Highlights of the Dordogne by Bike
Highlights of the Dordogne by Bike
$1890
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure through the picturesque landscapes of southwest France with the "Highlights of the Dordogne by Bike" tour. Starting and ending in the charming town of Souillac, this self-guided journey takes you through historic towns like Sarlat and Les Eyzies, along deep river valleys, and across high plateaus. Enjoy the freedom to choose your daily routes, whether it's a leisurely ride along the Dordogne River or a more challenging hillier path. Discover medieval castles, prehistoric caves, and quaint villages, all while indulging in the region's culinary delights. With comfortable accommodations in 2-3 star hotels and a comprehensive digital information pack, this tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Souillac
Location: Souillac
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arrive in the bustling old town of Souillac, strategically placed since pre-Roman times astride the river Dordogne, and easily reached by rail or autoroute from Paris via Brive. Time to explore the old quarter and magnificent 11th century Romanesque church..
Day 2 : Choice Of Two Cycle Routes To Sarlat (35 Or 37Km/21.5 Or 23Mi)
Location: Sarlat
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you have a choice of two cycle routes to Sarlat. The longer route goes beside the Dordogne river mainly along a cyclable piste visiting Chateau Fenelon and the pretty village of Carsac. The shorter route is hillier and slightly more challenging.
Day 3 : Optional Circular Cycles To Domme And Le Roque-Gageac (33 Or 38Km/20.5 Or 23.5Mi)
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you can choose to take a rest day and explore and shop in Sarlat. Alternatively, you can do a loop cycle out to visit the bastide town of Domme and the spectacular village of La Roque Gageac that is tucked beneath the cliffs alongside the Dordogne river. Overnight Sarlat. Dinner is not included tonight so you are free to sample the local restaurants.
Day 4 : Visit The Chateau De Beynac En Route To Les Eyzies (48Km/30Mi)
Location: Les Eyzies
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycle today across rolling country to visit the Château of Beynac before arriving at Castelnaud, dominated by its own 12C Château. The nearby Château les Milandes can also be visited before you arrive in the delightful old town of St Cyprien. From here you leave the Dordogne river to arrive in the Vézère valley and the cliffs of Les Eyzies, renowned world-wide as the centre of prehistory. Overnight in Les Eyzies
Day 5 : Optional Cycle To Troglodyte Cave And Onto The Tomb Of Cro-Magnon Man (29Km/18Mi)
Location: Les Eyzies
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you can choose to have a rest day in Les Eyzies. Alternatively, you have the option to cycle a 29km route where you will pass by troglodyte caves, the Chateau de Commarque with its prehistoric caves beneath, a roman chapel and knights tower, and nobles houses recently discovered after 350 years covered by vegetation which are all carved into the cliff. Continue to the tomb of Cro-Magnon man which was discovered by rail workers in the 1800's. You can also view prehistoric art (15000 years old) in the only original site in the region still open to the public. Tonight you have a choice of local restaurants for dinner.
Day 6 : Cycle To Montignac With An Optional Canoe Trip (24 Or 30Km/15 Or 18.5Mi)
Location: Montignac
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
There is a choice of two routes to Montignac. The shorter option enables a stop at the prehistoric caves at Castel Merle. The longer ride passes along the Vézère valley beneath the towering cliffs of la Roque St Christophe, a remarkable troglodytic site inhabited from prehistoric times until the 18th Century. Continue via the Romanesque church of St Leon sur Vézère to Montignac, where you stay tonight.
Day 7 : Cycle To The Famous Caves Of Lascaux, Then To Souillac (48 Or 55Km/30 Or 34Mi)
Location: Lascaux
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today it is possible to visit the cave paintings at Lascaux. The ride to the caves is slightly longer, but also includes lots of downhill sections. Return to Souillac past the golden limestone village of St Geniès, and the 13th century convent of Salignac. The lovely 18th century Italianate gardens of Eyrignac can also be visited.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Souillac
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes in Souillac after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels -
7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners included in your tour package.
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7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis
Stay in comfortable 2-3 star hotels for 7 nights on a twin share basis.
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Bicycle hire - 24 speed with luggage rack, 2 rear panniers, handlebar bag with map holder, bottle holder, repair kit. (E-bike available on request - supplement applies)
Bicycle hire includes a 24-speed bike with luggage rack, 2 rear panniers, handlebar bag with map holder, bottle holder, and repair kit. E-bike available on request with a supplement.
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Luggage transfer service for one piece of luggage up to 20kg. Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Digital information pack including route notes & maps, GPX data
Receive a digital information pack with route notes, maps, and GPX data.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during your trip.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Souillac
Travel to and from Souillac is not included.
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not covered.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is mandatory.
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Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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Single supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A single supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage beyond the included allowance is not covered.
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Helmet rental - bring your own, or you can rent locally from the bike shop, pre-order
Helmet rental is not included. Please bring your own or rent locally from the bike shop.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.
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Dinners not noted as included, all lunches & beverages
Dinners not noted as included, all lunches, and beverages are not covered.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not covered.
Grading
GRADE 3 - A reasonable standard of fitness is required. Daily stages of between 29 to 55km (18 to 34mi) per day. Hilly terrain with ascents and descents up to 300m/1000 feet. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. Minor roads with reduced traffic are customary on this trip and we recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in order to participate. ...more ...less
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from Souillac is included, with bicycle hire provided for the duration of the tour. Luggage transfer is also available, ensuring a hassle-free cycling experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis, providing a cozy and relaxing stay after your daily cycling adventures.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis.
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Is bicycle hire included in the tour package?
Yes, bicycle hire is included. You will get a 24-speed bike with a luggage rack, 2 rear panniers, a handlebar bag with a map holder, a bottle holder, and a repair kit. E-bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Meals not listed as included and drinks are not covered.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is there an emergency support system in place?
Yes, there is an emergency hotline available during the tour.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday. A digital information pack including route notes, maps, and GPX data will be provided.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as moderate (grade 3). A reasonable standard of fitness is required, with daily stages ranging from 29 to 55km (18 to 34mi) per day. The terrain is hilly with ascents and descents up to 300m/1000 feet.
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What are the optional activities available during the tour?
Optional activities include circular cycles to Domme and Le Roque-Gageac, a visit to the troglodyte caves and the tomb of Cro-Magnon Man, and a canoe trip to Montignac.
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What are the main attractions visited during the tour?
The main attractions include the old town of Souillac, Chateau Fenelon, the village of Carsac, the bastide town of Domme, La Roque Gageac, Chateau de Beynac, Chateau les Milandes, the cliffs of Les Eyzies, the prehistoric caves at Castel Merle, the cave paintings at Lascaux, and the 18th-century Italianate gardens of Eyrignac.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Highlights of the Dordogne by Bike
8 Days Starting and ending in Souillac, France
Visiting: Souillac, Sarlat, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Les Eyzies, Montignac, Lascaux
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CDD
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided