Dordogne Cycling

Cycle through distinctive limestone villages and the undulating countryside, whilst pausing to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the incredibly vibrant cave paintings of Font de Gaume. The French call the Dordogne by its ancient name of Périgord and this cycling tour is concentrated in the Périgord Noir. This region is characterised by its amazing history, the dark oak forests of the Vézère Valley, its chateaux-studded countryside and unrivalled gastronomy.

On this cycling tour you will experience the very best that this region has to offer. Begin in the handsome market town of Souillac, strategically placed on the confluence of two rivers. Spend two nights in medieval Sarlat la Canéda, a wonderful base for exploration and stroll down its medieval cobbled streets. A rest day may be spent here or take a great cycle to La Roque-Gageac; a village tucked underneath cliffs next to the Dordogne River. Les Eyzies is a town famous for its trogolodyte cave dwellings, prehistoric cave paintings and is located in the Vézère Valley, where you will discover some 150 archaeological sites.

Explore Les Eyzies on a rest day or take a loop cycle through the surrounding area, to the 12th century Chateau of Le Commarque and see newly-discovered noblemen’s houses. Their remains were buried by vegetation for over 350 years and lie in an area of untouched beauty. A visit to the Dordogne would not be complete without a visit to Roque St Christophe. This spectacular limestone edifice which is over 1km long was an enormous troglodyte dwelling and inhabited until as recently as the 18th century. Complete your cycling loop of classic Dordogne landscapes back in Souillac, your point of origin.

This self-guided cycling tour in the Dordogne includes seven nights accommodation in 2* and 3* hotels, 7 breakfasts, baggage transfers, maps, route notes and a comprehensive information pack.