Dordogne Valleys and Villages Cycling
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating nine-day tour that takes you through the heart of France's enchanting Dordogne region. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering an immersive experience in the bustling towns, charming villages, and serene landscapes of the Dordogne Valley. From exploring the impressive Benedictine abbey in Souillac to marveling at the prehistoric art in Les Eyzies, every day brings a new adventure. The tour includes comfortable stays in premium hotels, leisurely bike rides along scenic routes, and ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour promises a memorable experience.
Included
All breakfasts and 3 dinners are included. The Dordogne has a rich cuisine based on 'produits du terroir' (locally grown produce). A typical first course would be 'tourain', an onion and garlic soup cooked in a broth with duck or goose fat, and ladled over slices of country bread and cheese. Paté, often duck or goose, is equally popular, as is foie gras. Main course specialities also include duck and goose, often served in light cream sauces and, in the autumn, fresh cepes. Duck or goose fat is also used for the accompanying pommes de terre sarladaises - slices of potato sauteed in goose fat, with garlic, parsley and wild mushrooms. Traditional desserts include tarte aux noix, and flognarde, a type of flan with fruit and liqueur. A local cheese that is worth tasting is Bleu des Causses, similar to Roquefort, as well as Rocamadour goat's cheese. There are also some fantastic wines that come from the local area and a little further afield in Bordeaux that will accompany your meals perfectly.
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by our local agent. They are often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it, but may wish to charge you for this service. You will be pedaling under your own steam but the emergency number for our local operator is in the trip notes if you need assistance.
All hotels have been specially selected for their warm welcome, location and regional cuisine. On this trip we use 3 and 4-star hotels, including the stylish Hotel Les Glycines in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil. This hotel is run by the Lombard family who have lovingly restored the building to its former glory, with the addition of a cosy bar, modern bistrot and dining room which looks over the gardens. All the hotels have swimming pools and all rooms have en suite facilities. Single Accommodation All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room. Please call our sales department for the latest prices and availability.
Route notes and maps
Local bike hire (e-bike can be requested, subject to availability, please inquire for prices)
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Bonaguil Castle
La Roque St. Christophe
Château de Fénelon
Rouffignac Cave
Les Mystérieux graffiti
Site de Castel-merleDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Souillac
Day 1: Arrival in Souillac
- Château Le Paluel
- Lacave caves
- More
Your journey begins with a transfer from Souillac train station to your hotel, the Premium Hotel (or similar). Souillac, known as the gateway to the Dordogne, is a lively town boasting an impressive Benedictine abbey and a fascinating mechanical toy museum. Spend the rest of the day exploring the town at your leisure before enjoying a pre-dinner aperitif at the hotel.
Day 2 – Day 2: Souillac to Sarlat
Day 2: Souillac to Sarlat
- Château de Fénelon
- More
Today, you'll journey west along the Dordogne Valley, with a potential lunch stop at the magnificent Chateau de Fenelon. This historic castle houses a fine collection of arms, armor, and art dating from the 1st to the 18th century. Continue along the old railway line before reaching your destination, Sarlat. Here, you'll check into the 3-star Premium Hotel (or similar) and have time to relax by the pool before dinner.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Sarlat
Day 3: Exploring Sarlat
- La Roque St. Christophe
- Les Mystérieux graffiti
- More
Today is a free day for relaxation or exploration. You might choose to discover the old regional capital of the Perigord Noir, the Vieux Quartier, known for its diverse architectural styles. Alternatively, you could cycle to the hilltop town of Domme or the cliffside village of La Roque-Gageac. Both offer stunning views of the Dordogne Valley. End your day back at the Premium Hotel (or similar) in Sarlat.
Day 4 – Day 4: Sarlat to Les Eyzies
Day 4: Sarlat to Les Eyzies
- Bonaguil Castle
- Rouffignac Cave
- Castle Lacypierre
- More
Today's route takes you to the Dordogne River, with a stop at Beynac, a village known for its fortified castle. Continue along the river to St Cyprien, a lively village with a 12th-century abbey, perfect for a lunch stop. Your final stretch takes you past the Font-de-Gaume cave to Les Eyzies, the prehistoric capital. Here, you'll check into the Premium Hotel (or similar), set in tranquil gardens with a private swimming pool.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Les Eyzies
Day 5: Exploring Les Eyzies
- Abri de la Madeleine
- More
Today, you have a free day to explore Les Eyzies, a village renowned for its prehistoric art and archaeological treasures. You can visit the Vezere Gorge and the Abri du Cap Blanc, home to the world's only open-to-public prehistoric sculpture frieze. Alternatively, you could spend the day canoeing or kayaking down the gentle Vezere River. Return to the Premium Hotel (or similar) for a restful night.
Day 6 – Day 6: Les Eyzies to Montignac
- Montignac
- More
- St-Amand-de-Coly
- La Roque St. Christophe
- Rouffignac Cave
- More
Today's journey takes you to La Roque St-Christophe, Europe's largest and oldest cave site, and the charming village of St Leon. Continue along the river to the medieval town of Montignac, where you'll check into the charming La Roseraie (or similar) for the next two nights.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Montignac
- Montignac
- More
- Lacave caves
- More
Today, take the time to explore Montignac. You could visit the nearby Lascaux caves, Europe's top prehistoric site, discovered by children in 1940. The caves house an incredible collection of paintings. After your exploration, relax in the hotel's gardens or by the swimming pool.
Day 8 – Day 8: Montignac to Souillac
- Montignac
- More
- St-Amand-de-Coly
- Rocher des Aigles
- Site de Castel-merle
- More
Today, you'll cycle through the charming farming village of St-Amand-de-Coly and the open countryside, passing chestnut groves and sunflower fields. We recommend a detour to the Manoir d'Eyrignac, known for its impressive 18th-century gardens. Your final destination is Souillac, where you might visit the Vieille Prune Distillery if time permits. Check into the Premium Hotel (or similar) for a restful night.
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure from Souillac
Day 9: Departure from Souillac
On the final day of your tour, we have arranged a transfer back to the Souillac train station. As you depart, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've made during your journey through the Dordogne Valley.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
