Dordogne Cycling Holiday | Cycling Holiday in France | Self Guided Cycling Holiday

The Dordogne River flows through the limestone plateaux or Causses of Quercy, in the Lot, before it reaches the Department which bears its name. The landscape is dramatic, chateaux tower on cliffs, the chasm or Gouffre of Padirac offers spectacular caves and an underground river to explore, and one highlight of the trip is the 9th Century pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, clinging to the side of a deeply-cleft gorge. The Dordogne was frequently the frontier between the English and French armies during the 100 years War and there are many picturesque bastides or fortified villages dating from the 13th century. The route broadly follows the Dordogne valley Westwards, sometimes beside the water, sometimes along the edge of the scarp with dramatic views of the river undulating lazily below.

To make the most of your visit you will spend two nights in Rocamadour and La Roque Gageac. Consider a canoe trip on the River Dordogne or visit one of the local cave systems such as Lacave, Domme or Font De Gaume. The region is also known as the kitchen of France; 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, notable for the reds and both sweet and dry white wines it produces, and also the Cahors region known for its fine red wine.

Grade: Easy/Moderate - mostly flat, but with occasional sharp climbs

Getting There:
Eurostar or plane to Paris or fly to Toulouse. Souillac is easily accessible by train from Paris (Gare Austerlitz) in about 4 hrs or 2 hrs from Toulouse.

What's Included:
Daily breakfast
7nights hotel accommodation with private facilities,
7 evening meals (one night Sarlat and one night les Eyzies not included)
Luggage transported daily.  Hybrid road bike, helmet etc.
Local contact.
Route notes and maps.

Day 1 Arrive in Souillac.
Upon arrival our agent will meet you at the hotel to supply the bicycles and give an overview of the tour. If time allows why not visit Souillacs abbey?

Day 2 Souillac to Rocamadour.
Today you cycle from Souillac up onto the Gramat Causse to France's second most visited tourist site, Rocamadour. Along the way you can visit the grottes at Lacave and stop off at wonderful little villages such as St.Sozy and Meyronne. Rocamadour is stunning, being particularly significant as an ancient pilgrimage site. Take time to explore the near-vertical village that clings to the cliff-face overlooking the Ouysse valley. ~ 20 miles

Day 3 Circular ride from Rocamadour.
Explore the sinkhole at the Gouffre de Padirac and take a boat-ride on the underground river. Cycle out into the countryside visiting villages such as Loubressac, Carrenac and Autoire. Each different, and each equally beautiful. ~ 27 miles

Day 4 Rocamador to La Roque Gageac/Vitrac.
Follow the curves of the river down into the Dordogne Valley. Look-out for Chateau Fenelon and Chateau Montfort as you cycle through spectacular scenery. Visit the hilltop village of Domme. The views from this bastide village are breathtaking. ~ 32 miles

Day 5 Circular ride from La Roque Gageac/Vitrac.
A day ride to explore the grand sights of the Dordogne Valley including the beautifully preserved town of Sarlat with its winding streets and beautiful buildings, as well as Beynac and Castelnaud if you wish. Many of these places formed the battle lines of the Hundred Years War. You can also visit the gardens at Marqueyssac or Josephine Bakers Chateau Les Milandes. ~ 20 miles

Day 6 La Roque Gageac/Vitrac to Les Eyzies.
Leaving the Dordogne valley behind and perhaps visiting one of the chateau you missed yesterday, you now make your way towards Les Eyzies. The ride takes you through the forests of the Perigord and into the Vezere Valley, an area famous for its pre-historic sights, including Font de Gaume, Abri du Cap Blanc, La Roque St.Christophe, to name just a few. ~ 22 miles

Day 7 Les Eyzies to Gourdon.
Follow river valleys through the green hills of the Bouriane towards your final destination of Gourdon. Pass through picturesque villages such asSt.Cyprien, St.Pompom and Daglan. Appreciate the wonderful landscape.Find time to have a stroll around the lovely town of Gourdon. ~ 35 miles

Day 8 Departure.

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