Cycling Classic Dordogne
The best of Dordogne, France best bike trip
Cyclists consider Dordogne one of the nicest places to ride because it provides a lovely combination of natural beauty, with the Dordogne River running right through the town, and ancient history virtually untouched by the hand of time. There are many reasons why Dordogne should be on any cyclist’s to-do list!
Dordogne is equivalent to famous cave paintings, remarkable chateaux, delicious food, rolling green countryside, and historic villages.
NOTE this trip is rated easy to moderate: any leisure biker can face this bike tour.
Cycle over undulating hills and along riverbanks, be spellbound from cliff-side villages, dine in terrific surroundings, indulge in the flavors of Périgord noir cuisine: foie gras and truffles.
Cycling Sarlat & Bergerac: Wow Moments
- Gaze in wonder at this magical land of caves, rivers, and prehistoric creations
- Bastide town of Domme, La Roque-Gageac, built flat against the cliffside overlooking the Dordogne, and with original troglodyte dwellings.
- Overnight at medieval town of Sarlat – best explored in the evening, when the beautiful “lauze” stone roofs and tiny cobblestoned streets are lit up beautifully
Private only for small group the Guided Dordogne cycling tour
DAY 1
Arrival in Bergerac, getaway into the famous Black Perigord, a large town with good rail access and services. According to your arrival time, you could visit the city then taxi will drive to your hotel in Mauzac (transfer is included).
Arrival in Mauzac. Settle in your charming hotel. You can either relax by the pool or walk around the park before your orientation. Orientation & bike set-up with local expert, you can ask him all the questions you have about your trip. Then he will adjust your bike so you feel comfortable riding.
Enjoy the welcome gourmet Dinner (included)
DAY 2
Your ride today will take you to Les Eyzies, capital of prehistory, where Cro Magnon was discovered.
Starting out easy you come to Audrix a small village by small roads and almost no traffic. Then down to Le Bugue and Gouffre de Proumeyssac, and then on to Les Eyzies. Take time to visit this very charming town and its sites, museums including the Font de Gaume.
Prehistoric people living in the Dordogne Valley first settled in the mouth of Font de Gaume around 25,000 BC. The cave was forgotten until the nineteenth century. Paintings were discovered and date from around 17000 BC, during the Magdalenien period. The caves most famous painting, a frieze of five bison was discovered accidentally in 1966 while scientists were cleaning the cave.
Gourmet Dinner included
Distance : 51 Km (32 mi).Elevation : 643 m. distance : 14 miles ascent : 385m
DAY 3
Since today is a short ride but your destination has plenty to offer, we recommend getting an early start to give you plenty of time to visit the very charming town of Sarlat.
This town with its cobbled streets, old roofs, and warm stone walls give an exceptional heritage. Sarlat is a medieval town that developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin.
Because modern history has largely passed it by, Sarlat has remained preserved and one of the towns most representative of 14th century France.
You can decide to ride a longer distance (with more elevation) with a longer option that goes by the Chateau of Commarque (open to public), facing his rival the Chateau de Laussel- The visit of Chateau de Commarque is like a travel in the past and its he location gives you excellent opportunities to take nice pictures.
Then take your bike again to come back to you ride in the forest and finish in one of the best town in the area : Sarlat.
Distance : 29 km (18mi) Elevation 580m
DAY 4
Sarlat – Carsac Aillac – Lacave
Today you ride to Lacave and where you can visit the local cave. In this cave, the visit starts with a short underground train ride, at the end of which you will meet a guide to take you on a mile-long visit !
On your way to Lacave, you can stop in Souillac and its Church of Sainte Marie. gourmet dinner included.
Distance : 41 Km (25 mi). Elevation : 575 m.
DAY 5
You will pass today by the Gouffre de Padirac, one of the most famous underground caves of France, with part of the visit by boat.
Because it is out of the way (but worth it !) and quite popular, we recommend getting there as early as possible. Be sure to allow some time to visit Rocamadour, one of the most visited places of France, first as a pilgrimage destination, but also because of its beautiful village built on a cliff side. Do not forget to visit the Remparts, as well as the Rocher des Aigles where vultures, falcons and eagles fly free. You may want to visit a local farm producing and selling goat cheese, or just walk around the narrow streets of the village.
Distance : 51 Km (32 mi) Elevation : 872 m.
DAY 6
Today, is a longer ride, so take your time riding along the Dordogne River for a quiet countryside ride.
Your destination is Vitrac and Carsac, small villages in the Black Perigord. Vitrac is known for its Chateau and water sports.
We suggest you buy your picnic and snacks in Rocamadour before you leave because on the road no grocery stores.
Distance : 46 Km (29 mi). Elevation : 619 m.
DAY 7
You will ride through some very scenic villages such as la Roque Gageac and Castelnaud la Chapelle.
La Roque Gageac has the title of being ‘one of the most beautiful villages’ of France ! Built at the foot of a cliff, right along the river, do not miss its Exotic gardens and the troglodyte fort. Several famous castles are on your itinerary as well, such as the Chateau des Milandes, former home of Josephine Baker, and the Chateau de Castelnaud la Chapelle, an impressive fortified castle overlooking the Dordogne valley.
Distance : 38 Km (24 mi).Elevation : 491 m.
DAY 8
Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Belves.
INFO TOUR
best period : May, June, July, August, September, October
DIFFICULTY : Easy to Moderate
TOUR REVIEWS
Price & Inclusions
Price
€ 2965 per person in double occupancy
Single room supplement euro 485
Inclusions
Seven nights in excellent four & three-star hotels
Seven breakfasts
Three gourmet dinners
All Baggage transfers
Delivery bike at first hotel and professional bike fitting
RideWithGPS App: tracks & off-line navigation
Trip notes: Sightseeing & meals suggestions
Maps with elevation gain
Drop Off bikes and gear in Bergerac
Keepsake water bottle
Sales tax
Bike Rental supplement
Hybrid bike € 110
Road bike, E-bike € 240
In the heart of the Périgord, in the wilds, La Métairie will appeal to you, with its rural and stylish side at the same time.
You will find a smiling landscape, a refined gastronomy, personalized rooms and a gentle way of life.
Hotel Les Glycines: a delightful lush park featuring weeping willows, ros trees, poplars and, next to a swimming pool, a few palm trees.
A splendid terrace overlooks this enchanting building.
Spacious rooms ensuring a peaceful stay, nestled in the 19th century building, with its sober and elegant façade.
This graceful property in a quiet area offers elegant accommodation and modern facilities to make your stay in Sarlat a pleasant one.
Modern, elegant and timeless, Le Renoir hotel is highly surprising.
Built in a non-conventional style, it is located in the very heart of the medieval city.
The Pont de l’Ouysse is nestled beneath a vertiginous cliff crowned by the Belcastel Castle.
From a simple farm it has grown into a hotel whose refined charm is the product of careful growth and development, with part of its newly-found space having been reclaimed from the rocky cliff.
Welcome to a place where everything is dedicated to relaxation and well being.
It is here in Rocamadour, in this elegant hotel amongst the oak trees, which are typical of this region.
Built on a Gallo-Roman site perfectly combines comfort from the past and the present.
It deploys its 19th century architecture in three exposed stone wall buildings organised around a vast inner courtyard looking over the pool and the park.
In the heart of this medieval city, this former grocery shop has been transformed into the charming hotel.
Owners’ goal was to give the whole a “home sweet home” intimate atmosphere.
Beauty and calm in the heart of all major sites, castles and bastides.
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