Dordogne: Castles & Valleys
- Overview
- Details / Dates
- Day By Day
- Trip Leaders
- Testimonials
- Map
- Media
Photo Gallery: Dordogne Castles & Valleys
Dordogne: Castles & Valleys
Serene Cycling through Unspoiled Southwestern France
Highlights
- Truly discover the road less traveled in the rural idyll of the Dordogne region
- Charming hotels, stunning castles and classic properties
- Pre-historic paintings and sculptures seen on the walls of the region’s renowned caves
- Canoe down the smooth flowing Dordogne river
- Picnic on the banks of the Dordogne river
Description
Italophiles, it’s time to discover a new world! The Dordogne region of southwest France rivals the best of Italy for its storied history, thousand castles, lush green scenery, golden-stone villages, ancient art, generous people and hearty provincial cuisine. Explore it with us on this deliciously offbeat new itinerary.
-
Price
May - Jun: $4,895
Sep: $4,995 -
Single Supplement
$850
-
Ability Level
Intermediate
-
Terrain
Rolling, a few hills and green
-
Distance
Total Mileage: 289 Daily Average: 326
-
Departing
Brive-la-Gaillarde
-
Arriving
Brive-la-Gaillarde
-
Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
-
Other Trips You'll Like
-
Dates
- June 27, 2012
- September 7, 2012
- September 27, 2012
Day 1–2: Meyronne and Rocamadour
Day 1: Today we meet for introduction and a light lunch followed by a ride through the country farmlands. Our route takes us through nearby villages and gives a good overview of the local terrain and ambiance.
Day 2: On today's ride we cross the River Dordogne four times as we peruse our way along its valley. We spin through villages soaked in history as we take a guided visit to Rocamadour, a cliff-hugging medieval village that was built on a limestone cliff.
Day 3–5: Sarlat, Beynac, Castelnaud, and the Dordogne river
Day 3: Pedal through the heart of Périgord Noir, a region known for its abundance of walnut trees and truffles. We will pass through the picturesque village of Vitrac on our way to Sarlat.
Day 4: Enjoy the architectural beauty of medieval Sarlat. Then, it’s off to the Beynac Castle, which offers spectacular views from high above the Dordogne River.
Day 5: Aboard a canoe, paddle past honey-colored villages. We then stop for an explorative guided tour of Castelnaud. A picnic here provides the perfect opportunity to survey the lovely countryside.
Day 6–7: Le Bugue, Les Eyzies and the prehistoric sculpture of Cap Blanc
Day 6: From the Medieval to the Prehistoric: our journey to Bugue will take us into some of human history’s oldest dwellings. Today we’ll pedal by the unique village of La Roque-Gageac nestled into the rocky cliff along the river.
Day 7: Today we will cycle to the town of Le Eyzies, commonly referred to as the world’s prehistoric capital. To help us on our journey into the past we will meet the local guide for a visit of Cap Blanc, the only site of prehistoric sculpture that is is still open to the public.
Day 8–9: Coly and the cave drawings of Lascaux II
Day 8: En route to Coly our lunch will be taken in the attractive town of Montignac before we head up to Lascaux II, a perfect replica of the original cave drawings, found just nearby. After our visit we head to our suggestive Manoir in the heart of the countryside.
Day 9: On our last day of cycling, once again we travel through the beautiful farmlands and pastures of the area as we head towards the town of Terrasson. Highlights include cycling over a stunning 12th century bridge, and enjoying the Perigord countryside, before we return through rolling farmlands to the Manoir d’Hautegente.
Day 10: Au revoir!
It's time to say goodbye after an early morning breakfast. Perhaps you will choose to extend your fairytale trip, with some extra days in France!
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
-
Vern V. from Diablo, CA had this to say about Dordogne Castles & Valleys:
The rides were incredible! -
Roseann R. from Annapolis, MD had this to say about Dordogne Castles & Valleys:
The location is breathtakingly beautiful. Seeing the caves and castles was great. The little towns where we stopped for lunch were also fun and they showed us the real France. -
Greg L. from Overland Park, KS had this to say about Dordogne Castles & Valleys:
My best memories are from Ciclismo tours, where I get to use all five senses experiencing the countryside. -
Margretta L. from Overland Park, KS had this to say about Dordogne Castles & Valleys:
Well organized, meals & hotels were great, bike routes were well chosen, guides were excellent! Very knowledgeable, competent and helpful. Beautiful region.
