Dordogne Experience

Dordogne Experience are a small, family-run business offering self-guided walking and cycling holidays in south-west France. They are owned and run by Cassie, who took over from Keith and Val, the previous owners, and have been arranging independent holidays in the region for over 40 years. Cassie plans and looks after each holiday herself, from first enquiry to departure, and often meets guests along the way. Keith and Val still offer advice, and the family has walked or cycled every route themselves.

Their holidays run inn to inn through the Dordogne, Lot and Ardèche. Each one includes welcoming, often family-run hotels, daily luggage transfers and detailed route notes. Breakfast is included every day, along with most evening meals, leaving a few nights free for local restaurants. Guests choose their own start dates, and most itineraries can be extended.

Their cycling holidays follow quiet lanes, riverside paths and manageable daily distances. Routes take in châteaux, prehistoric cave sites such as Lascaux and Les Eyzies, and some of France’s most beautiful villages. Bike hire is included, and e-bikes are available for riders who want extra help on the hills, so guests don’t need to be fast or highly experienced. They can also design a bespoke cycling tour around a guest’s own itinerary and preferred distances.