Enjoy a cycling holiday in the Dordogne, an area with more unique sights than any other region of France, in such a small area. Impressive chateaux and castles tower above the valley, pre-historic sites shelter caves and troglodyte dwellings, inspiring vistas and authentic villages, some of which are listed among the most beautiful in France are woven into the landscape and world-renowned cuisine and wine are at hand.
The black Perigord region in the South-West of France is considered to be one of the nicest places to ride with its rolling hills and undulating quiet country lanes leading through dark oak forests crossing the Vezere and Dordogne valleys. Enhance the simple joy of cycling here with an E bike and discover a plethora of special places like Sarlat with its maze of cobblestone streets adorned with medieval architecture and its bustling markets brimming with local delicacies.
With 2 night stays in hand picked luxury hotels or traditional classic small hotels, you will revel in the rich history and many delights that the fabulous Dordogne has to offer.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
-
from £1,578 – £1,755 per person
- Luxury
-
from £2,195 – £2,350 per person
Based on two people sharing a room. Price range due to seasonal variations
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily in Sarlat from 1 March to mid November. Finishes Sarlat or Souillac. The nearest airports to Sarlat are Bergerac and Bordeaux. Train from Bergerac 1 hour, train from Bordeaux 2.5 hours. Souillac connects by train to Toulouse.
Hotels
- Classic
-
Four 3* hotels
- Luxury
-
Three 4* and one 3* hotel
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Not so gentle cycling. More info...
Electric bikes
Available and recommended for this trip
Mileage
3 days of cycling 21-35 miles (34-56 km) and 3 optional days of cycling
Terrain
undulating most days
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. Touring bikes and accessories. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
Transfer from Sarlat to Montignac. Transfer from Rocamadour to Sarlat or Souillac. Read About Our Trips for further details
Traffic-free
10% the rest on quiet back lanes
Options
- kayak trip on D1 and D2. Please ask us for the different trips available
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
-
1. Day one
Arrive Sarlat and Montignaq
Arrive in Sarlat where we meet you and transfer you to Montignac. Settle into your hotel here where you stay two nights. Montignac is famed for its proximity to the Lascaux caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as a gateway to this extraordinary archaeological treasure, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the distant past and the remarkable creativity of early humans. If you prefer something water based then opt for a kayak adventure on the river.
-
2. Day two
Circular ride from Montignac
Your opening ride explores the rural delights of the Dordogne area where you'll enjoy charming villages, historic architecture, and scenic views of the Vézère River. Take in St Amand de Coly, labelled as one of the most beautiful villages in France and if you opt for the longer ride, the small but fascinating medieval town of Terrasson. It's a vibrant hidden gem where a number of artisans live and work and also a garden town with magical terraces, contemporary gardens and water features. Swan down the river on a boat before you head back to Montiqnac where you may prefer a more energetic kayak trip. Before or after your ride you might want to visit the famous Lascaux caves renowned for their spectacular prehistoric cave paintings, dating back over 17,000 years (bookings need to be made in advance). Although the original caves are closed to the public to preserve the delicate artwork, visitors can explore Lascaux IV, an impressive replica that faithfully recreates the stunning art work of the ancient cave dwellers.
Optional 15 or 26 miles (24 or 42 km)
-
3. Day three
Montignac to Les Eyzies
A wonderful cycling day lies ahead with a riverside ride exploring the beauty of the Vézère. You can choose to add a loop to one of the prettiest villages in Dordonge, St Amand de Coly before you start your ride to Les Eyzies. Embarking from Montignac, your route takes you through the verdant countryside of the Dordogne region. En route to St. Leon sur Vezere, you'll encounter the quaint charm of this riverside village, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque setting along the Vézère River. Continuing onward, you'll be captivated by the awe-inspiring cliff dwellings of La Roque Saint-Christophe, a troglodyte site tracing human habitation back over 55,000 years. You can add a short diversion to La Madeleine a renowned prehistoric site featuring a rock shelter adorned with exquisite Magdalenian carvings and paintings dating back over 14,000 years. Finally, you reach Les Eyzies, renowned as the "Capital of Prehistory" where you stay two nights.
17, 23 or 26 miles (24,37 or 42 km)
-
4. Day four
Circular ride from Les Eyzies
Explore Les Eyzies where prehistory comes to life at the National Prehistory Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits spanning thousands of years. Then pedal to Limeuil, a stunning location at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. The village offers beautiful views of these two rivers coming together, a picture postcard setting! Arriving in Le Bugue, delve into the town's vibrant atmosphere and bustling market, where local artisans and vendors offer a taste of authentic Périgord culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, an awe-inspiring underground cavern adorned with stunning crystal formations. As you complete the loop back to Les Eyzies, you'll have experienced the best of the Dordogne Valley, from prehistoric wonders to medieval villages and vibrant market towns, against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.
Optional 28 miles (44 km)
-
5. Day five
Les Eyzies to Sarlat
Today you pedal through picturesque countryside first to Château Commarque, an ancient fortress perched amidst stunning landscapes. Continue on to Marquay, where you'll encounter charming village streets and idyllic countryside vistas. Next, explore the majestic Château de Puymartin, a medieval masterpiece steeped in history and an architectural splendour. Finally, arrive in Sarlat, a jewel of the Périgord Noir region, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. You stay here two nights.
21 miles (34 km)
-
6. Day six
Circular ride from Sarlat
Here's another romantic ride taking you to fairytale chateaux, fortresses and charming villages. You leave Sarlat on a pleasant bike path before climbing up to Domme, a fortified hilltop village with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Dordogne River below. Continue your ride to Castelnaud, where the imposing Château de Castelnaud stands as a testament to medieval military prowess. Nearby, you have the option of an extra loop to explore the elegant Château des Milandes, once home to the legendary Josephine Baker. You can also add a loop to Beynac, dominated by the majestic Château de Beynac, which overlooks the village and the river. You can also detour to the meticulously landscaped gardens of the Jardins de Marqueyssac before finally riding to La Roque-Gageac, a charming village nestled against the cliffs along the riverbank. Explore its narrow streets, visit the troglodyte fortifications, and soak in the picturesque riverside ambiance. Today's bike ride promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable discovery of the Dordogne
Optional 30 to 40 miles (48 to 64 km)
-
7. Day seven
Sarlat to Rocamadour
This final ride follows a bike path all the way to Carsac nestled along the Dordogne river. From there you pedal through rolling hills and verdant meadows towards Aillac. You’ll encounter picturesque hamlets and tranquil landscapes, offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. You rejoin the bike path to reach Cazoules. Relax by the water’s edge in Souillac before concluding your bike ride in Rocamadour, nestled high on the cliffs of the Dordogne valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic pilgrimage location. Spend your final night here, flush with the delights of the Dordogne.
35 miles (56 km)
-
8. Day eight
Depart the Dordogne
After breakfast we transfer you either to Souillac for trains to Toulouse (2 hours) or to Sarlat for trains to Bordeaux (2.5 hours)
Luxury
-
1. Day one
Arrive Sarlat and Montignaq
Arrive in Sarlat where we meet you and transfer you to Montignac. Settle into your hotel here where you stay two nights. Montignac is famed for its proximity to the Lascaux caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as a gateway to this extraordinary archaeological treasure, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the distant past and the remarkable creativity of early humans. If you prefer something water based then opt for a kayak adventure on the river or a dip in your spa hotel pool.
-
2. Day two
Circular ride from Montignac
Your opening ride explores the rural delights of the Dordogne area where you'll enjoy charming villages, historic architecture, and scenic views of the Vézère River. Take in St Amand de Coly, labelled as one of the most beautiful villages in France and if you opt for the longer ride, the small but fascinating medieval town of Terrasson. It's a vibrant hidden gem where a number of artisans live and work and also a garden town with magical terraces, contemporary gardens and water features. Swan down the river on a boat before you head back to Montiqnac where you may prefer a more energetic kayak trip. Before or after your ride you might want to visit the famous Lascaux caves renowned for their spectacular prehistoric cave paintings, dating back over 17,000 years (bookings need to be made in advance). Although the original caves are closed to the public to preserve the delicate artwork, visitors can explore Lascaux IV, an impressive replica that faithfully recreates the stunning art work of the ancient cave dwellers.
Optional 15 or 26 miles (24 or 42 km)
-
3. Day three
Montignac to Les Eyzies
A wonderful cycling day lies ahead with a riverside ride exploring the beauty of the Vézère. You can choose to add a loop to one of the prettiest villages in Dordonge, St Amand de Coly before you start your ride to Les Eyzies. Embarking from Montignac, your route takes you through the verdant countryside of the Dordogne region. En route to St. Leon sur Vezere, you'll encounter the quaint charm of this riverside village, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque setting along the Vézère River. Continuing onward, you'll be captivated by the awe-inspiring cliff dwellings of La Roque Saint-Christophe, a troglodyte site tracing human habitation back over 55,000 years. You can add a short diversion to La Madeleine a renowned prehistoric site featuring a rock shelter adorned with exquisite Magdalenian carvings and paintings dating back over 14,000 years. Finally, you reach Les Eyzies, renowned as the "Capital of Prehistory" where you stay two nights.
17, 23 or 26 miles (24,37 or 42 km)
-
4. Day four
Circular ride from Les Eyzies
Explore Les Eyzies where prehistory comes to life at the National Prehistory Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits spanning thousands of years. Then pedal to Limeuil, a stunning location at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. The village offers beautiful views of these two rivers coming together, a picture postcard setting! Arriving in Le Bugue, delve into the town's vibrant atmosphere and bustling market, where local artisans and vendors offer a taste of authentic Périgord culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, an awe-inspiring underground cavern adorned with stunning crystal formations. As you complete the loop back to Les Eyzies, you'll have experienced the best of the Dordogne Valley, from prehistoric wonders to medieval villages and vibrant market towns, against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.
Optional 28 miles (44 km)
-
5. Day five
Les Eyzies to Sarlat
Today you pedal through picturesque countryside first to Château Commarque, an ancient fortress perched amidst stunning landscapes. Continue on to Marquay, where you'll encounter charming village streets and idyllic countryside vistas. Next, explore the majestic Château de Puymartin, a medieval masterpiece steeped in history and an architectural splendour. Finally, arrive in Sarlat, a jewel of the Périgord Noir region, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. You stay here two nights.
21 miles (34 km)
-
6. Day six
Circular ride from Sarlat
Here's another romantic ride taking you to fairytale chateaux, fortresses and charming villages. You leave Sarlat on a pleasant bike path before climbing up to Domme, a fortified hilltop village with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Dordogne River below. Continue your ride to Castelnaud, where the imposing Château de Castelnaud stands as a testament to medieval military prowess. Nearby, you have the option of an extra loop to explore the elegant Château des Milandes, once home to the legendary Josephine Baker. You can also add a loop to Beynac, dominated by the majestic Château de Beynac, which overlooks the village and the river. You can also detour to the meticulously landscaped gardens of the Jardins de Marqueyssac before finally riding to La Roque-Gageac, a charming village nestled against the cliffs along the riverbank. Explore its narrow streets, visit the troglodyte fortifications, and soak in the picturesque riverside ambiance. Today's bike ride promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable discovery of the Dordogne
Optional 30 to 40 miles (48 to 64 km)
-
7. Day seven
Sarlat to Rocamadour
This final ride follows a bike path all the way to Carsac nestled along the Dordogne river. From there you pedal through rolling hills and verdant meadows towards Aillac. You’ll encounter picturesque hamlets and tranquil landscapes, offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. You rejoin the bike path to reach Cazoules. Relax by the water’s edge in Souillac before concluding your bike ride in Rocamadour, nestled high on the cliffs of the Dordogne valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic pilgrimage location. Spend your final night here, flush with the delights of the Dordogne.
35 miles (56 km)
-
8. Day eight
Depart the Dordogne
After breakfast we transfer you either to Souillac for trains to Toulouse (2 hours) or to Sarlat for trains to Bordeaux (2.5 hours)