enough to cover Fuel & lunch) This would usually consist of approx 200 mile rides through your pick of places below, utilising the great roads, cafes and views along the way.
Built into limestone cliffs, with its medieval houses clinging precariously overlooking the gorge of the River Alzou, Rocamadour is a major pilgrimage site. The town is famed for being the site where the body of St Amadour was discovered near the town’s chapel in 1166, an event which led to a succession of miracles in the town. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the town ranks behind Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela as a pilgrimage site. Visitors to the town can climb the Grand Escalier (Great Ladder) to the 12th-century Cité Religeuse (Religious City) at the top, which consists of seven chapels. Visitors can also climb the Chemin de Croix (Way of the Cross) for exceptional views of the Dordogne from the ramparts of the 14th-century château.
Other attractions nearby include the Rocher des Aigles birds of prey conservation centre, the Forêt des Singes monkey sanctuary and the Grottes de Lacave underground caves.
Location: Really out of the way on the D90, 15km north east of Rocamadour. But quite special and worth a trip. Open from 1st Apr - All Saints Day. Open 08.30-18.30 in August without interruption. Otherwise times vary. See website. This spectacular cave complex is impressive on a large scale. Part of the trip is by gondola and the complete trip will take around one and a half hours. Unfortunately not only will you probably spend time queuing to get in, there is the possibility of further queuing inside whilst you wait for a gondola and then later for a guide. But it is certainly worth visiting if you are in the area.
Our recommendations: Very popular so you are advised to get there first thing if at all possible to avoid the queues. Don’t forget your jumper! You could combine it with a visit to Rocamadour.
Okay not the place for a ride in the winter months but some major twisties to be had in and around the area in the spring and summer months - stunning views also...
The Dordogne Valley 50 miles away
Ride through the romantic Dordogne Stopping at Argentat for Lunch then on through some winding roads and picturesque villages - Collonges-la Rouge - Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne.
This fairy-tale castle dates from the 15th century and is located in the 'Parc des Volcans' region of Auvergne in south-central France, next to (and surrounded by, for it is on an island) an attractive lake. But the castle once stood on a hilltop, with fine views across the valley below! It was between 1942 and 1952 that the dam of Bort-les-Orgues was constructed, and the valley filled with water.
At that time, the castle was owned by the French electricity board, and had suffered from many years of abandon. At the time the dam was completed the local commune of Bort-les-Orgues acquired the castle. It has now been renovated and gained a new lease of life as a popular tourist attraction in the region.
Reached by a walkway, the castle is immediately recognisable by its five towers, each with a different design. There is also a 15th century chapel on the island, the Chapel of Saint Blaise.
Inside the castle, the large rooms of the lower floor are furnished in the rich style of the 19th century, while upstairs is reserved for art exhibitions - Chateau-de-Val is well known for the exhibitions of contemporary art that are held there each summer.
It is also possible to ascend to the roof, for a lovely view out across the lake....
Puy Mary 88 miles
The emblematic pyramid of Puy Mary (1 787 m) proudly oversees the Cantalien volcano which is the largest volcano in Europe (2 700 km²)....
The Puy-de-Dome is a mix of extinct volcanoes, thick forest, rivers, lakes and mountains.
The oldest geological mountain range in France and part of France's largest national park, the Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d'Auvergne. Visiting Clermont without going to the top of the Puy de Dôme (1464m) would be like visiting Athens without seeing the Acropolis.
Puy-de-Dôme is a large lava dome and one of the youngest volcanoes in the Chaîne des Puys region of Massif Central in south-central France. Curiously, this chain of volcanoes including numerous cinder cones, lava domes and maars is located far from the edge of any tectonic plate.
Oradour-sur-Glane 65 miles
During World War II, the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, on the outskirts of Limoges, was destroyed and its people were massacred by Nazis. The site of one of the most horrific massacres of the Second World War Oradour-sur-Glane is now a memorial to the events of June 10th, 1944. On that day, Nazi troops killed virtually the entire village population - only six people out of 648 inhabitants survived. to tell this crucial piece of history, part of the village remains the same as it was after it was destroyed, with everything left in place just as it was on that day. The cars are still on the street exactly where they were left, furniture still in place in the houses that survived the fires. Oradour-sur-Glane is truly a unique memorial and one that genuinely evokes the meaning of one of the awful events of that time.
Story
The Lac de Vassivière or Vassivière Lake is one of France's largest lakes, in fact a large reservoir, about 1000 hectares in area,... The D940 up to Payrat-le-Chateau make this a must ride and is one of the most perfect roads for bikes.
Millau Bridge 162 miles
For those of you who don't know what the Millau Viaduct is, it's the world's highest suspension bridge, and one of world's longest. It opened in 2004, and is located in the mid-South of France, bridging a long valley. The A75 auto-route runs via the bridge. The bridge rests on 7 pillars, and spans 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) with a width of 38 meters (125 feet). The tallest portion of the bridge is 244 meters (800 feet)!
1. Chateau de Puymartin, 2. Château de Puyguilhem, 3. Château de Jumilhac, 4. Château de Hautefort, 5. Château de Bourdeilles, 6. Château Châlus Maulmont , 7. Arnac Pompadour National Stud and Chateau, 8. Segur le Chateau, 9. Château de Coussac-Bonneval.
The Dordogne region has many of the finest castles in France, often in spectacular locations, and frequently surrounded by carefully manicured gardens with far-reaching views over the surroundingcountryside. Many of the castles date from the turbulent times in the 12th-14th centuries and the wars between England and France (see
Hundred Years War). Also where Richard the LionHeart spent most of his days.
where driving makes complete sense. This rugged track in the midst of the Massif Central foothills was created by a great fan of driving. Along its 3.1km course and its four different routes, you can find every possible turn, all the elements that make a great track: big bends, reverse curves, left and right turns, off-camber turns, straight lines. The Mas du Clos is one of the few "real" circuits that is still in use; its reputation lies in its technicality and the emotions it creates, a mixture of respect and apprehension.
Circuit du val de vienne, 90 miles
Utterly awesome on 2 wheels! Wide, Good Surface, Technical, Good marshalling, plenty of run off & lots & lots of corners (19 I think). Accredited by the Fédération Française Sportive Automobile, this 3,757 metre long race track is one of the best in the country. The Circuit Val de Vienne track, equipment and services are available for your private or shared use. We are open to all suggestions : an hour's training session, a weekend meeting or one which lasts a whole week. To present a new model, a new product, or to hold a seminar, we can organize all events thanks to our up-to date facilities and private conference rooms. Introduction to racing and courses for all abilities.
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