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Itinerary

After you arrive in Bordeaux (at the train station or airport) and settle in to your hotel, in the heart of the historic city, our Trip Manager will meet with you, check the fitting of your bikes, and go over your trip packages with you. You’ll want to take some time to explore Bordeaux itself. This port city, that has been the centre of the Bordeaux wine trade since the 8th century, and its historic centre is also a UNESCO heritage site, with its 18th century stunning architectural facades, and the fully restored Port des Lunes. We leave you to find dinner in one of the dozens of excellent restaurants.

A truly pretty ride, in the slightly rolling countryside from Bignac, passing through the medieval village of Issigeac with its 2000-year old history and restored medieval houses. Gradually descend back to the Dordogne River, passing the fortified chateau-farmhouse of Lanquais and riding through lushly green forests. Then follow the river again all the way to the town of Lalinde. Cross the arched river there, and then stop for a refreshment before being picked up to transfer you to Sarlat-la-Caneda (skipping some significant hills and busier roads in between). Sarlat is worthy of your time; this incredible UNESCO heritage site, the largest Medieval ensemble in Europe, is best explored in the evening, when the beautiful “lauze” stone roofs and tiny cobblestoned streets are lit up beautifully by the municipality.

The loop ride for the day is one of the most picturesque, passing through some of the “prettiest villages of France” (this is an official national rating) like La Roque Gageac, built flat against the cliffside overlooking the Dordogne, and with original troglodyte dwellings. You’ll see medieval castles lining the river that warred across from each other… Take a short detour to Beynac, with its imposing castle built by the Barons of Beynac. Climb up to the war museum at Chateau Castelnaud. You may well decide to lunch in Domme. This village, an excellent example of the Bastide villages of Medieval France, was built in the 13th century by Philip the Bold; there are still examples of medieval graffiti by the templar knights, and a spectacular panorama to the valley below! Return to Sarlat for a second night.

Your route today takes you first westwards from Sarlat through the Dordogne’s rich countryside. Visit the Chateau de Puymartin, and the unusual Cabanes de Breuil along the way. Detour if you wish into Les Eyzies de Tayac to visit the National Prehistory Museum. Then turn northwards, meandering along the Vezere River, where truffles and cep mushrooms, walnut orchards, and grapes grow, passing the Roque St Christophe troglodyte site, and through St Leon sur Vezere, another “Prettiest Village”. Arrive in Montignac,a pretty town in its own, straddled across the river and with tiny cobblestoned streets, but made famous today as it is the home of the renowned prehistoric cave painting site of Lascaux.

You’ll of course want to visit the astounding Prehistory centre and the Lascaux IV reproduction, just on the outskirts of town while here of course. We have made your explorations easy, by booking your visit at the site ahead of time, to guarantee you’ll get one of the spots of the fascinating guided visits (they fill up fast). As well, we provide a easygoing half day ride, taking to – yes – yet another “Prettiest Village”, St Amand de Coly, with its ancient abbey church. The architecture seems disproportioned – the tall abbey buildings dwarf the tiny little village. You’ll love the relaxed nature of the day, and enjoy the little self-guided walking tour of Montignac filled with history as well.

After a final breakfast at the hotel you can catch train connections out of Brive-la-Gaillarde back to Paris. Bon Voyage !

What's included

  • 9 nights’ accommodation of the comfort level of your choice * CLASSIC, CLASSIC+ or DELUXE
  • Hotel taxes
  • All breakfasts, 3 dinners (drinks not included with the dinners)
  • Fully equipped quality touring bike **
  • Orientation with our Trip Manager
  • Detailed maps and step-by-step route notes
  • Regional information and advice
  • Uploadable GPS file of the route to use on a free APP in your smartphone ***
  • Reservation and tickets for the visit of Lascaux IV
  • Transfer to Brive-la-Gaillarde train station at the end of the trip
  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
  • Transfer from Lalinde to Sarlat on Day 6
  • Phone call support 7 days a week

* Price based on double room occupancy – please contact us for details on single room supplements
** Road bikes and e-bikes avaialbke with a supplement on request
*** Can be used without international internet plan (offline)

Hotel Details

Classic Tour

2430 € / pers.

1 Night
Hotel de la Presse – Bordeaux

2 Nights
Auberge de la Commanderie – Saint Emilion

1 Night
Grand Hotel de Sainte Foy – Sainte Foy la Grande

1 Night
Hotel de Bordeaux – Bergerac

2 Nights
Hotel la Couleuvrine – Sarlat

2 Nights
Hotel le Lascaux – Montignac

Classic + Tour

3290 € / pers.

1 Night
Hotel Majestic – Bordeaux

2 Nights
Logis des Remparts – Saint Emilion

1 Night
Chateau des Vigiers – Classic Room – Monestier

1 Night
La Chartreuse du Bignac – Classic room – Near Bergerac

2 Nights
Grand Hotel Pavillon Selves – Sarlat

2 Nights
Hotel la Roseraie – Montignac

Deluxe Tour

4290 € / pers.

1 Night
Le Palais Gallien – Bordeaux

2 Nights
Hotel de Pavie – Saint Emilion

1 Night
Chateau des Vigiers – Prestige Room – Monestier

1 Night
La Chartreuse du Bignac – Deluxe room – Near Bergerac

2 Nights
Hotel Plaza Madeleine – Sarlat

2 Nights
Hotel Bouilhac – Montignac

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Our bikes

The high quality, light touring bike is the default bike included on the tour. It is perfectly suited to riding with lots of stops for explorations.

Upon request, and for a supplement, you can have a road bike or a pedal-assist electric bike – contact us for details.

All our touring bikes come equipped with removable handlebar bag with clear map case, flat tire kit (with extra inner tube), pump, lock, rear rack and back panniers, water bottle holder and new water bottle, bell and kickstand.

Ahead of the tour, we will ask you if you wish to use our helmets, and if you want toe cages on the pedals (both free of charge).

Each of our regions has its own bike fleet, often with a couple of different bike makes depending on sizing – if you want to know the specific bike details for your tour, just contact us, and we’ll be happy to send you the specs!

 

TOURING BIKE - men's frame (included in trip cost)

TOURING BIKE - women's Frame (included in trip cost)

E-bike - men's frame (supplement charge)

E-bike - women's frame (supplement charge)

Road (racing) bike (supplement charge)