The Dordogne is often called the most beautiful river in France. Our tour to this land of the castles of Richard the Lionheart features the most famous and spectacular section of the river, studded with castles and cave art. The walking is perfect, and a plenitude of sights and attractions rounds out your vacation. This self-guided tour in the southwest serves as a delightful introduction to France, but also suits experienced adventurers.
Location
Gourdon
Gourdon, France
Day 1+10+11
Rocamadour
Rocamadour, France
Day 2+3
Vitrac
Vitrac, France
Day 4
Sarlat
Sarlat, Puy-l'Évêque, France
Day 5
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, France
Day 6+7
Monpazier
Monpazier, France
Day 8+9
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
10 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 2 dinners
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Any start date between April 1 to October 25
We recommend you to start your tour on a Friday so that you can see the market in Gourdon held every Saturday.
We recommend you to start your tour on a Friday so that you can see the market in Gourdon held every Saturday.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
11 days / 10 nights, with 9 days cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Gourdon / Monpazier
ACTIVITY LEVEL
45 km daily average (30 miles)
Extra km possible
TERRAIN
Some hills every day of moderate difficulty, as well as a few more challenging ones
COST
Casual/B&B Accommodation: US$3085
Single Supplement: US$770
Classic Accommodation: US$3750
Single Supplement: US$940
Luxe Accommodation: US$4590
Single Supplement: US$1150
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$460
E-Bikes: US$800
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting There
You start in Gourdon, about 550 km south of Paris.
Gourdon is a charming village, crowning a hill in quiet wooded countryside. It boasts a charming medieval quarter of narrow streets and golden limestone houses and a 14th-century Gothic church.
Gourdon is on the main Paris-Toulouse rail line, a five-hour trip with no change of trains.
1
Day 1
Gourdon
Arrival in Gourdon. Our Area Manager will give you the bikes and a briefing for the tour.
Ride Distance: 12 km, elevation gain 170 m.*
2
Day 2
Rocamadour
Leave Gourdon to pedal to the Dordogne Valley. You’ll climb to the region of the causse, a wild limestone plateau crisscrossed by stone walls and dotted with black-eyed sheep. Visit an ancient water-powered flour mill on the way to Rocamadour, today’s destination.
Ride Distance: 37 km, elevation gain 400 m or 64 km, gain 795 m.*
3
Day 3
Rocamadour
Explore the ancient pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, a near-vertical town overlooking the isolated Ouysse ravine. Then ride to Carennac, or to Autoire, delightful villages dotting the course of the Dordogne River. Explore the sinkhole of Padirac Chasm and take a boat ride on an underground river, before returning to Rocamadour.
Ride Distance: 52 km, elevation gain 310 m or 57 km, gain 430 m.*
4
Day 4
Vitrac/Sarlat
Wind your way past oak groves, where the famous truffles grow, to the Dordogne River. Follow its curves to the cliffside villages of La Roque-Gageac and Vitrac and settle in for two nights. Or, if you prefer, continue to the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat for two nights.
Ride Distance: 55 km, elevation gain 375 m or 65 km, gain 550 m.*
5
Day 5
Sarlat
Enjoy a full day to explore the region. Wander through Sarlat, with its charming winding streets and magnificent buildings. Visit Beynac, then Castelnaud castle with its medieval warfare museum. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable view from the golden hilltop village of Domme.
Ride Distance: 60 km, elevation gain 440 m.*
6
Day 6
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Enjoy spectacular views of the Dordogne valley as you follow winding roads through the forests and villages of the Périgord Noir. Pause at St-Cyprien, dominated by its massive Romanesque church, then head to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, sometimes referred to as “The World Capital of Prehistory”.
Ride Distance: 49 km, elevation gain 388 m.*
7
Day 7
Lascaux
On a day ride from Les Eyzies you’ll explore the Vézère River valley. This is the land of the most famous prehistoric sites, including caves and troglodyte dwellings. Visit Font de Gaume, Abri du Cap Blanc, and the lovely village of St-Léon. Go as far as Lascaux.
Ride Distance: 42 km, elevation gain 816 m or 86 km, gain 1667 m.*
8
Day 8
Monpazier
Today you return to the Dordogne River Valley, then climb into the hills of the Perigord Noir, so named because of the density of its forests. Highlights include the lovely village of Limeuil at the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne Rivers and the abbey of Cadouin, with its fabulous carved cloisters. Your destination is Monpazier, one of the Perigord’s best-preserved bastide towns. You’ll stay here for two nights.
Ride Distance: 44 km, elevation gain 543 m or 36 km, gain 251 m.*
9
Day 9
Monpazier
Head into Gascony today. Explore mighty Biron Castle, besieged by Simon de Montfort during the Albigensian Crusade. Pause in the ancient village of Gavaudun and climb to the 14-th century keep on a stairway carved out of the rock.
Ride Distance: 48 km, elevation gain 460 m.*
10
Day 10
Gourdon
Head back into the Lot today. Cruise past more lovely villages and savour the beauty and tranquility of this wonderful landscape: the acne of relaxation and exploration.
Ride Distance: 64 km, elevation gain 654 m or 86 km, gain 935 m.*
11
Day 11
Take a final stroll through Gourdon’s medieval streets before heading off on your next adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Casual/B&B
Chambres d’Hôtes du Paradis, Gourdon
This charming bed & breakfast is located 1.8 km outside of Gourdon in a Quercy style stone building. The rooms are comfortable and the proprietor is friendly. Swimming pool.
Le Relais Amadourien, Rocamadour
This small inn, or relais, is attached to the Hotel du Chateau, has been recently renovated and is located in the high village, just near the castle. There is a swimming pool and tennis courts and the hotel’s restaurant is excellent.
La Ferme Fleurie, La Roque de Gageac
This is a working farm in a lovely building, located 5 km from la Roque-Gageac close to Vitrac. The dining room features superb cuisine from the local area.
Les Cordeliers, Sarlat (Option)
This top ranked B&B is situated overlooking the beautiful memorial square. Chris & Amanda, the British proprietors, will welcome you with hospitality to their luxurious chambres d’hotes.
Hotel Le Moulin de la Beune, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
A former mill, this quaint hotel has one of the top restaurants in Les Eyzies. Propiertors Annick & Georges Soulie provide a warm welcome.
La Ferme Du Tandou, Monpazier
The kind proprietors have a 13th century farm with 4 guestrooms for guests. There is a shaded terrace, park and a panoramic view of the walled town of Monpazier. There is a table d’hotes (dinner) available.
Classic
Hostellerie de la Bouriane, Gourdon
This is a 3-star hotel with spacious rooms, harmoniously decorated and well equipped with modern comforts. There is a delightful restaurant in the hotel.
Les Vieilles Tours, Rocamadour
This charming 17th century chateau, located 4.5 km in the countryside from Rocamadour, has large gardens and pool, and the rooms are furnished with period furniture. Excellent restaurant on site. Member; Hotels de Charms ; Chateaux & Hotels Collection.
Hotel La Belle Etoile, La Roque de Gageac
Situated in one of the most beautiful villages in France, all rooms at this hotel enjoy views over the river. The restaurant is renowned and opens onto a vine-shaded terrace with a fabulous view.
Hotel Le Centenaire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This hotel, formerly a member of Relais & Chateaux, has undergone a recent renovation and new management. With 20 bedrooms and a large heated pool and beautiful grounds, this hotel is a traveler favourite.
Hotel-Restaurant Edward 1er, Monpazier
This beautiful and well kept Chateau has rooms with stunning views of the Périgord hills or the medieval village of Monpazier. There is a swimming-pool with a large terrace in the enclosed garden.
Luxe
Hostellerie de la Bouriane, Gourdon *Classic Inn
This is a 3-star hotel with spacious rooms, harmoniously decorated and well equipped with modern comforts. There is a delightful restaurant in the hotel.
Les Esclargies, Rocamadour
This new hotel has won accolades for its tasteful architecture and setting, designed to harmonize with the natural environment. Located in Rocamadour with lovely grounds and swimming pool, and walking distance from the many restaurants in town.
Domaine de Rochebois, La Roque de Gageac
This is an elegant 19th century residence, now a 4-star hotel, in a beautiful landscaped 30 hectare park and gardens. There is a pool & fitness centre. Member of Chateaux & Hotels Collection. Straight Talk:There is no restaurant in the hotel, but staff will be happy to arrange a taxi to casual restaurants in Vitrac (1.7 km away) or into Sarlat (8 km away) where excellent options exist. If you would rather stay in Sarlat, this is an option.
Clos La Boëtie, Sarlat (Option)
Located in the town centre, this charming 19th century mansion and 5-star hotel, offers a stylish décor where antique family furniture combine with rich colourful fabrics. It also boasts an indoor pool, sauna and fitness room. Walking distance to many restaurants. Member of Chateaux & Hotels Collection
Les Glycines Hotel & Spa, Les Eyzies de Tayac
Set apart from the tourist bustle of Les Eyzies, the 4-star Les Glycines Hotel & Spa offers luxury, charm and a warm welcome. It dates from 1862 when it was a "relais de poste". In addition to its interior charm, the hotel offers a tranquil setting with a fine restaurant, swimming pool and lovely gardens.
Hotel-Restaurant Edward 1er, Monpazier *Classic Inn
This beautiful and well kept Chateau has rooms with stunning views of the Périgord hills or the medieval village of Monpazier. There is a swimming-pool with a large terrace in the enclosed garden.
Trip Reviews
“It was easy to book and receive pre-trip information. The Ride with GPS maps downloaded were easy to use. Lovely accommodations. Beautiful towns and villages to ride through.”
“All accommodations were clean, universally friendly and helpful. The Area Manager was great, very helpful.”
“Some accommodations exceeded my expectations: Les Vielles Tours, Les Cordeliers. The tour was very well planned, and the directions were excellent.”
“Having two nights is really perfect as other self-guided trips we’ve done have often had us moving every day and that’s very tiring.”
“A highlight for us was the Gouffre de Piderac.”
“We very much enjoyed the bike routes. Accommodations were very interesting and comfortable; support was competent and dependable. The included dinners on the tour were good, particularly at the Hotel Les Vieilles Tours (fine dining – a nice touch). And… the new bikes worked out very well; they were of excellent quality and the gearing was very appropriate for the rolling to hilly terrain. Some of the high points for me: town of Gourdon – great mix of the old and new – Jacquie (at Jardin Paradis) was fantastic – extremely personable and accommodating; she picked us up at the train station at 11 p.m. the first day (our flight was delayed by 6 hours causing us to alter rail plans) and she baked goodies for us to take on the train back to Paris (we had to leave before breakfast); balloon Festival in Rocamadour – the first day, balloons cruised right over Hotel Les Vieilles Tour; Gouffre De Padirac – we all took the tour – fantastic; gardens at La Ferme Fleurie; Chateau Des Milandes – beautiful, and the wonderful story… La Roque St. Christophe – amazing! -Monpazier – charming, and we did have two nice dinners in town and enjoyed conversing with Simone and Jeannot in our very poor French.”
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