A wonderful self-guided cycling tour following the south bank of the Dordogne through tiny sun-baked villages. Comprehensive route notes allow you to cycle the modest distances at your own speed, enjoying the Renaissance town of Sarlat-la-Canèda and visiting some of the many chateaux which tower above the river. Baggage is of course transferred between nightstops for you, leaving you to cycle unencumbered. With rides of around 30km to 40km per day and with the route often flat (but with the odd steeper ascent) this tour is suitable for any reasonably fit person who enjoys occasional cycling.
The route follows the S. bank of the Dordogne on a little road heading west from the ancient town of Souillac. Reaching St. Cyprien you turn north to Les Eyzies, nestling beneath towering cliffs at the confluence of the Dordogne's tributary the Vézère and the little River Beune. After taking in pre-historic caves and perhaps a picnic on the willow-hung banks of the river, you follow the Vézère beneath the troglodyte site of La Roque St. Christophe, the golden stones of St. Leon, the beautiful chateau of Losse and the world-famous painted caves of Lascaux.
Head back southeast via the chateau of Salignac and the Italianate gardens of the Manoir d'Eyrignac to Souillac and the end of a great week!
Souillac is a small town on the main Paris - Toulouse train line and is easily accessed by superfast TGV from Paris, or from the nearby airports of Limoges, Bergerac and Toulouse – all served by low-cost carriers. Many people decide to travel south by car, including the trip in a wider itinerary.
Built on the site of a monastic settlement at a natural crossing-place on the Dordogne river, the old quarter is clustered round an 11th century Romanesque church with a magnificent doorway, and an ancient ruined belfry.
Collect your bikes and set off cycling on tiny roads alongside the Dordogne.
The Dordogne was frequently a frontier between the French and English armies in the Hundred Years War in the 14th century, and many chateaux and fortified bastide-towns remain. It meanders here through a dramatic landscape of fine golden limestone, which lends itself superbly to carving and stone-work, hence the splendid castles and manorial houses hereabouts.
Visit the Chateau de Fénelon on the way to the Renaissance town of Sarlat for a two-night stay.
Distance cycled: 30km
Take an extra day here to explore and shop, and cycle out to visit the bastide town of Domme and lovely old la Roque Gageac tucked beneath cliffs alongside the Dordogne.
Périgord, the pre-revolution name of the area, also describes the cuisine which combines black truffles, still hunted in the traditional manner using pigs and dogs, in flavoursome sauces with goose and duck, together with other wild mushrooms such as ceps and the beautiful golden Chanterelles. Also on the menu is foie gras, the delicately-flavoured liver of carefully-fattened geese. Locally-grown walnuts and chestnuts find their way into a variety of salads, as well as into liqueurs, cakes and open tarts. Local wine-growing areas include Bergerac to the West for both red and white varieties and the fine reds of the Cahors region. Both less well-known than Bordeaux outside France, but justly reputed among connoisseurs.
Distance cycled: 32km
Cycle across rolling country to visit the Chateau of Beynac before arriving at Castelnaud dominated by its own 12th century chateau.
The nearby chateau of les Milandes (home of Josephine Baker) can also be visited before you arrive in the delightful old town of St. Cyprien.
From here you leave the Dordogne to arrive in the Vézère valley and the cliffs of les Eyzies, renowned world-wide as the centre of pre-history.
Distance cycled: 48km
Take a day to visit the museum and caves such as Font de Gaume and to explore the local area.
Bike along the Vézère valley beneath the towering cliffs of la Roque St. Christophe, a remarkable troglodyte site inhabited from prehistoric times until the 18th century!
Continue via the Romanesque church of St. Leon sur Vézère to Montignac, and the world-famous cave-paintings of Lascaux.
Return to Souillac past the golden limestone village of St. Geniès, and the 13th century convent of Salignac. The lovely 18th century Italianate gardens of Eyrignac can be visited. Return bikes on arrival.
Distance cycled: 43km
Today your tour ends after breakfast.
The price shown includes all accommodation and meals as shown, along with route notes and maps, bike hire and our services in case of emergency.
The price does not include international flights/travel, meals and drinks not specifically mentioned as included, entrance fees, items of a personal nature, optional trips or any other items not mentioned above.
All prices indicated are per person, are for guidance only, and are subject to final confirmation at the time of booking with the Travel Specialist who provides the service. For any holidays displayed without an indication of price, a quotation can be obtained from the Travel Specialist through our enquiry system.
7 nights hotels
Bicycle
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners
Hotel staff.
None. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Bring padded cycle shorts / trousers, cycle gloves and a helmet (although one can be provided locally). A daysac, camera and sunscreen are all recommended.
This is a self-guided private journey and can operate from just 1 person. It is however aimed at couples, families and small groups of friends travelling together to a maximum of around 12.
This tour can start on any day of the week you choose, offering ultimate flexibility and choice. The itinerary can be taken as is, or can be tailored to meet your own requirements – just ask!
We provide a hybrid road bike, helmet local contacts route notes and maps and baggage is, of course, transferred for you between nightstops.
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Adventure Holidays Cultural Tours Cycling Holidays Discovery Holidays Self-guided Cycling Holidays
Independent
France
8 days
Souillac
Accommodation is in a pleasant mix of 2 and 3-star hotels, some with pools.
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Moderate
Comfortable
DOR 02