Cycling in Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt

The roads today were fine, although D667 was a bit too busy with traffic…but only by the standards of the French country roads that we quickly have become accustomed to. As we’ve come more south, the generally rolling hill terrain that has continued since our start in Chadurie has become sharper and steeper as we’ve crossed the various river systems (e.g. Dordogne, Lot, etc.). Background: My wife and I have been doing self-supported tours in Western Europe (a majority in France) since 1993.  This series of rides covers our 2005 2 month route through parts of France.  Our beginning and ending point is near Chaduri (south of Angoulême) where our friends have a farm with Gites and Chambres d'Hotes. We rode our Dawes touring bicycles purchased in 1993 heavily loaded with 700Cx32 tires.  All of our riding was on paved roads, mostly with very little traffic. If any questions, feel free to email me at jeffkadet@netdiving.com Jeff

FR: Au coeur de vignobles réputés, la vieille ville de Bergerac a su conserver des témoignages des 14e, 15e et 16e siècles. Bergerac est une des trois Villes d’Art et d’Histoire de Dordogne. Son développement a été étroitement lié à la vie de la rivière Dordogne et à celle du vin. Elle est le point de départ pour la découverte des vignobles et des vieilles pierres. Dans le prestigieux décor d’un ancien cloître, le « Quai Cyrano » est un passage incontournable pour tous les curieux souhaitant étancher leur soif de connaissance en matière sur les vins de Bergerac et de Duras. Face à la rivière Dordogne, sur la terrasse du bâtiment, on vous propose de déguster des planches de charcuteries, de fromages locaux… Nous recommandons d'effectuer l'aller en vélo puis effectuer le retour par train en seulement 15 minutes au départ de la gare de Bergerac à seulement 5 minutes à vélo du centre et à destination de la gare de Sainte-Foy-La-Grande qui se situe à seulement 1km du camping de la Bastide.   ENG : In the heart of famous vineyards, the old town of Bergerac has preserved testimonies of the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Bergerac is one of the three Towns of Art and History of Dordogne. Its development has been closely linked to the life of the Dordogne river and that of wine. It is the starting point for exploring the vineyards and old stones. In the prestigious setting of a former cloister, the “Quai Cyrano” is an essential stopover for all curious people wishing to quench their thirst for knowledge of Bergerac and Duras wines. Facing the Dordogne River, on the terrace of the building, you can taste platters of charcuterie, local cheeses... We recommend going by bike and then returning by train in just 15 minutes from Bergerac station, just 5 minutes by bike from the center and to Sainte-Foy-La-Grande station which is located just 1km from camping de la Bastide.