We've braved the country roads out from St Genies to some very interesting and different locations. As we drove along the castle views were just calling out for us to stop and photograph them. Belcastal was one of these occasions. We checked out the geese, the views, the castle and chatted with some American bike riding tourists, then we hit the road again.We made it to the the much visited town of Rocamadour about an hour and a half away. My word the drive was worth it . A town clinging to the hillside. We had lunch at L'Esplanade restaurant with a wonderful view . We then proceeded to Gouffre Padriac a huge fissure in the ground with a lot of steps and a very long queue to enter. We were well rewarded for the wait and the 500 steps! Once we were inside we were punted in a 11 passenger boat through the vast cave . We alighted and went on foot for an exploration with a guide who helpfully explained the relevant facts in English. Throughout the tour beautiful sculptures were placed strategically. I enjoyed to find these , they were by Parisian sculptor Isabelle Thiltges. We understood can you manage 300 steps? Yes, we foolishly answered! All good we made it back to the punt and then alighted to be greeted by 75 steps again. We purchased the obligatory souvenir photo and found the lift , yeah! My joy was short lived as it only took us part way up we had to transfer to another lift. I decided the stairs would do so I braved them once again. We set off happily for our B & B about 2 hrs away. We made it safe & sound and had baguette with tomatoes, strawberry tart , raisin pastry ( from the local patisserie ) and iced tea to finish. We had previously checked out the local restaurant but unfortunately it was closed. Not a lot happening in St Genies. Glad we caught the patisserie open. We have had a great time touring at our pace round this lovely part of the world. We have to pack up ready to return to Brive tomorrow to return the hire car and head back to Paris and on to Dresden. Phil driving and San navigating we made it all okay.

Off to bed to dream of new and old adventures.