In the northern half of Aveyron, in southern France, the Dourdou and Lot rivers meet to provide the ideal terrain for a ride along the valleys formed by their passage. This Collection offers a 132-kilometre (82 mi) route along the V85 and V86, the routes of the Vallée du Lot cycle route. The route is very hilly, with a total of 1,791 metres (5,875 ft) of elevation gain.

I've divided the Collection into two Tours of around 60 kilometres (37 mi) each. This itinerary is aimed at more experienced cyclists.

The area you will be cycling through is organised around the region's major topography and the two rivers you will be following. The Lot and Dourdou rivers and the surrounding mountains provide an ideal playground for outdoor sports. The countryside is lush and green with rocky forests. Nature contrasts with the coloured mineral buildings, in shades of pink or white depending on the location.

One of the promises of this Collection is the beauty of the Lot and Dourdou valleys. The two rivers meander at the foot of mountains and rocky plateaux.

The Lot has an identity all its own. On its banks in Aveyron, the route alternates between roads surrounded by wooded areas and characterful villages. The villages of Espalion and Estaing have preserved their stone buildings with lauze (flagstone) or slate roofs. Stop off at the historic bridges spanning the Lot at Estaing and Entraygues-sur-Truyère and admire the view across the valley.

As the route takes you up to higher altitudes, you can enjoy splendid panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A succession of mountains and plateaux pass before your eyes.

Heading up the Dourdou de Conques, the landscape remains just as lush but the valley is narrower. The river flows past Conques-en-Rouergue, a town renowned for its Abbey of Sainte-Foy and the relics it houses. Suspended from the sides of its rock, Conques seems to have escaped the vicissitudes of time. Further afield, it was the test of time that created the Bozouls canyon – a surprising encounter with the Dourdou, which has carved out its bed over thousands of years.

Along the way, you'll find plenty of shops to keep you supplied. Restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts and campsites offer accommodation in the most popular tourist locations.

The best time to ride this route is from spring to autumn, before the roads are made slippery by the cold and rain. In spring, the mountain sides are covered in colour as the trees blossom, before giving way to a thousand shades of green in summer. Autumn is just as beautiful. The mountains oscillate between yellow, orange and bright red: a real treat. The route does not require any special equipment, but remember to take a repair kit with you.

This loop starts and finishes in Espalion, along the River Lot. There are several car parks nearby for parking and a watering hole to fill your bottles before setting off. You can get there from Rodez by taking the regional bus line 201, which accepts bicycles in the hold.