The Dordogne is often called the most beautiful river in France. Our tour to this land of the castles of Richard the Lionheart features the most famous and spectacular section of the river, studded with castles and cave art. The pedaling is perfect, and a plenitude of sights and attractions round out your vacation. This tour to the southwest serves as a delightful introduction to France, but also suits experienced adventurers.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Gourdon. Cliff will give you the bikes and a briefing for the tour.
(B)
Day 2:
Leave Gourdon to pedal to the Dordogne Valley. You'll then climb to the region of the causse, a wild limestone plateau with stone walls and black-eyed sheep. Visit an ancient water-powered flour mill on the way to Rocamadour, today's destination.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
Explore the ancient pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, a near-vertical town overlooking the isolated Ouysse ravine. Then ride to Carennac, or to Autoire, delightful villages dotting the course of the Dordogne River. Explore the sinkhole of Padirac Chasm and take a boat ride on an underground river, before returning to Rocamadour.
(B)
Day 4:
Wind your way past oak groves, where the famous truffles grow, to the Dordogne River. Follow its curves to the cliffside villages of La Roque-Gageac and Vitrac and settle in for two nights. Or, if you prefer, continue to the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat for two nights.
(B)
Day 5:
Enjoy a full day to explore the region. Wander through Sarlat, with its charming winding streets and magnificent buildings. Visit Beynac, then Castelnaud castle with its medieval warfare museum. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable view from the golden hilltop village of Domme.
(B)
Day 6:
Enjoy spectacular views of the Dordogne valley as you follow winding roads through the forests and villages of Périgord Noir. Pause at St-Cyprien, dominated by its massive Romanesque church, then head to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, sometimes referred to as "The World Capital of Prehistory".
(B) (D)
Day 7:
On a day ride from Les Eyzies you'll explore the Vézère River valley. This is the land of the most famous prehistoric sites, including caves and troglodyte dwellings. Visit Font de Gaume, Abri du Cap Blanc and the lovely village of St-Léon. Go as far as Lascaux .
(B)
Day 8:
Follow gentle river valleys through the green hills of the Bouriane to return to Gourdon. Savour the beauty and tranquility of this charming landscape.
(B)
Day 9:
Take a final stroll through Gourdon's medieval streets before heading off on your next adventure.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The price includes. Single supplement may vary.:
> eight nights' accommodation in your choice of charming, small, family-run hotels (classic) or Bed & Breakfasts. (Price shown is B&B level)Six nights' or 10 nights' accommodation are included on the short and long tours, respectively. Luxe upgrades are available at some locations.
> all breakfasts and two dinners; one dinner on the short tour; three on the long tour
> use of a top quality 21-speed Trek (or equivalent) hybrid bike complete with handlebar bag, panniers, pump and all the necessary accessories, helmet included
> detailed Route Descriptions and maps
> luggage transfers
> suggestions on where to eat and interesting side trips to take
> emergency support just a phone call away
(Single Person price is an estimate as this varies based on actual rooms booked)
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
Archeology/History
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