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.
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.
Gourdon, France
Day 1+8+9
Rocamadour, France
Day 2+3
La Roque-Gageac, France
Day 4
Sarlat, Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
Day 5
Les Eyzies de Tayac, Chemin de la Gaubert, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, France
Day 6
Lascaux, Montignac, France
Day 7
| Start any date between Apr 1 to Oct 31. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Moderate
45 km daily average (30 mi)
Some hills every day of moderate difficulty, as well as a few more challenging ones
Casual Accommodation: US $2,725
Single Supplement: US $680
Classic Accommodation: US $3,350
Single Supplement: US $825
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,900
Single Supplement: US $975
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $440
Racing Bikes: US $540
E-Bikes*: US $640
*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.
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.
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
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; elevation gain: 795 m
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; elevation gain: 430 m
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; elevation gain: 550 m
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
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
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; elevation gain: 1,667 m
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; elevation gain: 1,018 m
Depart
Take a final stroll through Gourdon’s medieval streets before heading off on your next adventure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A former mill, this quaint hotel has one of the top restaurants in Les Eyzies. Propiertors Annick & Georges Soulie provide a warm welcome.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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; Châteaux & Hôtels Collection; Sawday’s

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

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.
Tour Reviews
“Overall, 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.”
“Hotels chosen were great, so varied which made it interesting.”
“I 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.”
“We 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.”
“Your 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.”
“Jardins Paradis was absolutely first class – excellent food – 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.”
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