We offer a choice of three fantastic cycling holidays ....
"self guided - at your own pace"
- A choice of the Loire or the Dordogne
- Daily April through October
- Pre-arranged Hotels with Breakfast and Dinner*
- Luggage Transfer between Hotels
- Flexible itinerary
- 27 years experience
Download brochure (pdf) - click here
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Dordogne 7-night cycling holiday more info ...
Soulliac > Sarlat (2 nights)> les Eyzies (2 nights)> Montignac > Soulliac
Per Person (2 per room) £749
Single Supplement £200 - (+ 3 in group) £150
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7-night Biking Chateax of the Loire more info...
Amboise (2 nights) > Chenonceau> Loches > Monbazon > Chinon (2 nights)
Per Person (2 per room) £799
Single Supplement £200 - (+ 3 in group) £150
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Chateax of the Loire 4-night mini break
more info ...
Amboise (2 nights) > Chenonceau> Loches
Per Person (2 per room) £579
Single Supplement £150 - (more than 3 in group) £100
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Tour Details .....
*please note that some nights do not include dinner
Cycling Dordogne (8 days / 7 nights)
The route follows the S. bank of the R. Dordogne on a little road heading West from the ancient town of Souillac, through tiny sun-baked villages, lingering for a day to explore and shop in the Renaissance town of Sarlat-la-Canèda, and visit some of the many chateaux which tower above the river here; amongst them Beynac and Montfort, Castelnaud with a Museum of Mediaeval Warfare, Les Milandes, once the home of Josephine Baker, and the fortified Bastide-town of Domme.
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 R. Beune. After a day here to take in some pre-historic caves, and perhaps picnic on the willow-hung banks of the river, follow the R.Vézère upstream and N. West, riding beneath the troglodyte site of La Roque St. Christophe, and lunching beside the golden stones of St. Leon, (a canoe trip is a possible diversion here). Take time to visit the beautiful chateau of Losse on the way to Montignac and the world-famous painted caves of Lascaux . Turn and head back S. East via the chateau of Salignac and the Italianate gardens of the manoir d'Eyrignac to Souillac astride the Dordogne .
The Dordogne was frequently a frontier between the French and English armies in the Hundred Years War in the 14 th 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. Hence also the cave-riddled cliffs of the R. Vézère and its tributaries the Beune and the Petit Beune which were among the earliest "desirable residences". Whilst many of the openings you will see are formed by natural erosion, many others are the work of ancient man. The triangle formed by the towns of Sarlat, Les Eyzies and Montignac has often been called the cradle of civilisation. The reason for the cave-paintings remains unclear, but the fact that these particular caves were never inhabited and that often paintings and engravings were made in almost inaccessible locations suggests a religious or magical significance.
Accommodation is in a pleasant mix of 2 and 3-star hotels, some with pools.
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.
Day to Day Programme
Note: The daily distances may seem modest but remember, there is a massive amount to see and visit here. Add your own trips if you are feeling exercise-deprived!
Day 1: Individual arrival in the bustling old town of Souillac , straddling the R. Dordogne.
Settle into your hotel and explore the old quarter.
Overnight, Souillac.
Day 2: (30km / 19m) Collect bikes, then cycle on tiny roads alongside the R. Dordogne. Visit the Chateau de Fénelon on the way to the Renaissance town of Sarlat . First of two nights in Sarlat. *Dinner not included on one night
Day 3: (32km / 20m) 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.
Second night in Sarlat.
Days 4: (48km / 30m) Cycle across rolling country to visit the Chateau of Beynac before arriving at Castelnaud dominated by its own 12 C 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.
First of two nights in les Eyzies. *Dinner not included on one night
Day 5: Take a day to visit the Museum and caves such as Font de Gaume and to explore the local area. Second night les Eyzies.
Day 6: (32km / 20m) Bike along the Vézère valley beneath the towering cliffs of la Roque St. Christophe, a remarkable troglodyte site inhabited from prehistoric times until the 18 th Century! Continue via the Romanesque church of St. Leon sur Vézère to Montignac, and the world-famous cave-paintings of Lascaux . Overnight, Montignac.
Day 7: (43km / 27m) Return to Souillac past the golden limestone village of St. Geniès , and the 13 th century convent of Salignac. The lovely 18 th century Italianate gardens of Eyrignac can be visited. Return bikes on arrival.
Overnight, Souillac.
Day 8 Take time to visit the fine Romanesque abbey church with its splendid carved doorway before you leave.
Tour ends after breakfast.
LOGISTICS:
Souillac is easily accessible by train from Paris, Gare d'Austerlitz (4hrs) or from Toulouse (2hrs). By road from Paris is approximately 5hrs
Terrain: Easy to moderate, often flat, some sharp climbs
Self-Guided Dates: Daily departures April – October
Included: Daily breakfast, 7 nights hotel accommodation with private facilities
5 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.
Not included: *2 dinners, lunches, drinks, phone calls, gratuities
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Biking Chateax of the Loire (8 days / 7 nights)
Spend a week biking through the magnificent Chateaux of the Loire, as World famous as its delicate and flowery wines, the wide peaceful river reflecting sumptuous Renaissance architecture, delicate tracery and finely-carved mouldings.
From the town of Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci was the guest of King Francis I, you bike on tiny roads through vineyards, beside poplar-lined rivers, to the graceful arches of the Chateau of Chenonceau spanning the Indre, the mediaeval dungeons of the Chateau of Loches, and the ivory towers of the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau.
Explore Chinon's ancient cobbled streets, and marvel at the mediaeval turreted kitchens of Fontevraux Abbey, and the tombs of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Hotels are comfortable, often housed in centuries-old buildings. Pike and perch from the rivers appear on restaurant menus in light, creamy "mousselines", or are served with a lemony sorrel sauce. Vineyards have existed here since Roman times and the sensational whites of Vouvray, Sancerre and Saumur are rightly renowned.
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Suggested Travel : 2-3 hours by direct train from Paris.
Starting Point: Hotel in Amboise Ending Point: Hotel in Chinon
Terrain: Easy Daily Distances: 20 to 32 miles
Day to Day Programme
Days 1 and 2: Individual arrival in the mediaeval town of Amboise, its ivory walls reflected in the broad river Loire. Bikes are delivered to your hotel.
Take time to see the Chateau and as many as 40 scale-models and blueprints of Leonardo's inventions, in the elegant manor-house where he lived and worked for several years until his death in 1519; a tunnel connects the house and Chateau. A renowned chocolatier in the town is also worth a visit!
Ride out next morning along the Loire passing the tall elegant pagoda which is all that remains of the Chateau of Chanteloup. Splendid views if you climb its 149 steps! Two nights Amboise. *Dinner not included on one night
Day 3: Bike on tiny roads heading South from Amboise. The highlight of the day is the beautiful Chateau of Chenonceau, which can be visited, its harmonious arches reflected in the calm waters of the River Cher.
Overnight Chenonceau.
Day 4: Along winding lanes, over undulating country, to picnic near the isolated mediaeval Chateau of Montpoupon, whose pepper pot roofs emerge in a clearing where 3 valleys meet. Your destination is the ancient town of Loches.
Overnight Loches.
Day 5: Visit the Chateau de Loches, whose 10 th Century walls house dungeons and a torture chamber. The town has associations with Agnes Sorel, the Dame de Beaut é, mistress of Charles VII, and her tomb and effigy can be seen in the chateau.
Bike along the poplar-lined valley of the peaceful River Indre, through villages where time seems to have stood still, to your elegant chateau-hotel.
Overnight Monbazon.
Day 6 and 7: Through peaceful villages with troglodyte caves in the shallow chalk cliffs, many still in use. Basketwork was traditionally carried out in these caves, using the supple osier twigs taken from the willows which overhang the riverbanks here. The magical Chateau of Azay-le Rideau is wonderfully reflected in the waters of the R. Indre, and can be visited. Arrive at the elegant little town of Chinon, overlooking the wide R. Vienne.
Bike out next day via the Chateau of Montsoreau, at the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne, to the stunning Abbey of Fontevraud, which contains the tombs and sculpted effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, and Richard the Lion-Heart. The mediaeval domed kitchens make a fascinating part of the visit.
Two nights Chinon. *Dinner not included on one night
Day 8 Return by train to Paris.
Self-Guided Dates: Daily departures April – October
Self-Guided Inclusions: Comfortable accommodations with private facilities, daily breakfasts, 5 dinners, daily luggage transfers, detailed route notes and maps, local contact.
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Chateaux of the Loire Mini Break (5 nights / 4 days)
The Loire Valley is world-famous for its magnificent Chateaux and gently-rolling countryside. From the town of Amboise , where Leonardo da Vinci was the guest of King Francis I, you cycle on tiny roads through vineyards and beside poplar-lined rivers, to the exquisite Chateau of Chenonceau, reflected in the calm waters of the Cher . Continue to Loches and see the mediaeval dungeons of the magnificent keep and the romantic chateau of the Logis Royal, once the home of Agnes Sorel, the mistress of King Charles VII.
Our hotels are comfortable and traditional, often housed in centuries-old buildings. This cycling tour combines all the best ingredients to make an unforgettable holiday - rolling countryside, splendid chateaux, incredible wines and exceptional cuisine.
Package Includes
4 nights accommodations with private facilities
Daily breakfasts & 3 dinners (beverages not included)
Bicycles & Daily luggage transfers
Detailed route notes and maps
Local contact
Day to Day Programme
Day 1: Amboise
Individual arrival in the medieval town of Amboise , its ivory walls reflected in the broad river Loire . Bikes are delivered to your hotel. Take time to see the Chateau and as many as 40 scale-models and blueprints of Leonardo's inventions, housed in the elegant manor-house where he lived and worked for several years until his death in 1519; a tunnel connects the house and Chateau. A renowned chocolatier in the town is also worth a visit!
Two nights in Amboise - Dinner is included tonight.
Day 2: Amboise
Ride out in the morning along the Loire passing the tall elegant pagoda which is all that remains of the Chateau of Chanteloup. This provides splendid views if you have the energy climb its 149 steps!
Second night in Amboise - *Dinner not included tonight
Day 3: Amboise to Chenonceau
Bike on tiny roads heading South from Amboise . The highlight of the day is the beautiful Chateau of Chenonceau. We highly recommend a visit to this fabulous Chateau. Chenonceau is not only remarkable for its architecture and history but also for the fine quality of its collections as can be seen from the inside visit: Renaissance furniture, a vast ensemble of 16th and 17th century tapestries and a great number of masterpieces. Le Primatice, Rubens, Le Tintoret, Rigaud, Nattier, Van Loo are among the most famous names that can be found there.
Overnight Chenonceau - Dinner is included tonight.
(N.B. The name of the village is Chenonceau, but the chateau is called the Chateau de Chenonceau.)
Day 4: Chenonceau to Loches
Cycle along winding lanes, over undulating country, to picnic near the isolated medieval Chateau of Montpoupon, whose pepper pot roofs emerge in a clearing where 3 valleys meet. Your final destination today is the ancient town of Loches . Visit the donjon or Keep of Loches, whose 10th Century walls house dungeons and a torture chamber. The beautiful chateau of the Logis Royal was the home of Agnes Sorel, the Dame de Beauté, mistress of Charles VII, and her tomb and effigy can be seen in the chateau. This town is extremely interesting and attractive and you should allow at least two to three hours to explore the mediaeval town and walk the ramparts of the old town.
Overnight Loches - Dinner is included tonight.
Day 5: Loches
Tour ends after breakfast.
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Holiday Details:
Self Guided Dates: Daily departures April - October
Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights
Setting off Point: Amboise Ending Point: Loches
Terrain: Easy to moderate
Daily Distances: 11-20 miles.
Arrival/Departure Information: 2-3 hours by direct train from Paris . For Paris to Amboise - departure station in Paris is Austerlitz or Charles de Gaulle. Journey takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Return from Loches via Tours takes 2hrs 20 min's to 4hrs 20 min's, depending on train chosen.
Ask about our point to point rail tickets.
Bicycle Equipment: currently Peugeot or Arcade 21 Speed (Shimano), water bottle holder, front suspension, front map holder, rear bag carrier with elastic straps, mud guards, lighting, repair kit with spare tube and pump, cable lock.
Bike frames range from 48-56cm. Passengers can bring their own seats, toe clips and pedals.
Available upon request: Water bottle, helmet, front and/or rear bags.
Rating: Accommodations are in 2 or 3 star hotels, often venerable buildings exquisitely modernised.
Recommended for independent travellers.
Note: Space may be limited during the following French holidays: 01 May; 5-7 May; 17 to 19 May; 14 July; 15 August.
