See vertiginous Rocamadour, the Lascaux caves, black truffles and foie gras, and Hundred Year's War castles in this lush part of France filled with pretty villages.
2022 per person price
| CLASSIC TOUR | 1190€ |
| CLASSIC + TOUR | 1390€ |
| DELUXE TOUR | 1950€ |
* Price based on double room occupancy - please contact us for details on single room supplements
| CLASSIC PACKAGE | |
| 2 Nights Hotel du Château in Rocamadour | www.hotelchateaurocamadour.com |
| 1 Night Hotel Vieille Auberge in Souillac | www.la-vieille-auberge.com |
| 2 Nights Hotel La Couleuvrine in Sarlat | www.la-couleuvrine.com |
| 1 Night Hotel Le Lascaux in Montignac | www.hotel-lascaux24.fr/fr |
| CLASSIC+ PACKAGE | |
| 2 Nights Hotel les Esclargies in Rocamadour | www.esclargies.com |
| 1 Night Pavillon Saint Martin in Souillac | www.hotel-saint-martin-souillac.com |
| 2 Nights Grand Hotel - Pavillon Selves in Sarlat | www.selves-sarlat.com |
| 1 Night Hotel la Roseraie in Montignac | www.laroseraie-hotel.com |
| DELUXE PACKAGE | |
| 2 Nights Hotel Les Vieilles Tours in Rocamadour | www.vtrocamadour.com |
| 1 Night Château de la Treyne in Lacave | www.chateaudelatreyne.com |
| 2 Nights Hotel Plaza Madeleine in Sarlat | www.plaza-madeleine.com |
| 1 Night Hotel Bouilhac in Montignac | www.hoteldebouilhac.fr |
Welcome to the Dordogne! We will meet you at the Souillac train station and transfer to your first hotel on the outskirts of Rocamadour, where we will provide you with your trip package and check the bike fitting, before leaving you with time for explorations. In 1166, an incorruptible body was found buried where the Sanctuary of Rocamadour now lays. This discovery propelled the village to become one of the 4 most important pilgrimage sites of medieval Christiandom, attracting Kings and paupers alike. The 216 steps that make up the Great Staircase separate the lower town from the complex of religious structures set halfway up the cliff, including the 8 chapels of the Sanctuary. Explore the ancient streets snaking one above the other in this vertiginous site, before your first dinner, included this evening.
Your first ride takes you through the gorgeous countryside of the Regional Park of the Causses de Quercy with rolling hills and valleys and beautiful villages. Your route brings you to the Gouffre de Padirac, one of the most incredible geological sites in all of France; descend into the caverns and visit the underground lake in small boats, with the stalactites and stalagmites reflected in the limpid waters around you. The long option takes you through one of France's "Prettiest Villages", Loubressac, before turning back towards Rocamadour for a second evening in time to enjoy a drink in one of the local cafés while deciding where you might like to eat dinner this evening.
Today’s ride takes you northwards towards the Dordogne River, passing through the lovely village of Mayrinhac, and crossing the river at St Sozy. Continue on a lovely route niched between the banks of the river and the shade of the cliffs through pretty Creyyse; and then up to beautiful medieval Martel, with its seven historic towers. Quiet countryside and villages bring you at last to Souillac itself, on the banks of the river. Take some time to meander through town and admire the 11th century Saint Mary’s Abbey - Souillac itself dates back to the foundation of a Benedictine Monastery in the year 655! Your dinner this evening is included. (Please note the Deluxe version spends the night outside nearby Lacave at Chateau de la Treyne).
Today’s ride is beautiful, following the bends and curves of the Dordogne. In the morning, you have a climb away from the river to go to the impressive and beautiful Chateau of Fenelon. As with so many of the region's castles, the site was attacked, damaged, and rebuilt a multitude of times over the centuries. You finish your day following an easiergoing bike path through lush greenery all the way into the medieval town of Sarlat. 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. Dinner on your own this evening, with a multitude of choices.
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 (fortified 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. Dinner included tonight.
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, but made famous today as it is the home of the renowned prehistoric cave painting site of Lascaux.You'll be able to visit the recently opened Lascaux IV reproduction, just on the outskirts of Montignac while here of course!
After a final breakfast, say goodbye to Dordogne until next time. We transfer you to Brive-la-Gaillarde or Souillac train station for your further travels. Bon Voyage!
