Agen to Sarlat, Lot et Garonne and Dordogne

This self-guided trip crosses from Agen, "capital of the prune," through the Lot-et-Garonne's orchards and bastide towns to the medieval city of Sarlat. Riders pass Penne d'Agenais and the bastide of Villeneuve-sur-Lot before continuing to Monflanquin and the fortress of Gavaudun, crossing into the Périgord at Biron's fortified château.

The route continues along the Périgord bastide trail past the UNESCO-listed Cadouin cloister into the Périgord Noir, then follows the Dordogne valley past the châteaux of Les Milandes, Castelnaud and Beynac, and the clifftop village of La Roque Gageac.

The trip finishes in Sarlat-la-Canéda, noted for having the highest density of listed historic monuments in the world. An optional extra day extends to Les Eyzies, the "capital of prehistory," with a canoeing option on the Dordogne. Accommodation runs from 3-star to 4-star hotels and charming B&Bs.

Highlights

• Bastide towns of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Monflanquin and Monpazier
• Fortified sites of Gavaudun and Biron
• UNESCO-listed Cadouin cloister
• Périgord Noir châteaux: Les Milandes, Castelnaud and Beynac
• Clifftop village of La Roque Gageac and medieval Sarlat
• Optional extension to Les Eyzies, the "capital of prehistory," with a canoeing option

Surface and terrain:
Country roads through gentle hills and fertile valleys, becoming hillier through the Périgord bastide country. Notably hilly for an Evazio tour, with roughly 1,725m of ascent over the core 4 riding days.

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with a hillier self-guided tour, wanting a mix of bastide villages, châteaux and medieval heritage.