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Highlights
Explore picturesque villages, historic sites, and scenic cycling routes.
Pedal through picturesque countryside with breathtaking river views.
Discover prehistoric caves, castles, and charming medieval villages.
Experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of Southern France.
Explore the medieval town of Sarlat, a cultural gem.
This self-guided cycling tour takes you through the stunning Dordogne and Vézère valleys in Southern France, passing through medieval villages, castles, and prehistoric sites like the Lascaux caves. You'll enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, oak forests, and rivers, while exploring troglodyte dwellings and the National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies.
With optional kayaking along the rivers and two nights in each location—Montignac, Les Eyzies, and Sarlat—you’ll have plenty of time to explore, relax, and savor local cuisine and wines. This tour offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and cycling in one of France’s most beautiful regions.
This self-guided cycling tour takes you through the stunning Dordogne and Vézère valleys in Southern France, passing through medieval villages, castles, and prehistoric sites like the Lascaux caves. You'll enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, oak forests, and rivers, while exploring troglodyte dwellings and the National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies.
With optional kayaking along the rivers and two nights in each location—Montignac, Les Eyzies, and Sarlat—you’ll have plenty of time to explore, relax, and savor local cuisine and wines. This tour offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and cycling in one of France’s most beautiful regions.
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Best of Dordogne & Vézère Valleys Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Montignac
Arrive in Montignac on your own or request a private transfer for an additional cost. A local host will meet you at the hotel based on your arrival time, either on Day 1 or Day 2, and deliver the bikes. Montignac is famous for being close to the Lascaux caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric art and the creativity of early humans.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montignac
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Exploring St. Amand de Coly and the Lascaux Caves
On Day 2, you’ll take a countryside loop from Montignac, exploring the rural charm of the area. You can choose from two rides, both leading you to St Amand de Coly, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque villages, historic buildings, and enjoy views of the Vezere River.
You’ll also have the option to visit the famous Lascaux caves before or after your ride, known for their prehistoric paintings dating back over 17,000 years. Booking is required in advance. While the original caves are closed to protect the artwork, you can visit Lascaux IV, a replica complex that brings the ancient art to life. You have the optional opportunity to go kayaking along the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montignac
Distance: Option 1: 24 km, +400/-400m. Option 2: 42 km, +650/-650m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Riverside ride to St. Leon and prehistoric wonders
On this day, you’ll embark on a scenic riverside ride through the beautiful countryside of the Dordogne region. As you bike towards St. Leon sur Vezere, you’ll be charmed by this picturesque village, known for its medieval architecture and stunning location along the Vezere River. Continuing your journey, you’ll visit the remarkable cliff dwellings of La Roque Saint-Christophe, a troglodyte site that has been inhabited for over 55,000 years.
For those interested in prehistoric history, you can take a short detour to La Madeleine, a rock shelter adorned with Magdalenian carvings dating back 14,000 years. The ride concludes in Les Eyzies, often called the “Capital of Prehistory,” where you’ll immerse yourself in the region’s ancient history.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Les Eyzies
Distance: 37 km, +700/-700m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycling through prehistoric landscapes and villages
Begin in Les Eyzies, home to the National Prehistory Museum, where you’ll explore ancient artifacts. Ride on to Limeuil, a picturesque village at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vezere rivers, offering beautiful views. Continue to Le Bugue, a lively town known for its vibrant markets and authentic Périgord culture. Don’t miss a visit to the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, an underground cavern filled with stunning crystal formations. The loop back to Les Eyzies offers a perfect mix of prehistoric wonders, medieval villages, and breathtaking landscapes. You have the optional opportunity to go kayaking.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Les Eyzies
Distance: 44 km, +500/-500m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycling through Medieval Castles and Charming Villages
Pedal through the picturesque countryside from Les Eyzies to Château Commarque, a historic fortress surrounded by stunning views. Continue to the village of Marquay, known for its charming streets and scenic landscapes. Then, visit the impressive Château de Puymartin, a medieval masterpiece. Finally, arrive in Sarlat, a stunning medieval town famous for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Sarlat
Distance: 34 km, +770/-770m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Romantic loop ride through castles and scenic villages
Begin with a pleasant bike ride from Sarlat, climbing up to the hilltop village of Domme, offering panoramic views of the Dordogne River and surrounding countryside. Continue to Château de Castelnaud, a medieval fortress showcasing military history. For an extra detour, explore Château des Milandes, once home to Josephine Baker. Then, visit Château de Beynac, standing tall over the village and river, and take a stroll through the beautiful Jardins de Marqueyssac. End the day with a visit to La Roque-Gageac, a charming village nestled by the river, known for its narrow streets and troglodyte fortifications.
Overnight Location: Bed and Breakfast in Sarlat
Distance: Option 1: 48 km, +750/-750m. Option 2: 64 km, +880/-880m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure day
The tour will wrap up after breakfast with your departure from Sarlat!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Best of Dordogne & Vézère Valleys Cycling Tour Price and Dates
Accommodation on Best of Dordogne & Vézère Valleys Cycling Tour
This tour is based on bed and breakfast and hotels. All the rooms have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Supplement is required for groups of 3 or 5 travellers. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Best of Dordogne & Vézère Valleys Cycling Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour.
Also included
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Day 1 or Day 2 welcome meeting with bike fitting session (1h)
- Road Book with detailed cycling itineraries, including highlighted maps, full travel kit first hotel
- GPX tracks
- 24/7 phone assistance
Not included
- Flights to and from France
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees where applicable
- Bike rental
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Hybrid bike rental – Focus Crater Lake Lite (mobile phone holder, 2 x waterproof rear bags, waterproof front bag, repair kit, pump, Front & Rear lights, Puncture-proof tires, lock, Helmet)
- Electric bike rental – Kalkhoff Endeavour 1.B Move (mobile phone holder, 2 x waterproof rear bags, waterproof front bag, Battery 60-80km autonomy depending on weight & usage, battery charger, Helmet, lock, Puncture-proof tires, repair kit & pump, Bike fitting session)
- How hard is the Best of Dordogne & Vézère Valleys Cycling Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Best of Dordogne & Vézère Valleys Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Montignac to start this tour?
- Is the Best of Dordogne & Vézère Valleys Cycling Tour in English?
- Where does the Best of Dordogne & Vézère Valleys Cycling Tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. The terrain is moderately hilly with some elevation gain, and daily rides range from 24 to 48 km. It's suitable for intermediate cyclists, but beginners might find it challenging due to the daily distance and undulating roads. Optional kayaking and rest days provide flexibility for a less strenuous experience.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
Fly into Brive, Bergerac, or Bordeaux airport, then continue by train to Condat-Le-Lardin or Brive-la-Gaillarde, followed by a taxi to Montignac. If driving, Montignac is easily accessible from Bordeaux, Toulouse, or Paris. Private transfers can also be arranged upon request.
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as a helpline phone number.
The tour ends in Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are hybrid bike (Focus Crater Lake Lite) or electric bike (Kalkhoff Endeavour 1.B Move).
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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