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Cycling in the lush Dordogne : short & sweet
    • France - Dordogne
    • 5 days
    • Cycling
    • Self-guided
      • From March to October
    • 2 - 10 travellers
      • Simple
      • Charming
      • Superior
      • Trip code : D1235
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About the Cycling in the lush Dordogne : short & sweet trip

An ideal 5-day cycling tour in South-West France through the heart of the Dordogne, a region that beckons with its rolling landscapes, medieval castles, pre-historic caves and lush valleys dotted with beautiful towns and quaint villages. The Dordogne and Vezere rivers snake through this tranquil landscape irrigating the vineyards and forests that have produced fine wines and black truffles for centuries.
For those interested in archaeology, it is one of Europe’s most fascinating regions, boasting traces of man dating back tens of thousands of years. The lovely riverside villages such as La Roque Gageac, St Leon sur Vezere and Domme are a highlight of any visit to the region, with their cobblestone streets, imposing castles and dramatic views. The Dordogne is also known for its fine food and wine :  local dishes such as succulent duck, wild boar and Fois Gras are specialties of the region. 

Highlights of the trip

  • An enticing mixture of charming villages, meandering rivers, historic chateaux & fascinating prehistoric sites
  • Bike, Wine & Dine: Exploring the Dordogne & Vezere valleys on two wheels
  • Châteaux de Commarque & Chateau Puymartin
  • La Roque Gageac, Domme, Beynac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
  • Saturday morning market in Sarlat


    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

From the blog

Cycling in lush Dordogne : short & sweet -  Day by day

Day 1 - Welcome to the Dordogne!

best cycling in dordogne and in famous sarlat medival village

  • Arrival on your own in Les Eyzies, known as the "Capital of Prehistory". Your self-guided cycling adventure begins in this charming village nestled in the heart of the Vézère Valley, boasting prehistoric sites and a rich cultural heritage.
  • Night in Les Eyzies

Day 2 - Cycling through prehistoric landscapes and troglodyte wonders

great cycling in the Dordogne along the river, discovering beautiful castles

  • Ride - Les Eyzies > Limeuil > Le Bugue > Eyzies
    44 km - Ascent: +500 m / Descent: -500 m
  • Begin your journey in Les Eyzies where prehistory comes to life at the National Prehistory Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits spanning thousands of years. Pedal onwards to Limeuil, a stunning location at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. The village offers beautiful views of these two rivers coming together, a picture postcard setting! Arriving in Le Bugue, delve into the town's vibrant atmosphere and bustling market, where local artisans and vendors offer a taste of authentic Périgord culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, an awe-inspiring underground cavern adorned with stunning crystal formations. As you complete the loop back to Les Eyzies, you'll have experienced the best of the Dordogne Valley, from prehistoric wonders to medieval villages and vibrant market towns, against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.
  • Night in Les Eyzies
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • Options : Kayak 

    Day 3 - Exploring medieval marvels by bike

    best ride and cycling around chateau commarque in dordogne

    • Ride - Les Eyzies > Chateau Commarque - Chateau de Puymartin > Sarlat
      34 km - Ascent: +770 m / Descent: -770 m
    • Pedal through picturesque countryside from Les Eyzies to the Château de Commarque, an ancient fortress perched amidst stunning landscapes. Continue your journey to Marquay, where you'll encounter charming village streets and idyllic countryside vistas. Next, explore the majestic Château de Puymartin, a medieval masterpiece steeped in history and architectural splendor. Finally, arrive in Sarlat, a jewel of the Périgord Noir region, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage.
    • Night in Sarlat
    • MEALS included: Breakfast

    Day 4 - Romantic loop ride passing fairytale chateaux, fortresses & charming villages

    cycling around chateau milandes, sarlat and eyzies in dordogne france

    • Ride - Sarlat > Domme > Chateau de Castelnaud > Chateau de Milandes > Sarlat
      . 48 km - Ascent: +750 m / Descent: -750 m
      . 64 km with the extra loops to Chateau Milanfdes & Beynac - Ascent : + 880m / Descent : -8802m
    • You leave Sarlat via a pleasant cylce path before climbing up to Domme, a fortified hilltop village with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Dordogne River below. Continue your ride to the village of Castelnaud, where the imposing Château de Castelnaud stands as a testament to medieval military prowess. Nearby, you have the option of an extra loop to explore the elegant Château des Milandes, once home to the legendary Josephine Baker. Then you can add a loop to Beynac, dominated by the majestic Château de Beynac, which overlooks the village and the river. You can make a detour to the meticulously landscaped gardens of the Jardins de Marqueyssac and finally, ride to La Roque-Gageac, a charming village nestled against the cliffs along the riverbank. Explore its narrow streets, visit the troglodyte fortifications and soak up the picturesque riverside ambiance. This loop bike ride promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable exploration of the Dordogne Valley and its many treasures.
    • Night in Sarlat
    • MEALS included: Breakfast

    Day 5 - Bye Bye Dordogne !

    best self-guided biking tour in dordogne france

    • After breakfast end of tour in Sarlat
    • MEALS included: Breakfast

      We recommend : 
    • The awe-inspiring pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, perched dramatically on a limestone cliff. Please see further details and prices in the extension section.

    - Access

    • To Les Eyzies 
      . From Bordeaux :  
         . Train (1h50) to Buisson de Cadouin and another train (0h15) to Les Eyzies
         . Train (1h30) to Perigueux and another train (0h30) to Les Eyzies
      . From Sarlat : Train (0h45) to Les Eyzies
      . From Paris : Train (2h) to Bordeaux
      . From Toulouse : Train (2h15) to Bordeaux

    • Return 
      . From sarlat to Toulouse :  Bus Nr 335 - (0h50) to Souillac and train (2h)
      . From Sarlat to Bordeaux :  Train (2h30-3h)
      . From Souillac to Toulouse :  Train (1h30-2h)
      . From Souillac to Bordeaux :  Train (2h30-3h)

    More Dordogne cycling tours

    Cycling in the lush Dordogne : short & sweet
      • France - Dordogne
      • 5 days
    • Cycling
    • Self-guided
      • From March to October

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Charming
      • Superior

    • Highlights of the trip

    • An enticing mixture of charming villages, meandering rivers, historic chateaux & fascinating prehistoric sites
    • Bike, Wine & Dine: Exploring the Dordogne & Vezere valleys on two wheels
    • Châteaux de Commarque & Chateau Puymartin
    • La Roque Gageac, Domme, Beynac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
    • Saturday morning market in Sarlat


      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 570 € / pers
    The best of Dordogne cycling
      • France - Dordogne
      • 7 days
    • Cycling
    • Self-guided
      • From March to October

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Charming
      • Superior

    • Highlights of the trip

    • Cycling through the heart of the Perigord from Montignac to Sarlat
    • Dramatic river valleys dotted with fairytale chateaux, fortresses & charming villages
    • Many Prehistoric sites including the impressive Lascaux caves in Montignac & troglodyte houses
    • The gourmet gastronomy & local wines


      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 820 € / pers
    Trip details
    Cycling in the lush Dordogne : short & sweet
        • France - Dordogne
        • 2 adults (2x570€)
        • 0 children (0x570€)
      • 5 days
      • Simple
    Total 1140€
    Deposit 400€
    Book now !