You will begin cycling near the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers. These river valleys have been populated for very obvious reasons. Their beauty and fertility are unsurpassed. The profusion of chateaux suggests the passionate history of this coveted landscape. Cycling from one medieval village to another, you will marvel at the beauty of the countryside, and how little the passage of time seems to have changed things. Behind the lazy riverbanks and cliff side villages, chestnut and oak forests hide entrances to caves whose walls have been decorated by stone-age artists.
After exploring prehistoric and medieval sites peppering the Dordogne valley, will cross from Rocamadour to the Célé and Lot Rivers, finishing near their confluence in St. Cirq-Lapopie, and enjoying a final night of rest at a magnificent chateau in Cahors.
This trip stands out as being exceptional in all facets. The cycling is virtually perfect, on quiet and consistently beautiful routes. The lodging is so comfortable your toes will curl, and the profusion of culinary temptations will inspire your appetite and tease your senses while fuelling your energy for each day’s interests and pleasures. If you dream of pampered cycling in France, this is the trip for you!
2008 Guided Dates: May 18-25; Jun 15-22; Aug 23-30; Sept 20-27.
Self-guided or custom groups any time.
Tour starts: St. Emilion, near Bordeaux. Train or taxi access from Bordeaux airport (½hr.). TGV (high-speed train) from Paris 3½ hours.
Tour finish: Cahors, with regular train connections to Toulouse, Bordeaux, or Paris. Route Notes: Level and hilly routes on some days. 30 - 80km daily. Relaxed riders enjoy level cycling with some van transfers. Advanced riders stray from the riverbanks for the hilly options, and diversity of exploration. There is an abundance of fabulous cycling here!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Pick up in St. Emilion at 3:00pm for van transfer to the Hotel in Tremolat. Dinner at the hotel at 1930. Before our rendezvous at the train station in St. Emilion try to look around the golden cobble-stoned town, famous for macaroons as well as for exceptional wines. Dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Le Vieux Logis, Tremolat.
Day 2: 29, 62, or 83 km; level or hilly options. Cycle from Le Bugue to the ancient and lovely town of Limeuil at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers, then on through Le Bugue to Les Eyzies de Tayac. Visit the famous Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, with its fabulous prehistoric paintings. Return to Tremolat for an exquisite dining and lodging experience. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch included on guided trips. Lodging: Le Vieux Logis, Tremolat.
Day 3: 63 km. Ride to Vitrac and Domme, via St. Cyprien and Le Rocque Gageac. Follow the Dordogne River through amazing towns built into cliffs at the water’s edge. A visit to the highly rated tourist town of Sarlat is optional. Rest in the magnificent country estate, where you will dine in superb French style. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch also included on guided trips. Lodging: Hotel de l’Esplanade, Domme.
Day 4: 54 km. Ride to an inn near Rocamadour, following the banks of the Dordogne. You’ll stop at the magnificent Montfort Castle overlooking a bend in the river below. Optional stop in Souillac to see bas-relief carvings in the cathedral. Optional cave visit at Les Grottes de Lacave, near the quiet hotel where you’ll rest for the next two nights. Dine at a nearby chateau. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Domaine de La Rhue, Rocamadour.
Day 5: 73 km loop ride. Early visit to La Gouffre de Padirac, a magnificent cave system partially explored by boat, then cycle to Loubressac, one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Carrenac. Return via St. Sozy and Meyronne. Dining tonight is a special experience! Breakfast included. Picnic lunch and dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Domaine de La Rhue, Rocamadour.
Day 6: 72 km on exceptionally quiet roads. Morning exploration of the medieval village of Rocamadour, which houses the Christian relic scholars believe is the body of Jesus’ friend Zacchaeus. Leaving Rocamadour, to meander through quiet rural countryside to the valleys of the Lot and Cele Rivers, where beautiful houses are perched on the sides of cliffs, and farmland abounds. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch also included on guided trips. Lodging: Chateau du Viguier du Roy, Figeac.
Day 7: 50, 60, or 120 km. Cycle downstream to visit to Les Grottes de Peche Merle to view prehistoric paintings. Continue to the fantastic village perchee of St. Cirq-LaPopie and back, enjoying the quiet and pretty roads and towpaths on the banks of the Lot River. Afternoon transfer from wherever you want to finish to your chateau for a sumptuous final night with dinner. Breakfast included. Dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Chateau du Viguier du Roy, Figeac.
Day 8: Morning departure, and transfers to the train station in Figeac. Breakfast included.
Testimonials:
"You have provided me with one of the finest vacations I have ever had; one that exceeded, in many ways, my very high expectations. The route was far more beautiful, interesting, and less difficult than I had imagined… Your attention to dietary requests was superb."
(Steven Grossman, Chicago)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $3995 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, light picnic lunches, 4 dinners, Font de Gaume admission, route notes & maps, luggage handling, van & guide support)
Self-Guided Cost: $3495 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, route notes & maps, luggage handling)
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
Archeology/History
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