Cycling in the Dordogne Valley, France

The area's great gastronomic traditions are well represented at our comfortable inns, but the real joy of this holiday is to cycle through some of France's most beautiful countryside, a delight to discover on two wheels. The sunny Dordogne Valley provides the perfect landscape for a leisurely week’s cycling discovery between the handsome market town of Souillac and the pretty, hill-top village of Loubressac.

Enjoy delightful dinners wherever you stay while, for lunch, picnic by the river or stop at authentic, inexpensive village restaurants. The cycling is undulating and, in places, challenging, but always rewarding. A real highlight of the week is exploring the renowned hanging village of Rocamadour.

Accommodation: 

La Vieille Auberge, Souillac Bedrooms here are simple, the focal point instead being the restaurant, which enjoys an excellent reputation for the delicious cuisine of Robert Véril.

Hotel le Troubadour, Hospitalet Set in its own grounds, the Troubadour enjoys good views over the surrounding countryside. Rooms are prettily decorated and furnished with pieces made by a local craftsman, and give direct access to the outdoor pool. In July and August, your stay is on a bed and breakfast basis only, leaving you free to choose from the many restaurants in Hospitalet and Rocamadour.

Relais de Castelnau, Loubressac This is a comfortable hotel, so named because it enjoys views to the château of Castelnau from the restaurant, terrace and outdoor pool.

Auberge de l’Île, Creysse. Located in this pretty village set high above the river, with an interesting church and a ruined castle, the Auberge has a homely atmosphere and rustic restaurant. It is a five-minute walk from the river, and there is a garden in which to relax.

Hotel Le Pont de l'Ouysse, Lacave Choose to upgrade to this high-quality hotel, the best on the holiday, which sits on the banks of the River Ouysse beneath the château of Belcastel. The cuisine, fully deserving of its Michelin star, is outstanding, and there is no shortage of space to relax, including an outdoor pool and pleasant gardens.

Traveller Reviews of This Trip

Very well organised by Inntravel - ample time to see the towns, villages and local tourist attractions (for example the caves) whilst en-route between hotels. Very satisfied with the holiday - I will definitely go on another cycling holiday organised by Inntravel. Mr Smith, Cheshire, 27/07/2011

The Hotel Pont de l'Ouysse [the upgrade option] was a particular highlight to the holiday. The food and restaurant service were excellent - and we were put in a suite which was a nice surprise. We had a really nice holiday and we look forward to our next one with Inntravel. Mr J Haselden, Warwick, 18/06/2011

We did this trip with Inntravel 15 years ago with my wife and daughter who was 3 at the time; and have ever so fond memories of timeless villages, wonderful food and lovely people. My eldest daughter has turned 18 and has two younger sisters - and we are planning to go back again. This trip will not disappoint! Thomas A, Budapest, 20/02/2010

For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Self-guided cycling in the Dordogne