Dordogne: Castles & Valleys
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Dordogne: Castles & Valleys
Serene Cycling through Unspoiled Southwestern France
Highlights
- Al fresco feasts of the region’s famed cuisine
- Visit to the remarkable Lascaux II facsimile, perfectly replicating France’s best cave paintings
- Picturesque spins down a cyclist’s dream geography of scarcely traveled country roads
- Off-the-bike excursions, including a boat ride on an underground river
- Exclusive visits with artists and craftspeople in their studios
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.
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Price
May - Jun: $4,895
Sep: $4,995 -
Single Supplement
$850
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Ability Level
Intermediate
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Terrain
Rolling and green
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Distance
Total Mileage: 320 Daily Average: 32
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Departing
Brive-la-Gaillarde
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Arriving
Brive-la-Gaillarde
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Bike Rental
Included!
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- May 11, 2012
- June 27, 2012
- September 7, 2012
- September 27, 2012
Day 1–2: Gramat
Settle into a hilltop chateau with enchanting views. A ride through the countryside gives a good overview of the local terrain. On day 2, take a spin through sleepy villages, leading to a dramatic descent toward Gouffre de Padirac, a huge chasm. There, if you so choose, you can embark on a boat ride along a subterranean river.
Day 3–5: Vitrac-Sarlat
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. On day 4, spend some time visitng the market area and enjoying the architectural beauty of medieval Sarlat. Then, it’s off to the Beynac Castle, which offers spectacular views from high above the Dordogne River. On day 5, aboard a canoe, paddle past honey-colored villages. We then stop for an explorative self-guided tour of Castelnaud. A picnic here provides the perfect opportunity to survey the lovely countryside.
Day 6–7: Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Gear down for a climb to Domme, a fortified town with commanding views. On day 7, step back into prehistory as we behold some of the world’s oldest cave paintings.
Day 8–9: Coly
Following a trip to view replicas of the now-faded cave paintings, sublime riverside riding features stops at a troglodytic fortress, and the site of a 12th century church with evidence of Roman and Byzantine occupation. On day 9, spin past the 18th century Chateau de Rastignac, known as the "French White House" for its resemblace to our White House in Washington, D.C. We will then return to Coly through the rolling farmlands of the Périgord Noir region.
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
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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.
