
Dordogne Valley Cycling Holidays
Itinerary
Arriving in Souillac, a charming town in the heart of the Dordogne Valley, you’ll have time to settle in and explore its quaint streets or relax by the river. Additionally, you can discover local landmarks, including the 12th-century Abbey Church of Sainte-Marie, and enjoy dinner at one of the town’s delightful restaurants while soaking in its historic ambiance.
Hotel in Souillac
You will head west through the scenic Dordogne Valley, with a chance to stop in Carsac-Aillac to see the prehistoric fountain of Les Fontaines de Carsac or explore the tranquil greenway. Cycling on to Sarlat-la-Canéda, a city originating from a 9th-century monastery, you will wander its cobbled streets and admire the golden limestone buildings. You might pass the Saint-Sacerdos, a cathedral that took three and a half centuries to build, or marvel at the 12th-century Lantern of the Dead. Before concluding the day, you can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of Sarlat’s markets and squares.
30 km and 170 m of elevation gain / 120 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Sarlat
Today, you will cycle through the picturesque region of Périgord Noir, passing traditional Périgordine houses in Meyrals, known for its art galleries and local craftsmanship. You might stop in the quaint town of Saint-Cyprien to explore its historic abbey and vibrant markets before arriving in Les Eyzies, renowned for its prehistoric sites, including the National Museum of Prehistory and the nearby UNESCO world heritage cave Font-de-Gaume.
54 km and 500 m of elevation gain / 580 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Les Eyzies
The day starts with an energizing climb, followed by a thrilling descent to La Roque Saint-Christophe, the largest cave site in Western Europe. Cycling along the Vézère River, you will eventually reach the charming village of Saint-Léon, known for its 12th-century Romanesque church. Continuing to Montignac, you will explore the famous Lascaux caves and their extraordinary prehistoric art. Finally, you will end your day strolling through the stunning Jardins de l’Imaginaire gardens in Terrasson.
43 km and 480 m of elevation gain / 450 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Terrason
The final day of cycling takes you through the peaceful countryside of the Dordogne Valley. As you pass by Salignac-Eyvigues, you can visit the breathtaking gardens of Manoir d’Eyrignac, featuring 300 examples of topiaries, including yew, box, hornbeam, and ivy. On your way back toward Souillac, you can enjoy a relaxing ride along the Borreze Valley.
41 km and 390 m of elevation gain / 380 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Souillac
Before departing, you can visit the Distillerie Louis Roque to sample traditional plum brandies and learn about its unique distillation process. You can take a stroll across the Pont Louis-Vicat, the world’s first bridge constructed using artificial cement, or admire the majestic Viaduc de la Borrèze viaduct, a 19th-century railway viaduct spanning more than 500m with its 30 arches.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
The Dordogne Valley is a region of timeless beauty with golden limestone towns, lush valleys, and historical intrigues knitting a unique cultural patchwork that has attracted visitors throughout history.
Cycling through settlements like Sarlat-la-Canéda, medieval streets will lead you to legendary landmarks like the Lantern of the Dead, a mysterious 12th-century structure.
Further along, Les Eyzies unveils its title as the “Prehistoric Capital of the World,” with ancient cave paintings at Font-de-Gaume. In Montignac, the awe-inspiring Lascaux caves reveal Paleolithic art, while La Roque Saint-Christophe, carved into towering cliffs, showcases ancient human ingenuity along the Vézère River.
The tour averages 40 km per day with 400 m of elevation gain, featuring rolling hills and flat stretches along quaint riverbanks. Quiet local roads and occasional cycle paths ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
The nature of cycling in Dordogne is most suited to a regular touring bike or an e-bike. Additionally, the route requires moderate fitness from cyclists, offering manageable climbs and stunning views.
Your holiday includes GPS tracks, a personalized digital itinerary, and full support, providing everything you need for a seamless and stress-free journey from start to finish.
Map
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Things to know
Self-led bike adventures provide a tailor-made and flexible approach to cycling holidays, allowing you to discover at your leisure and modify your schedule or route whenever necessary. Our crew takes care of every detail, from accommodations and detailed plans to GPS guidance and ongoing assistance, ensuring a serene and immersive trip that offers independence, individuality, and authentic cultural encounters.
Our tours are grouped into three difficulty tiers: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging. The categorization is based on the typical day of the tour, even though there might be fluctuations in difficulty over the course of the trip.
Leisurely tours cater to those seeking a laid-back journey through breathtaking scenery, without the demand of traversing great distances or navigating tough terrains. These excursions usually span 30-50 km daily, with an altitude climb of up to 500m. This ensures ample opportunities to pause and soak in panoramas, savor regional dishes, and wander through picturesque towns and hamlets en route.
Moderate bike tours suit those seeking a harmonious blend of picturesque routes and a touch of challenge. Usually spanning 50-80 km daily with an altitude ascent of up to 1000m, these tours take you across captivating landscapes and delightful hamlets, offering a combination of level and undulating terrains. While providing ample opportunities to halt and delve deeper, they also ensure a rewarding cycling exercise.
Challenging bike tours cater to seasoned cyclists keen on testing their boundaries. Ranging from 80-120 km daily with an altitude rise of up to 2000m, these journeys involve navigating rigorous inclines and demanding terrains. However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. While these tours demand top-notch fitness and stamina, the euphoria of achievement felt at day’s end is unparalleled.
We’re committed to finding the perfect fit for you. We partner with several accommodation providers that align with our standards, though their availability can vary, particularly in high-demand periods. Additionally, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and financial plan, ensuring we pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements.
We recommend securing your tour at the earliest convenience, particularly for sought-after tourist spots with limited accommodation availability. Top options frequently get reserved for the summer before the onset of spring.
Catering to dietary needs can fluctuate based on their complexity. In France, vegetarian choices are generally accessible, but sourcing vegan meals might be a challenge in countryside locales or smaller towns. Notably, lunch halts are often at conventional eateries that might not accommodate special dietary preferences beyond their regular offerings. Bear this in mind as you map out your journey.
The prime cycling season spans from mid-April to mid-October. In higher regions like the Alps, it’s best from mid-May to September to avoid snow.
Tours can proceed in light rain with suitable attire. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting tours early is advisable. If adverse weather is anticipated, we’ll aim to modify the tour in advance.
