Dordogne Biking 7 Days

Les Eyzies

Your trip starts from Les Eyzies which is easily reached through Bordeaux or Limoges by train. Meet your Area Manager and bikes at 2pm and set off cycling! The villages of le Bugue and Limeuil (members of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’) will provide a wonderful introduction to the region. Les Eyzies is where the first discoveries of Homo sapiens were made and there is a wonderful pre-history museum and Fonte de Gaume, with cave paintings from 12,000 B.C.

Ride Distance: 14 km; 185 m gain or 38 km; 490 m gain

Les Eyzies

On the second day of riding, enjoy spectacular views of the Dordogne Valley as you follow winding roads through the forests and villages of the Périgord Noir. The regular ride climbs to Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, one of the most beautiful villages in France, while the longer option continues all the way to Montignac, home to the world-famous Lascaux caves. From there, follow the Vézère River south back to Les Eyzies.

Ride Distance: 29 km; 510 m gain or 42 km; 690 m gain or 66 km; 890 m gain 

La Roque Gageac / Sarlat

The Dordogne has castles throughout the region and we’ve designed your cycling route to pass by the most impressive. Visit the Château de Castelnau, built 1000 years ago and still majestic in its appearance and Les Milandes, where the actress Josephine Baker lived with her adopted children until 1964. The Classic trip stays in la Roque Gageac, a charming small village situated at the foot of a towering limestone cliff along the banks of the Dordogne. The Luxe trip stays in Sarlat, the impeccably restored Renaissance town that boasts charming medieval streets and picturesque squares.

Ride Distance:  30 km; 400 m gain 

La Roque Gageac / Sarlat

When staying in La Roque Gageac, you’ll ride a loop to Sarlat with time to enjoy a walking tour here or just browse the shops and cafes and marvel at the architecture. Add-on a longer loop through the nearby hills and return to La Roque Gageac along a riverside path. There are several ride lengths to choose from today. If you would like a day off the bike or an afternoon excursion, consider paddling on the Dordogne River, where you can paddle past charming villages.

Ride Distance: 28km; 340 gain or 34km; 370 gain or 45 km; 535 m gain or 68 km; 870 m gain 

Rocamadour / Lacave

The ride to Lacave is nothing short of spectacular as you ride up onto escarpments and down through lush valleys, following the Dordogne river. Enjoy lunch in Souillac at a cool bicyle café before continuing on to Lacave and Rocamadour, one of the most spectacular pilgrimage sites in France (the Luxe trip stays at Le Pont de l’Ouysse in Lacave, or with a supplement, Chateau de la Treyne, the 14^th century castle near Lacave, saving Rocamadour for the next day).

Ride Distance: 54 km; 650 m gain or 58 km; 810 m gain

Rocamadour / Lacave

Take some time to walk through and explore Rocamadour. Ride a loop to Autoir, Loubressac and other charming villages each begging discovery. There are also grottes (caves) to visit including the Gouffre de Padirac, over 103m (338’) deep that can be visited by boat that is a remarkable experience. In Lacave there is another grotte that is full of stalactites and stalagmites in a subterranean amphitheater. Finish your trip with another fantastic dinner to celebrate. If at Le Pont de l’Ouysse, it’s a one-star Michelin; in Rocamadour, there are lots of wonderful options also. Bon Appetite!

Ride Distance: 37 km; 500 m gain or 47 km; 660 m gain or 52km; 775 m gain 

Depart

Depart at your leisure. If departing from Rocamadour, the train station is right in town. If on the Luxe trip, taxis to Souillac are available when you wish.