Woke up this morning to a heavy mist all over the Dordogne valley. It was very cool in the damp, but I'd seen that the day was forecast to turn out hot - - and so it did.

Today was a short stage, 55km all in but with over 1,000 m of climbing. Most of that was in 3 long stretches, with correspondingly long descents.

After the first hill to Calès, the terrain seemed changed. Not only did sun replace mist, but coming over the ridge seemed to shift into a different microclimate. There were cherries on trees, wild strawberries in the verge, and a darker, more silvery green on the oak leaves.

The scenery also shifted a gear: wilder, more rugged, bigger hills.

Rocamadour l'Hospitalet is a breathtaking medieval hilltop town, partly built into the rock. 

The photographer of this next one, a local man and seasoned cycle tourist reviewed my toute and assured me that some parts would be "durs" (hard) .

At Gramat I spent quite a bit of time and effort locating a campsite after my first choice turned out to be in a very poor state, virtually abandoned. Plan B (Camping Reflets de Ferme) Is simple and quiet and civilised. And has hot water.