Bike Tour Day 4 - Bicycling to 16th Century Sarlat, Learning About Fois Gras...

We left Rocamadour with great memories and our classic "June in the hotel window" shot. It was only 48 deg. F as we departed, but by the end of the 2k climb out of Rocamadour, we were rewarded with that great panoramic view lit by the rising sun.

Peter's sketch/wash of the high point in Rocamadour.

Rocamadour in the morning light.

After a short ride we arrived at La Ferme des Campagnes, a goose farm that raises geese for Fois gras - and that includes the practice of gavage, where in the last 2 weeks of their lives the geese (or in some cases ducks) are fed through a tube directly into their stomach in order to enlarge their liver for the Fois gras that is so cherished in the French culture.

As you can see, the geese are kept free-range until their final days of gavage. They have all the food, water and shelter they need and are very content. I am trying to not be judgemental as in the USA we don't have a pristine record of animal husbandry as it applies to our food processors. The farm was the picture of cleanliness and order. There is always a price to be paid when the consumption of meat is an expectation in society.

On a happier note, the weather and the biking have been extraordinarily nice - today's route was mainly at river level:

Can't pass up a chance to pose with pigs and goats that are so tame :)

The guides have been fabulous - here Bruno ( our native French guide) is giving me information on the route and the history of towns we pass through.

We had a pleasant stop in the town of Souillac and visited their market and wonderful church that was built around an 11th century Benedictine Abbey.

Our lunch stop provided a lovely respite on their terrace and great pizza!

The final 10k of the ride was mainly on a shady, quiet and verdant bike path leading into Sarlat, our headquarters for the next three nights!

We are really excited to have an extended stay in Sarlat - it was built around a 9th century Benedictine abbey, and the town today was built mainly by wealthy merchants and local government between 1450 and 1500. We love, love, love the architecture and are very excited to explore the town on Saturday!

Sarlat on Friday afternoon - lots of life!

Saturday will also be market day, and our optional riding day - lots to look forward to!