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.

For more information download the Tour Factsheet

Request space on this Bicycle Tour »

• Day 1

  Arrive in Tremolat

  Highlights: Charming hotel, Orientation and bike fitting.

  Arrive in Bergerac, we'll transfer you to the beginning of the tour. Settle in your charming hotel. You can either relax by the pool or walk around the park before your orientation.
  Our local guide will meet you at your hotel in the evening of your arrival day for briefing & bike fitting.
  Enjoy dinner at your hotel (included).
  

• Day 2

  Bicycle to Les Eyzies

  Highlights: Proumeyssac Cave, Les Eyzies.

  Your ride today will take you to Les Eyzies, capital of prehistory, where Cro Magnon was discovered. Starting out easy you come to Audrix a small village by small roads, then down to Le Bugue.
  Continue on to Gouffre de Proumeyssac, also known as the "Cathedral of Crystal", currently the largest developed cave in the Perigord.
  Arrive to Les Eyzies and take time to visit this town and its sites and museums.
  
  Daily distance: 45 Km (28 miles)
  

• Day 3

  Loop ride into the Vezère Valley

  Highlights: Prehistoric cave paintings Font de Gaume, Lascaux II

  Les Eyzies is surrounded by pre-historic caves, paintings and other remnants from this fascinating era. Here is an opportunity to visit either the famous Caves of Font de Gaume or Lascaux II. To get a good visit in, in both cases you should depart early. Pass through St Leon sur Vezere, guarded by its two chateaux and La Roque St Christophe, a majestic refuge made up of approximately 100 shelters.
  
  Daily distance: 53 km (33 miles)
  

• Day 4

  Bicycle to Sarlat

  Highlights: Sarlat, Chateau of Commarque.

  Since it's a short ride today, you'll have a second chance to visit Font de Gaume or get early to your destination Sarlat. This town with its cobbled streets, old roofs, and warm stone walls give an exceptional heritage. Sarlat is a medieval town that developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin.
  The medieval Sarlat Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sacerdos. Because modern history has largely passed it by, Sarlat has remained preserved and one of the towns most representative of 14th century France. A bustling market in Sarlat takes place on Saturday and Wednesday.
  You can decide to ride a longer distance (with more elevation) with a longer option that goes by the Chateau of Commarque.
  
  Daily distance: 23-29 km (14-18 miles)
  

• Day 5

  Bicycle to Rocamadour

  Highlights: Lacave, The medieval village of Rocamadour.

  You'll ride today by the Dordogne river to reach Souillac, a nice village for a lunch break. Then continue your ride, passing by Lacave and then reach the breathtaking village of Rocamadour, which clings to a cliff face overlooking the Ouysse valley. This important pilgrimage site laid 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.
  
  Daily distance: 56 km (35 miles)
  

• Day 6

  Bicycle to Carsac Aillac

  Highlights: Chateau de Montfort, Carsac Aillac

  Take your time today to ride along the Dordogne River for a quiet countryside ride. Your destination is Vitrac or Carsac, small villages in the Black Perigord.
  Vitrac is known for its Chateau and water sports. In Carsac you can visit "Les Jardins d'Eau" a 2ha garden dedicated to exotic plants, especially waterlilies and lotus.
  
  Daily distance: 46 km (29 miles)
  

• Day 7

  Ride to Belves

  Highlights: La Roque Gageac, Belves

  You will ride through some very scenic villages such as la Roque Gageac and Castelnaud la Chapelle. La Roque Gageac has the title of being 'one of the most beautiful villages of France'! Built at the foot of a cliff, right along the river, do not miss its Exotic gardens and the troglodyte fort. The cliff dwellings that tower above the houses served as protection during the Wars of Religion. Several famous castles are on your itinerary as well, such as the Chateau des Milandes, former home of Josephine Baker, and the Chateau de Castelnaud la Chapelle, an impressive fortified castle overlooking the Dordogne valley.
  Reach Belves, your last destination. This medieval town boasts seven belltowers.
  
  Daily distance: 38 km (24 miles)
  

• Day 8

  Your bicycle tour ends in Belves

  Highlights: Belves

  Today is departure day, take some time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Belves.