Dordogne Cycling Through History

Souillac to Rocamadour. You start by cycling along the banks of the beautiful Dordogne and later have the chance to visit Les Grottes de Lacave or the Parc Prehistorique. Your route then takes you away from the Dordogne to spend the night at the spectacular ‘perched’ village of Rocamadour. Since the 12c, generations of pilgrims have travelled to see the ‘miracle’ working Black Virgin (a walnut carving) and the remains of St Amadour. In the atmospheric evening light, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views and, if you’re lucky, catch sight of eagles soaring over the gorge of the Alzou.

Miles: 20 Kms: 32

Rocamadour to Gourdon. Enjoy the most spectacular views of Rocamadour as you leave this morning, before entering the forest and rolling hills in the nature area of Causse du Quercy. You pass through the villages of Couzou and Le Vigan en route to your overnight destination of Gourdon.

Miles: 21 Kms: 34

Gourdon to La Roque Gageac. Leaving Gourdon you continue through pretty countryside on your way back to the valley of the Dordogne at Domme with its spectacular Royal ‘Bastide’ mansion founded on a sheer rocky outcrop. You may choose to walk through this fortified village, held to be one of the most beautiful places in France with its medieval and Renaissance houses, before crossing the river on your way to your hotel at La Roque Gageac. From the ancient quay at La Roque Gageac you can take a river trip on a small ‘Gabare’ to view the precariously perched stone houses on the cliff ledges.

Miles: 20 Kms: 32

La Roque Gageac to Les Eyzies. Today’s route starts by following the meandering course of the Dordogne river. You can visit the lovely gardens of the Château of Marqueyssac, with an option to visit the impressive fortress château at Béynac, towering over a huddle of houses on a bend in the river. You leave the Dordogne at its confluence with the Vézère, and follow this tributary to the village of Les Eyzies where you spend the night. Dramatically situated beneath limestone cliffs where the Vézère meets the Beaune, this village has been referred to as the ‘prehistoric centre of France’ because of the remarkable number of prehistoric sites in the immediate area.

Miles: 34 Kms: 54

Les Eyzies to Sarlat. Your route follows the Vézère to the north east, passing a number of prehistoric sites on the way to Montignac and the world famous Lascaux cave paintings. Turning your back on the Vézère, head south across rolling countryside to your hotel in Sarlat, with its bustling weekly market and wonderfully preserved medieval buildings.

Miles: 34 Kms: 54

Sarlat to Souillac. Head south on leaving Sarlat, enjoying some wonderfully relaxed cycling along the route of a disused railway line. After the route has rejoined the Dordogne there is an option to visit the 14c. Château de Fénelon before completing your tour at Souillac.

Miles: 19-26 Kms: 31-42

Depart after breakfast, following a final night in Souillac.