Tour de Dordogne
Date: _____ to _______
Terrain: Hilly | Daily Miles: 50-65
Difficulty Level: 3
$4,295
This area of southwest France is rich with honey-colored stone villages with tile roofs, lush gardens and palatial châteaux waiting to be discovered. We cycle along the Dordogne, Lot, Vézére and Célé rivers where the rocky ramparts and turrets of fortified castles soar above the treetops. This area which claims legacy to the battle between the royal houses of France and England in the Middle Ages is full of hilly, rural back roads perfect for cycling today. In prehistoric times, artists used the cave walls in the many grottos as their canvas to create elaborate paintings. Celebrated cuisine based on truffled paté, foie gras, and confit and the wines of Bordeaux and Cahors is well provided for by the ever-present village market. For a true taste of rural France, in an area rich with natural beauty and history, come ride the fantastic road of the Dordogne.
Stage One • Cahors. 62 miles. 2340 feet. Eastern river loop. From our starting point in Cahors, a historic market town with a medieval center, we follow the Lot river as it winds past stately chateaux. The grotto of Pech Merle is home to one of the finest prehistoric painted caves still open to the public. Further downstream, is St. Cirq-Lapopie, the prettiest village in Quercy, perched precariously over the river. We continue on to Cajarc a pleasant riverside resort, and return to Cahors to enjoy a café with a view of the remarkable 14th century Pont Valentré bridge spanning the river at sundown. Our charming hotel, located conveniently near the train station, is a renovated Art Nouveau villa and boasts the best restaurant in Cahors.
Stage Two • Cahors to Sarlat. 67 miles. 3500 feet. Les Arques is a sleepy little town with a magnificent 11th century church surrounded by the modern sculpture of a local artist. A route dotted with ruined castles takes us up to Gourdon. The town is filled with well-restored houses from the Middle Ages and is topped by a cool church with views over the countryside. We ride into the gates of Domme, a fortified town called a bastide, before continuing our ride along the Dordogne River. The honey-colored buildings of Sarlat are home to many shops offering gourmet delicacies and the best fois gras in France.
Stage Three • Sarlat to Montignac. 55 miles. 2875 feet. A dramatic ride high above the banks of the Dordogne takes us through rolling countryside with magnificent views. We approach the imposing castle of Castlenaud and the pretty village of St. Cyprien with its 13th century abbey church. More chateaux and Romanesque churches line the way as we leave the Dordogne River. Along the Vezère River, the road winds along under dramatic overhanging cliffs into Les Eyzies. In the heart of the region known as Perigord Noir, we spend the night at a delightful hotel in Montignac.
Stage Four • Montignac. 61 miles. 3265 feet. Today you may choose from an exhilarating 60 mile loop ride that will take you into the green hills north of Montignac or explore the prehistoric paintings in the Lescaux caves or a leisurely cruise down the river.
Stage Five • Montignac to Rocamadour. 56 miles. 2940 feet. Ride through the countryside past farms and forests. Stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of the ancient church in Soulliac, one of the many little towns along the banks of the Dordogne. Continue over small stone bridges and along the river to the famous pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, splendid against the breathtakingly sheer side of its rock face. Visitors would climb to the top on their knees but we arrive by bike to enjoy the fabulous view and a gourmet dinner.
Stage Six • Rocamadour to Figeac. 62 miles. 5845 feet. Velvet green valleys and dramatic cliffs and caves make up today's ride. We can visit the Gouffre de Padirac’s enormous underground cavern said to be the entrance to hell or the medieval fortress of Castlenaud. After lunch in the Place du Mercadial, the old heart of the delightful town of Saint Céré, we ride through rolling hillsides into the golden sandstone heart of Figeac on the banks of the Célé.
Stage Seven • Figeac. 62 miles. 4060 feet. Loop ride to Cajarc. We leave behind the jumble of half-timbered, medieval houses and winding alleys and streets for another ride in the rural hills. Unspoiled surroundings where nature rules, makes for another great ride. We visit the town of Conques, a stop along the road to Santiago de Compostela and home to the golden treasures of Sainte Foy. Visit the thousand-year-old abbey and church before heading back through the hills to Figeac.
Stage Eight • Figeac to Cahors. 54 miles. 1736 feet. The Céré River. A beautiful ride down the scenic banks of the Céré River brings us back to Cahors. We celebrate our journey with a festive dinner based on the famous regional cuisine and toast a wonderful ride with a glass of vintage wine.
Stage Nine • Cahors. 50 miles. 3375 feet. Western River Loop. A final ride along the Lot through the heart of the wine growing area. Ancient stone bridges take us across the river from one small, scenic town to the next. We return to Cahors in time to catch an afternoon train. A stop in Paris would be ideal before departing for home.
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