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Beautiful cycling trip between the valleys of the Lot and the Dordogne rivers. Away from the crowds visit the authentic France countryside with its medieval villages like a.o. Monpazier, Puy-l'Évêque and Belvès. Visit castles like Biron, Bonaguil, Castelnaud or the Château de Milandes once owned by the famous Josephine Baker. Abbeys and 13th century churches will complete your discoveries. Don’t forget to stop and shop on the little village markets or at the vineyards of the Cahors wine area. The hotels, ranging from simple to luxurious with a pool, are all full of charm.
Visit the village of Monpazier, labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France. This Bastide town was built on the orders of King Edward 1st in 1284.
A lovely first day cycling today. After the first few kilometres, you will see the very impressive Castle of Biron, a 13th century chateau. After a visit, you continue through a gently winding valley road until you will reach the village and fortress of Gavaudun which was built in the 11th century. It can be seen on a rocky outcrop high above the village and played a big part in the hundred-year war. Now you shall cycle following a nice quiet small country road towards the river Lot. You then follow the river until you will reach your accommodation in the village of Puy L’Eveque. The “Bishops Hill”, once occupied by the English during the reign of King Henry IV, the marks from his cannonballs can still be seen on the walls of the main church of Saint-Sauveur.
Challenge: 61.2km, 806m ascent, 884m descent
You start today cycling along the Lot river as you climb gently out of the valley. Now you have a short but challenging climb to the village of Les Arques, where the very special museum on the artist Zadkine is worth a visit. The rest of the ride is easy and quiet through the real rural France countryside passing some chestnut forests. Soon you reach your destination, another Bastide town, Villefranche-Du Perigord. It even has a little chestnut museum.
Challenge: 49.2km, 793m ascent, 686m descent
You meander through the countryside via tiny hamlets, villages. The little climb of today is at the end of your ride when you reach your destination: Belvès, another one of “France’s most beautiful villages”. Enjoy the spectacular views and the sound of one of the seven bell towers. If you have time: visit the remains of medieaval houses to be discovered under (!) the main square.
Challenge: 45.7km, 688m ascent, 740m descent
True, you don’t have to cycle today, but if you don’t you miss a very scenic trip visiting some of the highlights of the Dordogne area. You will cycle through the Dordogne valley towards Château de Milandes, once the home of the world famous artist, Josephine Baker. In the castle one can visit a very informative exhibition on her highly interesting life. Today you can also add an extra 11,5 km / 7,1 mi loop to the Château de Castelnaud, the most renowned and most visited castle of the Dordogne area.
Challenge: 41,7km, 659m ascent & descent -
If you make an additional loop through the castle of Castelnaud:
additional 11.4km and additional 242m.
You will leave Belves via the forests and you can pause, as did those once on the road to Compestella, in the village of Cadouin. Visit its 12th century abbey, listed on the UNESCO heritage list. Today it is relatively short trip, so you have plenty of time to profit from the pool of your hotel in Monpazier or to do some extra exploring of this stunning village.
Challenge: 34,7km, 572m ascent, 549m descent
After breakfast in your hotel, you will return home.
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included.
For this roundtrip, you will also stay in a 4* hotel without any supplement.
6 Nights included
2/3/4 Star Hotels (for this trip no supplement applied)
Tourist tax included
Breakfast included every morning
2 gourmet dinners (day 1 and 6)
1 bistro dinner (day 2) included during the trip
Maps and tourist information on all the places of interest
24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline
Luggage transport to your next accommodations. Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (20 kg maximum)
Parking possibilities at the hotel
We will supply the directions of this trip with a personalized code which gives you access to our travel App.
When booked in advance, transfers from/to airport or trainstation is possible:
The best airport of arrival is Bergerac airport, which is also served by several low cost companies. Transfer from Bergerac airport to Monpazier and back € 165,--.
Also, possibility of arrival in Bordeaux or Toulouse airport.
You can get to Bergerac, Buisson-de-Cadouin or Belvès by train. For time tables and further information look at the website of the SNCF.
Transfer from train station of Bergerac to Monpazier and back € 165,--.
Transfer from train station of Buisson-de-Cadouin to Monpazier and back € 120,--.
Transfer from train station of Belvès to Monpazier and back € 80,--.
To be paid on the spot to driver.
From Paris to Monpazier (approx. 6h15 - 590 km/366 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.
