The Dordogne Valley
Between history and prehistory
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
© Abicyclette Voyages
Highlights
The Lascaux Cave in Montignac
Sarlat, a real gem architectural gem
The Bastide de Belvès, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Les Eyzies de Tayac, world capital of prehistory
The castles of the Dordogne valley: Milandes, Castelnau, Beynac ...
A bike trip through the Périgord Noir
A trip through the Périgord Noir from prehistory to the history of the Dordogne valley.
Under the midday sun and the small country roads, enjoy an active and cultural stay!
Between vineyards, forests, historic cities, caves and castles, this trip takes you to discover the places that have made this region one of the cradles of Europe. You will undulate in these fresh landscapes, crossing authentic Perigord villages huddled around their often fortified steeples. You will have the chance to reach:
- Les Eyzies de Tayac, world capital of prehistory, which will give you the opportunity to visit a museum and several cave grottoes
- The Lascaux Cave*, one of the most spectacular caves in the preservation and quality of cave art. * A reconstruction, because the real cave is now protected for conservation reasons.
- Sarlat, charming capital of Périgord Noir, warm and dynamic.
- The fortified towns of Domme and Belvès in particular. These medieval villages of geometric form allowed a better defense of the populations during the Hundred Years’ War.
- Strongholds and castles protecting the valley: Castelnau and Beynac
After the effort, the pleasures continue at the table thanks to the local specialties: Pécharmant or Monbazillac wines, foie gras in toast or pan-fried, duck breast or duck confit… Careful, there’s little luck here to stay on a diet! But isn’t that what the holidays are for?
Fit From BERGERAC to LES EYZIES DE TAYAC 68km 638m 
Day of the rivers. Leave Bergerac in the morning to stroll along small roads lost in the middle of forests and meadows. You undulate in these fresh landscapes, crossing authentic Perigord villages huddled around their often fortified steeples. After a few spins of the wheels, you arrive on the “cingles”, This is the name we give to the meanders of the Dordogne. Your day becomes more sporty but you are rewarded by magnificent views and you can swim at the confluence of Vézère and Dordogne in Limeuil, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
FROM LES EYZIES DE TAYAC, LASCAUX LOOP 53km 663m
By bike, you continue the ascent of the Vézère. You take a little height to ride in the forest. A few hundred meters from the village of Montignac, you arrive at the Lascaux Caves. A nice visit is waiting for you. The copy of the most famous rock cave is a masterpiece of cave art. The visit is not very long but will literally transport you! The return to the light is always a little harsh. Fortunately a nice descent to the village brings you to the following sites of interest! After a good meal in Montignac, this time you go down the Vézère allowing you to reach the surprising site of Roque Saint-Christophe. This prehistoric troglodyte habitat is a new proof of the large population present here tens of thousands of years ago. You also enjoy the beauty of the site and the resources they offer!
FROM EYZIES DE TAYAC TO SARLAT LA CANEDA 40km 706m
Leaving Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, the capital of prehistory, you head up the valley towards the Combarelles caves, decorated with fine rock engravings. The route then winds through the forest to the Château de Commarque, whose medieval ruins stand on a rocky outcrop. After a steep climb to Marquay, you’ll come across the Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens and enjoy a clear view. The route continues towards Tamniès, passing through rolling countryside typical of the Périgord Noir. You then descend towards Marcillac-Saint-Quentin and Proissans, alternating between woods and meadows. The approach to Sarlat gradually reveals the lauze roofs and gilded facades of the medieval town, whose cobbled streets and lively markets invite you to take a well-deserved break.
- For a few more km 59km 946m
Continuing towards Solignac-Eyvigues, the quiet little roads lead you to the magnificent gardens of Eyrignac. This historic estate boasts a series of carefully trimmed formal gardens, with plant sculptures, symmetrical paths and ponds reflecting the harmony of the setting.
SARLAT LA CANEDA, LOOP BEYNAC 40km 784m
A loop to discover the cingle of Monfort and its castle, and the bastide of Domme, a medieval town perched 300 m above the river. Set aside some time to stroll around Sarlat and lose yourself in its enchanting streets and squares.
- For a few more km 55km 1045m
This longer variant allows you to see the castle of Puymartin which dates from the 13th century.
From SARLAT LA CANEDA to SIORAC EN PERIGORD 40km 608m
This is the day of the castles. Leave early because you are put through the wringer! After leaving Sarlat, you find the Dordogne valley in La Roque-Gageac, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Once explored, you enter the valley of the castles, Beynac, Castelnau, Marqueyssac, Fayrac, Milandes … the choice is yours! You end your day in a hilltop town, Belvès, another of the most beautiful villages in France.
- For a few more km 61km 853m
After Berbiguières, you take the road to the Proumeyssac chasm before reaching Siorac at the end of the day.
From SIORAC EN PERIGORD to BERGERAC 63km 499m
You cross large wild expanses punctuated by pretty little villages with a church here, a covered market there, further down a beautiful home to arrive at Beaumontois en Périgord, an English fortified town of the 13th century, dominated by its immense fortified church. You resume your journey by the beautiful valley of Couze, a river with many mills and pure water. You cannot return to Bergerac without before having admired the castle of Bannes, marvel of medieval architecture, perched on its rocky outcrop and the castle of Lanquais, the unfinished Louvre of Périgord. On your arrival, find the life of the streets of the beautiful city of Bergerac.
FROM BERGERAC, MONTBAZILLAC LOOP 27km 171m
Discover the vineyards of Bergerac and Monbazillac. After the climbing the hills you arrive at the castle of Monbazillac, high place for the tasting of this world-renowned sweet white wine. From here, you overlook Bergerac and its valley. After dabbling on the small vineyard roads, you dive into Bergerac and its old town for an excellent evening.
BERGERAC
It’s the end of your stay after breakfast. Have a good journey home!
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1175€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 2025€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 8 nights in a Double room
- 8 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- French topo map (IGN 1/100 000e)
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
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Getting here
Departure city : BERGERAC
Coming by car
- at from PARIS
- at from BORDEAUX
- at from LYON
Parking*
- Parking privé – Hôtel de France
- Parking Bellegarde – BERGERAC
- Parking les Carmes – BERGERAC
- Parking République – BERGERAC
- Parking Seigneurs Capitaines – BERGERAC
- Parking Colluci – BERGERAC
Coming by train
- Bergerac train station - 3h45 from Paris
- Bordeaux train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Bordeaux airport
Arrival city : BERGERAC
Coming by car
- at from PARIS
- at from BORDEAUX
- at from LYON
Coming by train
- Bergerac train station - 3h45 from Paris
- Bordeaux train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Bordeaux airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 9 days and 8 nights
Level Fit
Departure date From March 31st to October 30th
Destination Dordogne
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Aventure
BERGERAC
If you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, a first loop invites you into the vineyards of Pécharmant. Small appellation of red wines. This structured wine has a dark garnet color. It calls for some wine tastings at the vineyards! In the evening, you will enjoy the charming town of Bergerac and its lively narrow streets.