Cycling in the Dordogne
| Location: | Dordogne, France. |
| Holiday type: | Self-Guided Cycling Holiday, Inn to Inn |
| Activity level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 8 days (7 nights) |
| Hotels: | 2 to 3 * Accommodation |
| Meals: | Breakfasts and 5 evening meals included |
| Prices from: | £775 |
| Also Available: | 10 day route, 14 day route |
The Dordogne justifiably has a reputation as one of Europe's most beautiful valleys. It's also one of the most spectacular and fascinating parts of France. Often declared 'the capital of prehistory' it has many of the best examples of cave art and early settlement found anywhere in the world. You can also explore great Châteaux, fortified towns and lovely villages.
Day 1: Souillac
Arrive at the bustling old town of Souillac, strategically placed since pre-Roman times astride the river Dordogne, and easily reached by rail or Autoroute from Paris via Brive. Time to explore the old quarter and magnificent 11th century Romanesque church.
Day 2: Souillac to Sarlat – 30.5 km / 19 miles
Collect bikes, then cycle on tiny roads alongside the R. Dordogne. Visit the Château de Fénelon on the way to the Renaissance town of Sarlat.
Day 3: Rest Day Sarlat
Take an extra day here to explore and shop, and cycle out to visit the bastide town of Domme and the spectacular village of La Roque Gageac that is tucked beneath the cliffs alongside the Dordogne River. Tonight is B&B giving you the option to choose any of the other good restaurants in Sarlat.
Day 4: Sarlat to Les Eyzies– 48 km / 30 miles
Cycle across rolling country to visit the Château of Beynac before arriving at Castelnaud, dominated by its own 12C Château. The nearby Château les Milandes can also be visited before you arrive in the delightful old town of St. Cyprien. From here you leave the Dordogne River to arrive in the Vézère valley and the cliffs of Les Eyzies, renowned world-wide as the centre of Pre-History.
Day 5: Rest Day Les Eyzies
Take a day to visit the Museum and caves such as Font de Gaume and to explore the local area. Tonight is B&B giving you the option to choose any of the other good restaurants in Les Eyzies.
Day 6: Les Eyzies to Montignac – 32 km / 20 miles
Bike along the Vézère valley beneath the towering cliffs of la Roque St. Christophe, a remarkable troglodytic 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.
Day 7: Montignac to Souillac – 43 km / 27 miles
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.
Day 8: Depart after breakfast.
