Bike Tour: Gourmet roundtrip between Lot & Dordogne valley - 7 days

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 riding today. After the first few kilometres, you will see the very impressive Castle of Biron, a 13th century Chateaux held by the Cathars. 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: 60km, 540m ascent, 550m 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: 49km, 660m ascent, 510m 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: 46km, 520m ascent, 650m 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 here 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: 41,5km, 450m ascent & descent - If you make an additional loop through the castle of Castelnaud: additional 11.5km and additional 150m.

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: 34,5km, 330m ascent, 300m descent

After breakfast in your hotel, you will return home.