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+8+9
Rocamadour
Rocamadour, France
Day 2+3
La Roque de Gageac
La Roque-Gageac, France
Day 4
Sarlat
Sarlat, Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
Day 5
Les Eyzies de Tayac
Les Eyzies de Tayac, Chemin de la Gaubert, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, France
Day 6
Lascaux
Lascaux, Montignac, France
Day 7
Whatâs Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED INÂ REGULAR TRIP
8 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 to see the market in Gourdon held every Saturday.
We recommend you to start your tour on a Friday to see the market in Gourdon held every Saturday.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
9 days / 8 nights, with 7 days cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Gourdon
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$2470
Single Supplement: US$620
Classic Accommodation: US$3025
Single Supplement: US$760
Luxe Accommodation: US$3525
Single Supplement: US$880
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$370
E-Bikes: US$640
E-bikes are generally available but are on an âon request basis â 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, weâll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable. Â
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. Youâll 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, todayâs 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
La Roque-Gageac
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 440m.*
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 PĂ©rigord Noir. Pause at St-Cyprien, dominated by its massive Romanesque church, then head to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, sometimes referred to as âThe World Capital of Prehistoryâ.
Ride Distance: 49 km, elevation gain 388 m.*
7
Day 7
Lascaux
On a day ride from Les Eyzies youâll explore the VĂ©zĂšre 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-LĂ©on. Go as far as Lascaux.
Ride Distance: 42 km, elevation gain 816 m or 86 km, gain 1667 m.*
8
Day 8
Gourdon
Follow gentle river valleys through the green hills of the Bouriane to return to Gourdon. Savour the beauty and tranquility of this charming landscape.
Ride Distance: 67 km, elevation gain 700 m or 93 km, gain 1018 m.*
9
Day 9
Take a final stroll through Gourdonâs 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 dâHĂŽtes 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 hotelâs 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 dâhotes.
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.
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.
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.
La Villa Romaine, Carsac
This luxurious hotel combines authenticity, modernity, comfort and a rich history (and a great restaurant). Built on an old Gallo-Roman site the hotel offers a great panorama on a preserved nature. Recommended by Guides de Charme; ChĂąteaux & HĂŽtels Collection; Sawdayâs
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.
Trip Reviews
“Jardins Paradis was absolutely first class – excellent food â clean facilities and superb hospitality. Laurent at the Vielles Tours in Rocamadour ran a very professional as well as friendly operation. The people at camping la Riviera were accommodating and helpful. We enjoyed our holiday in Dordogne very much.”
âYour Travel Advisor did a great job accommodating our request for additional add-ons and sites to see. The hotels were excellent and very friendly family hotels, helpful, great views from rooms, owners wonderful.â
âWe loved the accommodations at Rocamadour and the restaurant was awesome. The overall experience was awesome! We had great weather and the destinations were great with lots to do and see.â
âI think there are enough options to suit everyone. The roads were mostly great, and we really liked that they were not crowded. The overall experience was great. Our Area Manager was at the train station to meet us and everyone in the office responded promptly and helpfully.â
âHotels chosen were great, so varied which made it interesting.â
âOverall, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Pickup, bikes, bike fittings, hotels, routes, dinners all worked very well. The accommodations exceeded our expectations on three occasions – at Hotel Les Vieilles Tours, Hotel Le Moulin de La Beune, Hostellerie de La Bouriane.â
Leave a Review