Dordogne & Vezere – 6 Night Relaxed

The Dordogne is a well kept secret among the French and tour companies alike.  This stunning region is in the heart of some of the most wonderful cycling in the world.  This region’s beautiful countryside and 40,000 years of history to explore make it the perfect area for a cycling vacation. In this tour you explore the Vezere River Valley and it’s prehistory sites and the Dordogne River Valley with its amazing old fortresses hanging from the cliffs.  The accommodations are small family hotels with delicious food throughout the tour. It includes 3 gourmet dinners and all breakfasts. We strongly suggest that you start on a Sunday so that you can visit some of the local village markets on days that they are open. If you desire a longer yet similar tour check out our 10 day option. We offer the best Dordogne bike tours.

Day 1:  Les Eyzies arrival
You are met at the train station in the pre-history capital of France, Les Eyzies.  Your hotel is built into the side of the cliffs and is next to where the Cro-Magnon Man remains were discovered.  Settle in for 1 nights.  Depending on your time of arrival, you either assemble your bicycle or we will fit your rental, have a short orientation and then an afternoon warmup loop. A walk into the village and even a visit to one of the pre-history sites may be in order as well.

Day 2:  Les Eysies to Montignac
Today you follow the Vezere northeast to Montignac with several great pre-history sites along the way: Site Madeleine, Le Roque St. Christophe, and also the lovely Chateau de Losse.  The town of St. Leon is a good place for a picnic or cafe lunch. Your hotel is in the heart of Montignac, a wonderful small town at the base of Lascaux.  Dinner is at your hotel.  There are several short but steep climbs today.  Only 40km, but so much to see.

Day 3:  Montignac to Sarlat
Today is a very full day.  Tour the prehistoric caverns of Lascaux II in the morning.  This replica of the original cave (now closed to the public due to damage caused by carbon dioxide) is beautifully done and well worth the ride up the hill to get there.  On the way to Sarlat you have several stops.  The first are the villages of St. Amand de Coly and St. Genie.  Then a stop at a wonderful walnut mill, Moulin de la Tour, which should not be missed.  Settle in for 2 nights stay in Sarlat.  Dinner is on your own both nights.  If you find that you have the eimt plan on a self guided walking tour of the Old Town.   60km over rolling country with several short but steep climbs.

Day 4:  Sarlat Market & Exploration
You will wake to the sounds of the morning street market just down the street, which fills the old town.  It is a magnificent market with food, fabrics, clothing and art. You have nowhere you have to go today so shop as long as you like, then lunch and explore some more.  The historical sites are magnificent.  Keep an eye out for the perfect place to eat tonight since dinner is on your own.

Day 5:  Sarlat to La Roque Gageac
It is an easy ride to La Roque Gageac, but we will have lots for you to see and visit along the way as you enter the Dordogne River Valley.  Chateau Montfort, Domme and Chateau Beynac are along the route.   Your hotel is on the river and is known for its excellent cuisine. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 6:  La Roque Gageac to Les Eyzies
In the morning you head back down the Dordogne, by Castelnaud and then on to Chateau Les Milandes.  It is the former home of an American singer Josephine Baker.  This is the area described in Michael Creichton’s book Time Line, a must read before your visit to the Dordogne.  Head down the river and then up to the charming village of Meyrals for lunch or picnic along the river.  After lunch you will have time to visit three local artists studios.  It is then down hill to Les Eyzies and your lovely hotel where you started our journey.  Only about 40km, but so much to see.  You are on your own for dinner in Les Eyzies tonight.  There are several options including pizza, pasta or several great hotel restaurants including your own.

Day 7:  Les Eyzies departure
We collect your bike if you rented, help you move your bags to the depot, and bid you farewell.

To find out more about how our Self Guided Tours operate, what is included, and what is not, click HERE.

Special thanks to our local guides, Roger & Em Boiling, for many of the wonderful pictures included on this page and our other Dordogne pages. All of these images capture the beauty and peace that the Dordogne is known for. Come and discover this hidden cycling destination for your next vacation.