We left Sarlat at nine o'clock. It was Sunday so we were spared the trucks and white vans on the 2km to the bicycle path. It was a beautiful ride to Caves.

We had a picnic lunch in a park, the large and happy French family feasting at the next bench shouted cheerful "au revoirs" as we left.

The several kilometer long steep climb out of the valley was painful with a temperature of 34 degrees.

We misunderstood the location of the hotel and ended up pushing the bikes down the steep zig zag path past the ancient monastery and into the valley below.

By the time we realized our mistake it was too late to backtrack and we had to continue, finally shuttling our bikes and panniers down a long steep flight of steps.

Rocamadour is an incredible place with the old houses and the monastery built into the cliff face. I marveled at the audacity and determination of whoever imagined it could be possible.

By good luck our visit coincided with the annual hot air balloon festival. At about 6pm we were treated to the magnificent spectacle of 28 hot air balloons of all colors rising out of the valley. One was in the shape of a duck and another the iconic Asterix.