Dordogne Biking

We first started coming to this region in the early 1980’s, attracted by quiet country roads to bike and wonderful scenery, with castles seemingly around every corner; the Dordogne retains this charm and now has superb hotels and restaurants. In addition, the prehistoric caves of Font de Gaume & Lascaux, and pilgrimage site of Rocamadour and others make this a unique place in all of the world. The Luxe trip offers the opportunity to stay in luxurious accommodation including the Centenaire in Les Eyzies, Plaza Madeleine in Sarlat, and Relais & Chateaux property of Château de la Treyne in Lacave.

Only Great Explorations:

Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
Entry to the extraordinary cave paintings at Font de Gaume where only a small number of visitors are allowed each day
A meal you will never forget- dinner at Pont d’Ousse Michelin-starred restaurant
Learn falconry at the former castle of Josephine Baker
Distinctive, luxurious hotels
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Location

Les Eyzies

Day 1+2

Sarlat

Sarlat-la-Canéda, France

Day 3+4

Lacave

Château de la Treyne, Lacave, France

Day 5+6

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2022

Sep 19-25

2023

Custom trips available

Trip can start any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Bordeaux - Les Eyzies / Lacave - Souillac

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
20-40+ miles daily
Van supported

TERRAIN

3 days gently rolling, 3 days are moderately rolling

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,850
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $965

Bike Rental:
US $280

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Getting there : Bordeaux – Les Eyzies
Most participants will spend an evening in Bordeaux and transfer to Les Eyzies on the 10h50 train the morning of Day 1 (you can also reach Les Eyzies from Paris through Limoges on an 8:15 train). We have recommendations for excellent hotels in the historical district of Bordeaux.

Day 1

Les Eyzies

Our trip starts from Les Eyzies which is easily reached from Bordeaux by train. We’ll meet at 12h40 on arrival of the 10:50 Bordeaux train at the Les Eyzies train station and cycle to Campagne for lunch at a local bistrot. The villages of le Bugue and Limeuil (members of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’) will provide a wonderful introduction to the region. Les Eyzies is where the first discoveries of Homo sapiens were made and there is a wonderful pre-history museum and Fonte de Gaume, where cave paintings from 12,000 B.C. can be seen. We’ll have a welcome reception followed by the first of many fabulous meals.

Ride Distance: 14km; 185m or 38km; 490m.

Day 2

Les Eyzies

On our second day of cycling, we offer four different routes including the most popular, an option following the Vezere River northward to Montignac, where Lascaux II caves can be visited to see extraordinary cave paintings and to learn the history of these remarkable ancient findings. Enjoy a delicious lunch of regional specialties in a convivial setting and then make your way back to Les Eyzies. Enjoy the pool and amenities of our 4-star hotel, ideally located in the center of town with a fine restaurant.

Ride Distance: 31km; 550m or 44km; 700m or 66km; 880m or 100km; 1,420m.

Day 3

Sarlat

The Dordogne has castles throughout the region and we’ve designed our cycling route to pass by the most impressive. We’ll visit the Château de Castelnau, built 1000 years ago and still majestic in its appearance and Les Milandes, where the actress Josephine Baker lived with her adopted children until 1964. Reaching Sarlat, the impeccably restored Renaissance town, we’ll enjoy a walking tour before dinner at a favourite restaurant.

Ride Distance: 48km; 675m or 70km; 925m or 100km; 1,412m.

Day 4

Sarlat

If you would like a day off the bike, this is an option and we can arrange a paddling excursion on the Dordogne River, where you can float/paddle along charming villages. Or spend the day in Sarlat’s shops and cafes. For those that choose to ride, you could do a short ride to the canoe/kayak location or do a longer loop through the surrounding countryside, passing grand castles and charming chateaux. This is a night on your own for dinner – we’ll provide recommendations from casual bistros to fine dining establishments.

Ride Distance: 44km; 545m or 60km; 820m or 85km; 1,085m.

Day 5

Lacave

The ride to Lacave is nothing short of spectacular as we ride up onto escarpments and down through lush valleys, following the Dordogne river. We’ll have lunch in Souillac before continuing on to Chateau de la Treyne, the 14th century castle, now a Relais & Chateaux property that boasts a stunning location overlooking the river. For those that might enjoy a longer ride, we provide options. On this evening, enjoy a special treat dining at a 1-star Michelin restaurant, Pont D’Ousse for a memorable meal.

Ride Distance: 38km; 320m.

Day 6

Lacave

Today ride to Rocamadour, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in France. You could easily spend a couple of hours here. Add-on options explore Autoir, Loubressac and other charming villages. There are also grottes (caves) to visit including the Gouffre de Padirac, over 103m (338’) deep and can be visited by boat or right in Lacave full of stalagtites and stalagmites in a subterranean amphitheatre. As on all of our trips, we celebrate with a wine reception on the terrace of our hotel and toast a fantastic week of exploration. Sante!

Ride Distance: 35km; 590m or 65km; 1,035m or 100km; 1,580m.

Day 7

Lacave

Depart at your leisure. Taxis to Souillac (5 minutes away) are available when you wish.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure. (We provide a century options for those that like to challenge themselves)

Le Centenaire, Les Eyzies

Once a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, this boutique hotel has lost its pretension and is now a boutique hotel with large guest rooms, inviting lounges, and impressive grounds and swimming pool.

Plaza Madeleine Hôtel & Spa, Sarlat

Situated in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel has always been considered the Sarlat hotel of reference. An authentic 4 star establishment located in the heart of the medieval city with its listed monuments, markets and shops, numerous restaurants, street shows and performances.

Château de la Treyne, Lacave

This hotel certainly is one of the most charming and historic in all of France. Boasting a dreamy setting overlooking the Dordogne River, and 120 hectares of formal gardens and woodland within the castle grounds. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a super restaurant, where we dine on the final night, of course.