Self-guided Dordogne Bike Tour

Arrive in Sarlat-la-Caneda and reach Montignac via a car transfer that takes approximately 30 minutes.

Montignac, located in southeastern Dordogne, is famed for its proximity to the Lascaux caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing prehistoric caves that have been estimated to be at least 17,000 to 22,000 years old. While the caves themselves are closed to the public to preserve their condition, replicas of the caves are open for visitors to admire this extraordinary archaeological treasure.

These caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the distant past and the remarkable creativity of early humans.

Later in the day, your bikes will be delivered, and a local host will meet you at the hotel to go over the itinerary.

Our hotel for the night is the Hotel de Bouilhac, a charming property dating back to the 17th-century that is listed as a historical monument.

Today, we embark on a scenic loop ride from Montignac, taking us to St Amand de Coly, a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The most beautiful villages of France) association. This picturesque village is home to an impressive fortified abbey, a testament to its medieval heritage.

Riding through rolling countryside, we continue towards Terrasson, a charming town straddling the Vézère River, offering breathtaking views and a delightful old town to explore. Along the way, we pass through peaceful rural landscapes, historic stone houses, and quiet roads lined with lush greenery.

Before or after our ride, we have the option to visit the famous Lascaux caves, renowned for their spectacular prehistoric cave paintings, dating back over 17,000 years. Although the original caves are closed to the public, visitors can explore Lascaux IV, an impressive replica that faithfully recreates the stunning artwork of the ancient cave dwellers.

If you want a shorter day of cycling, you also have the option of leaving out Terrasson, and cycle only from Montignac to St Amand de Coly and back for a total of 24 kms (15 mi).

Elevation: +650 m (2,132 ft)

Leaving Montignac, we cycle through the picturesque Dordogne countryside towards St. Léon-sur-Vézère, a charming riverside village known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Continuing onward, we visit La Roque Saint-Christophe, an awe-inspiring troglodyte site that traces human habitation back over 55,000 years.

A short detour leads to La Madeleine, a prehistoric rock shelter adorned with exquisite Magdalenian carvings and paintings dating back over 14,000 years.

Our journey culminates in Les Eyzies, the "Capital of Prehistory," where the National Prehistory Museum offers a captivating exploration of early human life and culture.

Elevation: 700 m (2,300 ft)

Leaving Les Eyzies, we ride through the scenic Dordogne countryside towards Limeuil, a stunning village nestled at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. With its winding streets and charming stone houses, Limeuil is an ideal place to pause and soak in the picturesque surroundings.

Continuing onward, we arrive in Le Bugue, a vibrant town known for its lively market and cultural sites. Here, we can take a short break to explore the town’s historic streets, discover local crafts, or enjoy a coffee at a riverside café before setting off on the next leg of our journey.

A highlight of the day is the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, a breathtaking underground cavern adorned with shimmering crystal formations. Known as the “Crystal Cathedral,” this spectacular cave is illuminated to enhance the beauty of its stalactites and stalagmites, creating a mesmerizing experience.

As we complete our loop back to Les Eyzies, we pedal through the serene landscapes of the Dordogne Valley, passing rolling hills, dense forests, and ancient stone villages. This ride encapsulates the region’s rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, making for an unforgettable day of exploration.

Elevation: 500 m ( 1,640 ft)

We pedal through the scenic countryside from Les Eyzies, following quiet roads that wind through rolling hills and lush woodlands.

Our first stop is Château de Commarque, an ancient fortress hidden in a picturesque valley. Surrounded by forests and rock formations, this medieval stronghold tells the story of centuries past, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Continuing our journey, we reach Marquay, a charming village with stone houses, narrow lanes, and stunning vistas over the Dordogne countryside. As we ride through, we take in the peaceful ambiance and traditional architecture that reflect the region’s deep-rooted history.

Next, we visit Château de Puymartin, a striking medieval castle with a fascinating past. Known for its towers and grand interiors, this well-preserved château offers a glimpse into the lives of nobility during the Middle Ages. Legends of ghosts and secret passageways add to its mystique, making it an intriguing stop along our route.

Our ride culminates in Sarlat, one of the most beautiful towns in the Périgord Noir region. With its impeccably preserved medieval architecture, winding cobbled streets, and bustling markets, Sarlat is a treasure trove of history and culture. The town’s golden-hued stone buildings create a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for an evening stroll.

Sarlat will be our base for the next two nights, providing ample time to explore its vibrant streets, sample local delicacies, and immerse ourselves in the timeless charm of this enchanting destination.

While in Sarlat, we stay at the Le Plaza, a 4-star heritage property located in the center of the town, and dating back to 1830.

Elevation: +770m (2,526 ft)

We begin the day cycling along a scenic bike path in Sarlat, before climbing to Domme, a stunning fortified hilltop village. From its ancient walls, we take in sweeping views of the Dordogne River and surrounding countryside.

Descending toward the river, we continue to Castelnaud, home to the impressive Château de Castelnaud. This medieval stronghold, with its extensive collection of weaponry and military artifacts, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s turbulent past.

For those seeking additional adventures, an optional detour leads to Château des Milandes, the former residence of the singer, dancer, and actress Josephine Baker. Here, we can explore her elegant home and learn about her remarkable life. Another loop takes us to Château de Beynac, a towering fortress with breathtaking views, once occupied by Richard the Lionheart.

Nature lovers may opt to visit the enchanting Jardins de Marqueyssac, where meticulously manicured pathways wind along the cliffs, offering unparalleled vistas of the valley below.

Our final stop is La Roque-Gageac, a postcard-perfect village nestled between towering limestone cliffs and the river’s edge. Its golden-hued stone houses, lush gardens, and winding alleyways make it one of France’s most beautiful destinations. Like St Amand de Coly on Day 2, La Roque-Gageac is also a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ("The most beautiful villages of France") association.

We return to enjoy the rest of the evening in Sarlat.

Elevation: +750m (2,460 ft)

Today we set off from Sarlat along a peaceful bike path that leads us to Carsac, a delightful village nestled along the Dordogne River. The gentle rhythm of our pedaling allows us to take in the serene beauty of the water and surrounding countryside.

From here, we venture through rolling hills and lush meadows, making our way toward Aillac. Along the route, we pass through picturesque hamlets and tranquil landscapes, where time seems to slow down. The peacefulness of the countryside offers a welcome escape from the fast pace of everyday life.

Rejoining the dedicated bike path, we continue toward Cazoules, where the scenic beauty of the Dordogne Valley unfolds before us. Soon, we reach Souillac, a perfect spot to pause, relax by the water’s edge, and take in the charming riverside setting.

With renewed energy, we push forward toward our destination—Rocamadour.

This awe-inspiring village clings to the cliffs high above the valley, its stone buildings stacked dramatically against the rock face. A UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic pilgrimage destination, on account of the sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary dating back to the 12th century, Rocamadour has attracted illustrious pilgrims such as King Henry II of England and Saint Louis IX of France among others.

It is also a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association, our third on the tour.

As we arrive, we can explore its sacred sites, wander its medieval streets, and admire the breathtaking views of the valley below.

We end the day with a well-earned rest in Rocamadour.

Elevation: 560m (1,837 ft)

Au revoir, Périgord Noir, and the unforgettable Dordogne!

After a final breakfast, we transfer back to Sarlat, where you can catch a train to Bordeaux.

Take one last look at the breathtaking landscapes and charming villages, carrying with you memories of an incredible journey through history, culture, and natural beauty.