September 5th, 2006

We left Monflanquin as early as we could since it is going to be another hot day.  The Gavaudun valley was shady which is wonderful as we were climbing.  The air temperature went from 21C down to 17C.  The Gavaudun river valley opens up at the village of St. Avit.  The Château de Biron is very impressive and photographs better from the south.  After the requisite photos, we headed for Monpazier.

Monpazier turns out to be a bit of a disappointment.  Monflanquin has more character and better setting on top of the hill.  Maybe the travel book writers are conspiring to keep as many tourists at Monpazier as possible and save Monflanquin from the onslaught of the unwashed masses.  We saw a British drawing party at Monpazier scattered around the main square sketching.

Belvès turns out to be pretty scenic with a location overlooking the valley below.  The medieval bastide town extends out on a ridge.  Much better than we expected given the write-up in the guide book.  Our hotel tonight is another traditional French hotel (with no A/C of course).  It should be interesting how well we sleep tonight.