Self-Guided Cycling: Dordogne Gastronomic Cycling - France Holiday

Wonderful gastronomic meals and world-famous wines
Dramatic river valleys, mediaeval towns, and fairytale chateaux
Excellent hotels, all with swimming pools

This holiday explores one of the most fascinating corners of the Dordogne. The cycling is varied, packed with interest, and takes you along the banks of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, through ancient woodlands and past pretty farmsteads. The Valley of Pre-History shows how homosapiens lived around 20,000 years ago, and Sarlat's mediaeval magic will hold you spellbound.

The cycling includes breathtaking views from towering strongholds, uncovering hidden cháteaux, and quiet routes along the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. Swimming, canoeing and even fishing are possibilities on many days.

The culinary element of this tour is a central feature. The food of this region is world renowned and you will have the opportunity to savour every flavour as gourmet meals will be served for your delectation. The hotels also offer a chance to completely unwind, they are all local treasures, offering you a warm welcome and with swimming pools to cool off after a day in the saddle.

What makes this trip responsible?

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.

As a self-guided trip you will be pedalling under your own steam and at your own pace. You will not be part of a group so the impact of your visit on the landscape and communities you pass will be absolutely minimal. Our local operator works with local suppliers and hoteliers to ensure that we support the communities we visit, maximising the benefit to them and also our enjoyment of the region. We will stay in characterful, locally run hotels and the route notes will often give you hints and tips of local restaurants you can try, giving you a taste of the local cuisine while helping to support these establishments. Moreover, we encourage you to journey by train to minimise your carbon footprint.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Start Souillac.

Day 2

Two ride options. The easier goes via Chateau de Fenelon. Alternatively, take a more challenging ride through wooded countryside, via Carlux and Ste Nathalene.

Day 3

Free day to relax in Sarlat exploring its beautiful array of architectural styles, or take a circular ride via Domme or La Roque-Gageac.

Day 4

Two ride possibilities. Either head west through rolling green countryside of the Perigord Nord with its traditional houses, or follow the Dordogne to Beynac, end the day in Les Eyzies.

Day 5

Free day in Les Eyzies. Optional ride through the magnificent Vezere Gorges and back via the Abri du Cap Blanc. There is also the option to spend the day canoeing or kayaking.

Day 6

Freewheel down to the Vezere river and on to La Roque St Christophe and the village of St Leon. End our ride in Montignac.

Day 7

Free day exploring the mediaeval village of Montignac, or ride to the nearby Lascaux II caves, ranked as the number one prehistoric site in Europe.

Day 8

Cycle back to Souillac via Salignac and the Manoir d'Eyrignac whose impressive 18th Century gardens are rated the best in France.

Day 9

End Souillac.

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Castle of Beynac, France