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Itinerary

Welcome to the Dordogne! Upon your arrival at the train station, we transfer you to your first hotel, where we provide you with your bike and a brief orientation of your maps, routes notes, etc… You’ll have time to explore the ancient streets of Souillac (the town dates back to the foundation of a Benedictine Monastery in the year 655!), with its cobblestones, boutiques, and 11th century Saint Mary’s Abbey. Wander down to the banks of the Dordogne, which you will be following over the next few days. Your dinner this evening is included. (note the CLASSIC+ and DELUXE itineraries stay a little outside of Souillac, but you ride through it the following day).

Your first day’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, 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, say goodbye to Dordogne until next time. We transfer you to Brive-la-Gaillarde or Souillac train station for your further travels. Bon Voyage!

What's included

  • 5 nights’ accommodation of the comfort level of your choice * CLASSIC, CLASSIC + or DELUXE
  • Hotel taxes
  • All breakfasts, 2 dinners (drinks not included with 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
  • Luggage transfers hotel to hotel
  • Transfer from Souillac or Sarlat train station to first hotel
  • Transfer to train station in Souillac or Brive-la-Gaillarde at the end of the trip
  • Phone call support 7 days a week

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

Hotel Details

Classic Tour

1090 € / pers.

1 Night
Hotel Vieille Auberge – Souillac

2 Nights
Hotel la Couleuvrine – Sarlat

2 Nights
Hotel le Lascaux – Montignac

Classic + Tour

1450 € / pers.

1 Night
Le Pont de l’Ouysse – Lacave

2 Nights
Grand Hotel Pavillon Selves – Sarlat

2 Nights
Hotel la Roseraie – Montignac

Deluxe Tour

2250 € / pers.

1 Night
Chateau de la Treyne – Lacave

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)