Cycling
View route on map

Dordogne Cycling Through History

Tour: FDS8
Circular Cycling Holiday
Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday

From the prehistoric caves at Vézère Valley and Lascaux to the turreted châteaux and fortified ‘Bastide’ towns, there is history around every corner. Dramatic crags and breath-taking panoramas, rolling hills and thick forests make for the widest scope of landscapes all within a short pedal of the famous river valley. Cycling gently along flat riverside lanes, or climbing higher to picnic above the rooftops, this is a circular tour where every effort is very richly rewarded. Read More

Destination

Europe, France

Start Day

Any Day

Board Basis

B & B with dinner included on some nights

Prices from

£1,198.00

Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

Availability

Mar - Oct

Tour Grade

Grade 4 (More Challenging)

Read Overview
Home > Europe > Dordogne Cycling Through History

Overview

A circular tour of rolling hills and river valleys, medieval châteaux and ancient caves, complemented by classic French villages of creamy limestone.

Tour Code:
FDS8
Activity:
Cycling
Type:
Circular Cycling Holiday, Hotel To Hotel Cycling Holiday
Country:
Europe, France
Area:
Dordogne
Duration:
8 Days, 7 Nights
Board Basis:
B & B with dinner included on some nights
Availability:
Mar - Oct

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive & explore

Souillac. Spend time exploring the town of Souillac, visiting the 12c Benedictine Monastery or simply relaxing with a glass of the local Cahors wine.

Day 2 Caves & crags

Souillac to Rocamadour. You start by cycling along the banks of the beautiful Dordogne and later have the chance to visit Les Grottes de Lacave or the Parc Prehistorique. Your route then takes you away from the Dordogne to spend the night at the spectacular ‘perched’ village of Rocamadour. Since the 12c, generations of pilgrims have travelled to see the ‘miracle’ working Black Virgin (a walnut carving) and the remains of St Amadour. In the atmospheric evening light, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views and, if you’re lucky, catch sight of eagles soaring over the gorge of the Alzou.

Miles: 20 Kms: 32

Day 3 Rolling hills & rich forests

Rocamadour to Gourdon. Enjoy the most spectacular views of Rocamadour as you leave this morning, before entering the forest and rolling hills in the nature area of Causse du Quercy. You pass through the villages of Couzou and Le Vigan en route to your overnight destination of Gourdon.

Miles: 21 Kms: 34

Day 4 The most beautiful place in France?

Gourdon to La Roque Gageac. Leaving Gourdon you continue through pretty countryside on your way back to the valley of the Dordogne at Domme with its spectacular Royal ‘Bastide’ mansion founded on a sheer rocky outcrop. You may choose to walk through this fortified village, held to be one of the most beautiful places in France with its medieval and Renaissance houses, before crossing the river on your way to your hotel at La Roque Gageac. From the ancient quay at La Roque Gageac you can take a river trip on a small ‘Gabare’ to view the precariously perched stone houses on the cliff ledges.

Miles: 20 Kms: 32

Day 5 The cradle of prehistory

La Roque Gageac to Les Eyzies. Today’s route starts by following the meandering course of the Dordogne river. You can visit the lovely gardens of the Château of Marqueyssac, with an option to visit the impressive fortress château at Béynac, towering over a huddle of houses on a bend in the river. You leave the Dordogne at its confluence with the Vézère, and follow this tributary to the village of Les Eyzies where you spend the night. Dramatically situated beneath limestone cliffs where the Vézère meets the Beaune, this village has been referred to as the ‘prehistoric centre of France’ because of the remarkable number of prehistoric sites in the immediate area.

Miles: 34 Kms: 54

Day 6 World famous sites

Les Eyzies to Sarlat. Your route follows the Vézère to the north east, passing a number of prehistoric sites on the way to Montignac and the world famous Lascaux cave paintings. Turning your back on the Vézère, head south across rolling countryside to your hotel in Sarlat, with its bustling weekly market and wonderfully preserved medieval buildings.

Miles: 34 Kms: 54

Day 7 Relaxed routes and wonderful views

Sarlat to Souillac. Head south on leaving Sarlat, enjoying some wonderfully relaxed cycling along the route of a disused railway line. After the route has rejoined the Dordogne there is an option to visit the 14c. Château de Fénelon before completing your tour at Souillac.

Miles: 19-26 Kms: 31-42

Day 8 Depart after breakfast

Depart after breakfast, following a final night in Souillac.

Dates & Prices

Download Prices

For tour start days/dates, seasons and all prices, please click on the PRICES button above

PRICE INCLUDES

Ensuite accommodation as described with buffet/continental breakfast (prices based on two adults sharing)

Dinner included on 1 night (Sarlat), other nights are on a bed & breakfast basis

Hire of hybrid bicycle and ancillary equipment (2 pannier bags, pump, map holder, puncture repair kit, lock)

Luggage transfer between hotels. 1 bag per person max weight 20kg, €20 per bag per day for bags in excess of 1 per person

Local assistance on call (although puncture repair is excluded)

Information pack with detailed joining instructions and daily route overviews sent out approximately 2 weeks before departure so you can plan ahead and look forward to your cycling adventure

Detailed route notes and maps with marked routes provided on arrival, 1 per room (IGN 1:100,000 maps)

GPS tracks available on request

Please note that the price EXCLUDES

Costs of getting to and from the tour area

Accommodation Options

Selected 3 star hotels in Souillac (2 nights), Gourdon, La Roque Gageac and Les Eyzies; 2 star hotels at Rocamadour and Sarlat.

The hotel at Souillac has a pool.

We are pleased to discuss details on request.

More Information

Useful websites, travel information and tips to help you plan your journey to and from the country and location of your holiday.

HOW TO GET THERE

Request Booking