Dordogne cycling holiday, France

The Dordogne is one of Europe’s most beautiful valleys. It’s also one of the most spectacular and fascinating parts of France. In this region, you will find the best examples of cave art and early settlement which are really impressive, but you will also discover great castles, fortified towns and lovely villages.

Our trip starts and finishes in the beautiful mediaeval town of Souillac, with its stunning 12th century Benedictine monastery. You can also explore the Gardens of Eyrignac (one of the most beautiful gardens in France), Salignac and its castle and the typical Dordogne villages as St Genies, Les Eyzies de Tayac…

Here, you may set aside time to visit the grottos which are particularly famous and impressive, as well as the castle of Beynac which is on the cliff top.

A few miles and days later, you continue your ride through more picturesque villages (Montignac, Sarlat, Vitrac, Domme…) each with their own grottos, castles and beautiful scenery.

Cycling up from the rivers to the hills requires a moderate level of fitness. To relax after a day in the saddle, you can make a stop-over near the banks of the Dordogne Rivers as there are some good swimming spots there.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrival into Souillac

Day 2 – Souillac to Salignac - 30kms / 19 miles

Day 3 – Salignac to Les Eyzies - 47 kms / 29 miles

Day 4 - Les Eyzies - 25 to 60kms (5 options available) / 16 to 37.5 miles

Day 5 - Les Eyzies to Sarlat to Vitrac - 34 kms / 21 miles

Day 6 - Around Vitrac - 25 to 55kms (4 options available) / 16 to 34 miles

Day 7 – Vitrac to Souillac 32 kms / 20 miles

Day 8 – Departure