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France: The Dordogne

Dordogne Valleys & Villages Cycling

Trip code: C08DO

Average customer rating 4.7 / 5(35 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Cycling
8 nights hotel-to-hotel
Moderate
COβ‚‚ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Dramatic river valleys, medieval towns,
fairytale chateaux, UNESCO Les Eyzies

Prehistoric sites including the
impressive Lascaux II caves

Varied riverside cycling following the
banks of the Vezere, Dordogne and Borreze rivers

Excellent hotels, most with pools

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Trip details

The Dordogne is one of the largest and most picturesque areas in France. It is
divided into two by the Dordogne River, which founded the historic frontier
between France and England during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). Along its
banks you’ll find over a thousand castles steeped in legend and history, and witness
to centuries of conquests and distinct cultures. Today, the rich and varied culture of
this land is still here for you to discover. The towering strongholds of Beynac,
Castelnaud, Domme and Montfort offer breath-taking views and your route also
takes you to little-known chateaux hidden deep in the woods.

What's included

Included

  • 8 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts and 2 evening meals
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Your bike

Hand-picked for the route, hire included

Velo, 89 or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials.

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 Β· β€”Arrive in Souillac

Arrive in Souillac

Arrive at La Vieille Auberge. Explore the town before you decide on where to go for dinner.

You stay at La Vieille Auberge

Facade of La Vieille Auberge in Souillac
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La Vieille Auberge

Souillac

  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Television
  • Wifi access

La Vieille Auberge, a coach house from Napoleonic times, has been modernised to create a charming auberge in a quiet part of Souillac.

The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities with a modern twist.

Day 2 Β· 36km/22.4miSouillac to Sarlat

Souillac to Sarlat

Head west to visit its fine collection of armour and objets d’art. Then on to the Hotel Meysset in Sarlat where you’ll stay for the next two nights with dinner included.

Elevation

Souillac to Sarlat elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Meysset

Hotel Le Meysset
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Hotel Meysset

Sarlat

  • American Express
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Shops
  • Swimming pool
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

This 3 star traditional Perigord hotel, set in 3 acres of pine woods and gardens, enjoys an elevated position just 3kms above Sarlat. It offers complete tranquillity, wonderful food, an outdoor pool and fantastic views from its terrace over the surrounding valley.

The cooking here is based on the wonderfully rich and gastronomic cuisine for which this region is famous, so don’t come here if you’re counting the calories!

Day 3 Β· β€”At Sarlat

At Sarlat

Explore Sarlat’s stunning Old Town with its beautiful jumble of varying architectural styles. Alternatively, visit the bustling market on a Wednesday/Saturday or cycle to Domme or La Roque-Gageac.

Elevation

At Sarlat elevation profile

Day 4 Β· 40km/24.9miSarlat to Les Eyzies

Sarlat to Les Eyzies

Head through the Perigord Nord via beynac and visit its hilltop fortified castle. Then it’s on past traditional Perigoudine houses in Meyrals to Les Eyzies where you’ll stay at the Hotel Les Glycines for the next two nights

Elevation

Sarlat to Les Eyzies elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Les Glycines

Les Glycines Les Eyzies
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Hotel Les Glycines

Les Eyzies

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

This hotel is a real gem, run by the family Lombard, who have over the past 10 years carefully restored the building to its former grandeur. The hotel has a cosy bar, a modern bistrot and a light airy dining room which looks out onto the well kept gardens surrounding the swimming pool.

All rooms have views of the courtyard and are en-suite with a bath, hairdryer and television. Upgrades to larger rooms overlooking the gardens are available on request.

Day 5 Β· β€”At Les Eyzies

At Les Eyzies

The steep limestone cliffs surrounding the village are honeycombed with shelters and caves where prehistoric man once lived and practised magic. Our circular cycling route takes you through the magnificent Vezere Gorges and back via the Abri du Cap Blanc where you’ll find the only remaining frieze of prehistoric sculptures in the world open to the public. Or spend the day canoeing or kayaking down the gentle Vezere River.

Elevation

At Les Eyzies elevation profile

Day 6 Β· 29km/18.0miLes Eyzies to Montignac

Les Eyzies to Montignac

An initial climb today before a fabulous freewheel down to La Roque St-Christophe, the oldest and largest cave site in western Europe, then on to the pretty village of St Leon. Continue along the river to the medieval town of Montignac and the charming La Roseraie, your hotel for the next two nights.

Elevation

Les Eyzies to Montignac elevation profile

You stay at Hotel La Roseraie

Pretty exterior of La Roseraie, Montignac
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Hotel La Roseraie

Montignac

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops

Set in a lovely little square in the small town of Montignac you are guaranteed a warm welcome at La Roseraie. The hotel is a converted 19th century town house, and is beautifully decorated throughout, with each of the spacious, ensuite bedrooms showcasing a different design.

The hotel takes its name from its 100 year old rose garden, which is part of the hotel’s huge gardens where you’ll also find the swimming pool and sun terrace – ideal for relaxing.

The hotel also has a lounge area and library for guests’ use.

Day 7 Β· β€”At Montignac

At Montignac

Montignac oozes charm and is well worth exploring. Perhaps wander up to the ruined chateau, before heading off to the nearby Lascaux caves complex, ranked as the number one prehistoric site in Europe. Back at the hotel, the gardens and swimming pool are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the summer sun.

Elevation

At Montignac elevation profile

Day 8 Β· 47km/29.2miMontignac to Souillac

Montignac to Souillac

Discover the tiny farming village of St-Amand-de-Coly, then head out to Salignac. From here, we recommend a short detour to the Manoir d’Eyrignac, whose gardens are rated the best in France, before continuing to La Vieille Auberge for your final night.

Elevation

Montignac to Souillac elevation profile

Day 9 Β· β€”Leave Souillac

Leave Souillac

Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.

Extending your holiday

Hotel Le Senat Paris
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Hotel Le Senat

Paris

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Television

The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.

The hotel has its own small bar – adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists’ quarter – plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.

Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you’ll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.

Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone’s throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you’ll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.

Pere Leon Toulouse

Hotel Pere Leon

Toulouse

  • Air conditioning
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Diners Club
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops

The Hotel Pere Leon is ideally situated just a short walk from the historic centre of Toulouse, with the main sights just a short walk away. Just 50 metres from the metro, there is easy access to the rest of the city. The hotel is in Place Esquirol, a bustling, lively square and in close proximity to many bars and restaurants.

The hotel itself has a modern contemporary feel, which has been recently renovated. The ensuite rooms have soundproof windows and all mod cons. Breakfast is a buffet affair with a good choice of French staples, and a hot section.

The hotel has its own bistro restaurant with seats outside where you can enjoy a drink or dinner.

What our travellers say

Great easy cycling for the most part amongst beautiful countryside with interesting places to visit all along the way.

Mrs Stevens

We had a relaxing week in the Dordogne, with cycling and beautiful food every day. The routes, although appearing short, are very hilly in places and are not to be taken lightly. We really would recommend kayaking on this trip, as there were lots of opportunities alongside the cycling and it added a great extra dimension. There are lots of ancient monuments and castles to explore, but simply soaking up the medieval architecture is a treat in itself. In August, it was nearly 40 degrees so be prepared, and get the cycles done early, so you have time to relax. Try the local vin de noix, and all the lovely cheeses and meats. After all, you will cycle them off! And do NOT forget insect repellent!!

Mr Barlow

A lovely way to explore this beautiful and historic area of France while building up a good appetite for a classic french meal

Mr Rogers

Lovely area, great hotels mostly, very enjoyable

Mr Thake

We had the best cycle briefing ever from Nick, the Headwater rep, who was friendly and professional. All the hotels were lovely to stay in with great food and beautiful swimming pools to relax in at the end of the day’s cycling. We were warned about the steep climb at the end of day one and maybe, given the hilly nature of the Dordoigne area, we should have anticipated the hills. They were quite tough going in places. The GPS made finding the way easy .
On the down side, some of the rides were a bit dull. We cycled in Umbria last time and enjoyed it more; great architecture, villages and generally more fun. The French drivers all give you room when passing but pass at high speed and most of the cycling is on roads, not cycle paths.
I will save up for another Headwater holiday though but will spend a little more time looking at the area first. Lovely weather!!

Mrs Skinner

The briefing by the reps about the bikes and the Ride with GPS app was very good. The route notes were also useful. The bicycles were excellent. The ladies needed the electric bikes in the Dordogne because they had not done much cycling preparation beforehand. The meals at each hotel were very good. The countryside was beautiful and there were many interesting sites to visit.

Mr Quaddy

An excellent balance of cycling (some challenging hills!) sightseeing, eating and drinking with plenty of opportunity for relaxing as well.

Mrs Boyle

We had a fantastic holiday mixing exercise with beautiful scenery, excellent food in a tranquil environment. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a cycling holiday with Headwater.

Mrs Craft

A great holiday but it does have a few flaws!

Mr Hughes

Cycling hillier than expected, Lascaux caves a highlight, food at Les Glycines excellent, prefered new longer 25mile rather than 20mile trips with 2 days at one location, grateful for taxi for 2hour trip to Toulouse when train failed but strongly dislike single person supplement

Mr Francies
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

8.0

Kg COβ‚‚e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise β€” including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities β€” and express them as COβ‚‚e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

FromΒ£1,219per person