The rivers and canals were a significant feature in our trip - the ends of our first two stages were marked by the rivers Loire and Dordogne. The route of our final stage was determined by the Canal du Midi. During each of the stages we followed rivers wherever we could. In stage 1 we followed the Mayenne from Laval to Château Gontier and then followed the Loir and crossed the Sarthe. These rivers are related - the Loir flows into the Sarthe, which flows into the Mayenne, which then flows into the Loire.

In our third stage, we met the river Lot at Cahors, the Aveyron at St. Antonin and the Tarn at Albi. These rivers are also related - the Aveyron flows into the Tarn and the Dordogne the Lot and the Tarn all flow via the Garonne to the sea.

The Mayenne at Laval

The river Loir at Montreuil sur Loir

Villeveque (on the Loir)

Canal de la Dive (which we followed on the day we left Saumur). Unfortunately its towpath is not suitable for cycling.

View of river Dronne at Brantôme

Confluence of Dordogne and Vézere

 

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View of the Dordogne from Beynac château

At Cahors, the river Lot, Pont Valentré.

At St. Antonin, the river Aveyron.

River Tarn at Albi

Canal du Midi near Béziers showing the staircase of 9 locks.

View of the river Orb from Béziers cathedral.