Cycling in Dordogne from Montignac to Rocamadour

Today you can choose between two loop rides, both taking you to St Amand de Coly, labelled as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Along the way, you'll enjoy charming villages, historic architecture, and scenic views of the Vézère River. Before or after your ride you might want to visit the famous Lascaux caves renowned for their spectacular prehistoric cave paintings, dating back over 17,000 years (bookings need to be made in advance). Although the original caves are closed to the public to preserve the delicate artwork, visitors can explore Lascaux IV, an impressive replica that faithfully recreates the stunning art work of the ancient cave dwellers.

Ride :
. Montignac > Saint Amand de Coly > Montignac | 24 km - 14 miles | Elevation : +400/-400m
. Extra ride to the Lascaux cave | 42 km - 26 miles | Elevation : +650/-650m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Montignac

Embarking from Montignac, your bike journey unfolds amidst the verdant countryside of the Dordogne region as you make your way to St. Leon sur Vezere, a quaint  village known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque setting along the Vézère River. Continuing onward, you'll be captivated by the awe-inspiring cliff dwellings of La Roque Saint-Christophe, a troglodyte site tracing human habitation back over 55,000 years. You can add a 4km ride to La Madeleine, a renowned prehistoric site featuring a rock shelter adorned with exquisite Magdalenian carvings and paintings dating back over 14,000 years. Finally, your ride culminates in Les Eyzies, renowned as the "Capital of Prehistory".

Ride : Montignac > St Leon sur Vezere > Les Eyzies | 37km - 22 miles | Elevation : +700/-700m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Les Eyzies

Begin your journey in Les Eyzies where prehistory comes to life at the National Prehistory Museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits spanning thousands of years. Pedal onwards to Limeuil, a stunning location at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. The village offers beautiful views of these two rivers coming together, a picture postcard setting! Arriving in Le Bugue, delve into the town's vibrant atmosphere and bustling market, where local artisans and vendors offer a taste of authentic Périgord culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, an awe-inspiring underground cavern adorned with stunning crystal formations. As you complete the loop back to Les Eyzies, you'll have experienced the best of the Dordogne Valley, from prehistoric wonders to medieval villages and vibrant market towns, against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.

Ride : Les Eyzies > Limeuil > Le Bugue > Eyzies | 44 km - 27miles | Elevation : +500/-500m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Les Eyzies

Pedal through picturesque countryside from Les Eyzies to the Château de Commarque, an ancient fortress perched amidst stunning landscapes. Continue your journey to Marquay, where you'll encounter charming village streets and idyllic countryside vistas. Next, explore the majestic Château de Puymartin, a medieval masterpiece steeped in history and architectural splendor. Finally, arrive in Sarlat, a jewel of the Périgord Noir region, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage.

Ride : Les Eyzies > Chateau de Commarque - Chateau de Puymartin > Sarlat | 34 km - 21 miles | Elevation : +770/-770m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Sarlat

You leave Sarlat via a pleasant cylce path before climbing up to Domme, a fortified hilltop village with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Dordogne River below. Continue your ride to the village of Castelnaud, where the imposing Château de Castelnaud stands as a testament to medieval military prowess. Nearby, you have the option of an extra loop to explore the elegant Château des Milandes, once home to the legendary Josephine Baker. Then you can add a loop to Beynac, dominated by the majestic Château de Beynac, which overlooks the village and the river. You can make a detour to the meticulously landscaped gardens of the Jardins de Marqueyssac and finally, ride to La Roque-Gageac, a charming village nestled against the cliffs along the riverbank. Explore its narrow streets, visit the troglodyte fortifications and soak up the picturesque riverside ambiance. This loop bike ride promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable exploration of the Dordogne Valley and its many treasures.

Ride :
. Sarlat > Domme > Chateau de Castelnaud - Chateau de Milandes > Sarlat | 48 km - 30 miles | Elevation : +750/-750m
. Longer option :  Extra loops to Chateau Milanfdes & Beynac | 64 km - 40 miles | Elevation : +880/-880m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Sarlat

From Sarlat you take the bike path all the way to Carsac nestled along the Dordogne river, and from there you pedal through rolling hills and verdant meadows towards Aillac. You encounter picturesque hamlets and tranquil landscapes, offering a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You then pick up the bike path once again and follow it all the way to Cazoules. Relax by the water’s edge in Souillac before concluding your bike ride in a nearby village.

Ride :
. Sarlat > Carsac > Lacave or Cales | 38 km - 23 miles | Elevation : +280/-280m
. If you stay in Lacave | 42km - 26 miles| Elevation :  +390 m / -390 m
Meals included : breakfast & dinner
Night : Lacave or Cales

Pedal through the heart of France's enchanting Dordogne region tracing a route from the idyllic village of Cales to the historic marvel of Lacave and the iconic pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. Pause to marvel at the ancient limestone cliffs that rise majestically, adding a sense of grandeur to the natural surroundings. Tracing the path of the river, you arrive at Lacave,where the landscape takes on a magical quality. Here, hidden underground caves beckon exploration, revealing intricate formations and captivating wonders carved by nature over millennia. Continuing onward to Rocamadour, a medieval marvel perched dramatically on a cliffside, wind through narrow cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings, and ascend to the top where the imposing sanctuary awaits, offering panoramic views of the verdant valley below.

Ride : Cales or Lacave > Rocamadour> Lacave or Cales | 39 km - 24 miles | Elevation : +770/-770m
Meals included : breakfast & dinner
Night : Lacave or Cales

After breakfast, transfer to Souillac from where you can catch a train to Toulouse or Bordeaux.

Meals included : breakfast