The Dordogne River valley in Western France is one of the country's longest and most scenic. For 500 km, the Dordogne cuts through layers of limestone plateau and meanders from the woody hills of the Massif Central through the heartland of prehistoric human settlements in Europe. Our bike tour of the Dordogne takes you on some of the nicest cycling routes in Europe, with breathtaking views of medieval castles topping the hills at every bend in the river. This is one of our all-time favorite bicycle tours.

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• Day 1

  Arrive in Gourdon

  Highlights: Fit bikes and take a short ride into the countryside.

  Stroll through the old yellow limestone town and visit the viewing platform which offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. If time allows, cycle to Grottes de Cougnac to view prehistoric cave art. Mileage: 10 km (6 miles)

• Day 2

  Bicycle to Rocamadour

  Highlights: The medieval village of Rocamadour.

  Your destination today is the breathtaking village of Rocamadour which clings to a cliff face overlooking the Ouysse valley. This important pilgrimage site lay dormant until the preserved remains of St. Amadour were discovered in the village chapel. Now it has become an emblem of the Dordogne region as people enjoy its rich architecture and medieval atmosphere. Mileage: 39 km (24 miles)

• Day 3

  Loop ride into the countryside

  Highlights: Padirac caves, Loubressac, Carennac

  Today's ride takes you to the impressive caves of Padirac. This vast network of underground caverns and lakes can only be reached by boat which penetrates into the enormous chasm believed for centuries to be the entrance to hell! The route then takes you on to beautiful Carennac set along the banks of the Dordogne river with its honey colored houses dating back to the 16th century. Mileage: 45 km (28 miles)

• Day 4

  Bicycle to La Roque-Gageac

  Highlights: Domme, La Roque-Gageac, trogoldyte dwellings

  Your route today is a feast for the eyes. As you pedal through the attractive countryside you'll get a chance to discover the hilltop bastide town of Domme with its amazing panoramic views. The unique village of La Roque-Gageac awaits you from its almost unreal location chiseled in between limestone cliffs and a lazy meander of the Dordogne. The cliff dwellings that tower above the houses served as protection during the Wars of Religion. Mileage: 58 km (36 miles)

• Day 5

  Loop ride to Sarlat-la-Canéda

  Highlights: Sarlat, Beynac, Marqueyssac

  You'll want to take plenty of time today to discover the extraordinary town of Sarlat which has the highest concentration of medieval, renaissance and 17th century facades in France. A bustling market in Sarlat takes place on Saturday and Wednesday. The ride also takes you to the famous castles of Beynac and Castelaud who battled each other from across the river, one being French and the other English, during the Hundred Years War. Mileage 42 km (26 miles)

• Day 6

  Bicycle to Les Eyzies

  Highlights: Les Eyzies, Les Milandes, St Cyprien

  Les Eyzies is often considered the capital of European prehistory as it is surrounded by pre-historic caves, paintings, and other remnants from this fascinating era. The town enjoys a local market on Wednesdays. To get there you'll pedal out of the Dordogne Valley and into the Vezère Valley. You'll also have a chance to visit Les Milandes, the one-time home of Josephine Baker and stop-off for lunch in the lovely village of St Cyprien. Mileage 38 km (24 miles)

• Day 7

  Loop ride into the countryside

  Highlights: Font de Gaume, Cap Blanc, St Leon sur Vezère and La Roque St. Christophe

  A few pedal strokes from Les Eyzies will bring you one of the finest collections of prehistoric cave paintings in France carefully preserved in the Font de Gaume cave. St Leon sur Vezère, guarded by its two chateaux and La Roque St Christophe, a majestic refuge made up of approximately 100 shelters, are only two of the attractions that surround Les Eyzies. Mileage: 65 km (41 miles)

• Day 8

  Bicycle to Gourdon

  Highlights: Besse, St. Pompont and Daglan

  Your last day of cycling our tour takes you back to Gourdon through some remarkable countryside. Along the way you'll be able to visit Besse, St Pompont and Daglan amongst others - a wonderful way to end your vacation. Mileage 61 km (38 miles)

• Day 9

  Your bicycle tour ends in Gourdon

  Highlights: Grottes de Cougnac

  Before departing, if you have time and you didn't do so upon arrival, you can take a short ride to visit the cave art on display at Grottes de Cougnac. Mileage: 10 km (6 miles)