Dordogne Cycling

Today you will arrive in the bustling old quarter of Souillac, a town of understated charm. Strategically placed since pre-Roman times on the confluence of the Borrèze and Dordogne Rivers, it is worthwhile to arrive early if you can and explore the old quarter and magnificent 11th-century Romanesque church. 

Your first day of cycling takes you beside the Dordogne River and along a cyclable piste, visiting Chateau Fenelon, set on a rocky promontory and an important stronghold in the Cathar Wars of the 12th and 13th centuries. Also, pass through the pretty village of Carsac.

Today, your destination is Sarlat la Canéda, which has been inhabited since Gallo-Roman times. On Saturdays there is a large market spread throughout the streets of the old town, selling local food produce and arts and crafts, there is also a smaller market on Wednesday mornings.

Ascent/descent: 190m/129m (623ft/423ft)

Today you can take a rest day in Sarlat Le Canéda to explore and take it easy, or you can opt to take a fascinating loop ride through the surrounding area.

Sarlat la Canéda is a beautiful little city and capital of the Périgord Noir. Feel like you have really stepped back in time as you wander down its medieval cobbled streets. The town grew up around the Benedictine Abbey and is popular today because of its medieval and Renaissance architecture. Saturdays and Wednesday mornings are market days in the old town.

If you choose to cycle, you will take a trail that leads you along pretty country lanes to the bastide town of Domme and to the town of La Roque-Gageac, which is neatly tucked beneath the cliffs next to the Dordogne River.

Optional ride - Ascent/descent: 334m/335m (1095ft/1099ft)

Say au revoir to Sarlat and cycle through the rolling countryside of the Dordogne valley to visit the medieval Chateau of Beynac, perched on top of a limestone cliff and one of the best-preserved in the region. The delightful town of St Cyprien is also en route, and perhaps you would like to take a break here and have lunch in an outdoor café on the square?

Upon leaving behind the Dordogne River, you will be heading for the Vézère Valley and the cliffs of Les Eyzies, world-renowned as a centre for pre-history. 

There is also a shorter route available (24km/15miles) through the Perigord woodlands. Both routes join in thre sleepy village of Meyrals, from where you cycle to Les Eyzies.

Ascent/descent: 511m/603m (1676ft/1978ft)

You may opt to have a rest day to spend time in Les Eyzies, or you can take an exciting cycle ride. Of course, if you get an early start, you can do both! On the edge of Les Eyzies (and on your optional cycle route) is the Font de Gaume, a grotto that contains pre-historic cave paintings and a World UNESCO Heritage Site (tickets must be reserved in advance).

Today, your cycle route takes you to Chateau de Commarque, built in the 12th century and surrounded by an area of untouched beauty. Also on today’s cycle route are troglodyte caves, a Roman chapel, a knights’ tower, and noblemen’s houses, recently discovered under 350 years of overgrown vegetation, all carved into the cliff. You will also want to visit Abri du Cap Blanc, another UNESCO pre-historic site that features a carved frieze of animals and a Cro-Magnon tomb which is 15,000 years old. The site is the only one of its kind that is still open to the public.

Optional ride - Ascent/descent: 527m/528m (1729ft/1732ft)

Your route today takes you along the Vézère Valley and beneath the towering limestone cliffs of Roque St Christophe, an enormous troglodyte site inhabited from prehistoric times until as recently as the 18th century. The whole complex is over 1km long, and it is well worth spending time here to explore.

Continue via the Romanesque church of St Leon, a pretty little village and if you take today's longer variant, you can visit the enchanting gardens and Renaissance fortress of Chateau de Losse. Finally, arrive in Montignac, a town with a turbulent history through the ages.

Alternatively, you might want to take a shorter route (24km) to the pre-historic caves of Castle Merle in Sergeac. Both routes join in Thonac and take you along the banks of the Vezere River into Montignac.

Ascent/descent: 285m/271m (935ft/889ft)

Today’s ride is through rolling countryside and several stone-built villages, then brings you near Lascaux Caves, France’s most famous prehistoric cave paintings. They were discovered in 1940 by four boys who were searching for their lost dog. The paintings here are renowned for their fantastic artistry with a 600-strong menagerie of animal figures, such as bison, mammoths, reindeer and horses. You cannot visit these original caves, but you may reserve tickets for the fascinating Lascaux IV, a stunning reproduction of the original cave interiors. 

Also, en route to Souillac, you can visit the golden limestone village of St Geniès and a 13th-century convent in Salignac. On the longer route, marvel at the unique topiary and landscaping of Les Jardins d’Eyrignac. Finally, enjoy your final evening in Souillac, where you may celebrate your cycling achievements and your stay in this beautiful region of France with a glass or two of Bergerac!

Ascent/descent: 492m/463m (1614ft/1519ft)

The tour finishes after breakfast. From Souillac you can make your onward journey.