© PWilliamson
Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Allow at least 3hrs for this intermediate circular route
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
Starting in the dizzying heights of L'Hospitalet at the top of Rocamadour this route will bring you down to the banks for the L'Alzoou river before you pass over to the larger L'Ouysse river, which you then follow on to Lacave. from there you will turn away from the Dordogne river and head back towards Rocamadour.
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Watch out for
It is best to dismount as you pass through the town of Rocamadour itself as it can be incredibly busy with pedestrian traffic.
What to see
Moulin de Cougnaguet - this fortified mill sits on the river L'Ouysse. It originates from the 14th-century and was classified as a Historic Monument in 1925. Worked as a mill until the early 1960s, it is an interesting place to visit and to stop off for a picnic.
Grottes de Lacave - Accessed by a small electric train this cave are worth stopping for. There is also a brasserie across the road from the cave so could be the perfect lunch stop at this halfway point.
Mayrinhac le Francal - this is a pleasant small town where you can enjoy a quick break, a walk around and a visit to the church.
Directions
Leaving L'Hospitalet you pass along the road marked 'Au Fond de la Cote' which leads you to the main street through the city of Rocamadour via the Porte du Figuier.
As you leave the city, the road tilts downward and you make your way towards the L'Alzou river. Following the path along the river you will enjoy some lush forest and greenery. The road then brings you to Croix du Crouzol and here you take the route to the left that follows onto the banks of the L'Ouyesse river. Staying close to the river on the smaller of the roads you continue your journey towards Moulin de Caoulet and then on to Moulin de Cougnaguet.
The path is straightforward from here and continues along the river, passing another moulin on the opposite bank and the small villages of Bourgnou and Verdoire. Eventually, you will reach Lacave, home to the Grottes de Lacave.
Passing along the cliffsides as you leave Lacave, you turn off the main road at the cemetery and enter into dense forest that offers some welcome respite from the sun. When you come to a T-junction take the left road and travel up and towards the end of the runway of the small airport. Skirting the airport you then follow the road to the town of Mayrinhac le Francal.
Passing through the town you make your way south towards the town of Les Alix and eventually back to L'Hospitalet and Rocamadour.
