The hills are alive with muscles and lycra…. They say there is a fine line between sanity and madness and the Tour de France is no exception and literally the biggest bike race in the world. This years Tour de France is the 98th and part of the route is near Souillac in the Lot Department. This lovely area is popular with holidaymakers and we at Quality Villas have some beautiful properties still with some late availability. We have such properties both with a religious theme – one was a former Presbytere and the other a former Convent. Both of these properties can be found by clicking on these links. http://www.qualityvillas.com/dordogne/nadaillac-de-rouge/la-retraite http://www.qualityvillas.com/dordogne/saint-sozy/le-pelerin The race can be watched anywhere along the route: near the start of the day's leg, riders tend to be very bunched and the actual race passes in about a minute. Towards the end of a leg, riders are more spaced out, so the thrill of the race lasts longer. However most of the spectacle comes not from the riders themselves, but from the "caravan", an hour-long procession of cars, floats and motorcycles from the Tour's sponsors and the teams. It's all very commercial, with freebies being thrown out to the spectators; baseball caps, little packs of sweets, mini-pretzels, key rings and other gimmicks. It's interesting to watch, and the children love it. Many of the families who book a Quality Villas holiday ask about hiring bikes with some even bringing their own either to amble along country lanes or to tackle steep hills and mountainous terrain. Cycling is big in my region due to the terrain and open countryside and after an energetic cycle what better that to have a swim at your French country villa and a long cool beer. Contact us now to discuss your French villa holiday on 01442 870055 or visit our website http://www.qualityvillas.com Gill Manager France & Morocco