Experience the best of the Périgord countryside by bike on this 7-day self-guided tour
Experience an authentic France on the 7-day self-guided Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour. Cycle a delightful route between the Lot and Dordogne river valleys, experiencing the romantic Périgord countryside in all its glory.
Beginning and ending your cycling tour in one of France’s “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages in France), you’ll embark on a breathtaking loop from Monpazier and back. Monpazier certainly sets the bar high for village experiences, but rest assured, the medieval villages to come are equally as charming! Your route unfolds as you pedal to Puy L’Eveque, the Bastide town of Villefranche, and beautiful Belvès, with stays in lovely historic accommodations in each. Enjoy spectacular dining experiences in each village during the tour, savouring the best French food and wine.
Explore another of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France as you explore Belvès, perusing its 15th-century market hall as the sound of the town’s 7 bell towers fills the air with an ancient song. Cruise through enchanting chestnut forests that lead to the village of Cadouin, where you’ll hop off your bike to explore a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. Pedal through the scenic Dordogne valley, uncovering spellbinding Châteaus among the picturesque countryside.
The Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour is a true pleasure for the senses. Experience one of France’s most beautiful regions by bike!
Highlights of the Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour
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Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your tour begins in the Bastide town of Monpazier, known worldwide as one of the most beautiful villages in all of France. Monpazier was founded in 1285, and its construction was commissioned by King Edward I of England.
Areas of interest in Monpazier are endless! Settle into your accommodations here, then set out on a walk, perhaps beginning in its exceptionally well-preserved medieval center.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monpazier
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Cycle to Puy-l'Évêque
A lovely first day cycling today. After the first few kilometres, you will see the very impressive Castle of Biron, a 13th-century chateau. After a visit, you continue through a gently winding valley road until you reach the village and fortress of Gavaudun which was built in the 11th century. It can be seen on a rocky outcrop high above the village and played a big part in the hundred-year war. Now you shall cycle following a nice quiet small country road towards theriver Lot. You then follow the river until you will reach your accommodation, a 17th-century stone charterhouse, close to the village of Puy L’Eveque. The “Bishops Hill”, once occupied by the English during the reign of King Henry IV, the marks from his cannonballs can still be seen on the walls of the main church of Saint-Sauveur.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puy L’Eveque
Distance: 61.2km, 806m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Pedal Périgord Countryside to Villefranche-Du Perigord
You start today cycling along the Lot river as you climb gently out of the valley. Now you have a short but challenging climb to the village of Les Arques, where the very special museum on the artist Zadkine is worth a visit. The rest of the ride is easy and quiet through the real rural France countryside passing some chestnut forests. Soon you reach your destination, another Bastide town, Villefranche-Du Perigord. It even has a little chestnut museum.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villefranche-Du Périgord
Distance: 49.2km, 793m of ascent, 686m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Ride to Belvès
You meander through the countryside via tiny hamlets and villages. The little climb of today is at the end of your ride when you reach your destination: Belvès, another one of “France’s most beautiful villages”. Enjoy the spectacular views and the sound of one of the seven bell towers. If you have time: visit the remains of medieval houses to be discovered under (!) the main square.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Belvès
Distance: 45.7km, 688m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Optional Loop to the Dordogne River Castles
Today you’ll choose between a rest day and a scenic journey to explore some of the highlights of Dordogne.
If you do decide to ride today, you’ll visit the famous French entertainer Josephine Baker’s Château de Milandes, where you’ll explore her fascinating life through an exhibition housed in the château. If this château has got you wanting to see more, add another 11.5km onto your ride, and loop to the Dordogne’s most famous castle, Château de Castelnaud.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Belvès
Distance: 41.7km, 450m of ascent/descent (add 11.4km for Château de Castelnaud)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Return to Monpazier Via Cadouin
Your final day on the bike will be brief but no less wonderful! Depart Belvès via the chestnut forests, making your way to the lovely medieval village of Cadouin. The ancient village is home to a 12th-century abbey.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cistercian monastery known as Cadouin Abbey is an authentic Gothic art masterpiece. Spend some time enjoying this remarkable place frozen in time, and then continue to Monpazier, where you’ll enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Refresh tired muscles with a relaxing dip in the hotel pool, or swap out your wheels for walking shoes, and continue to explore stunning Monpazier on foot.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monpazier
Distance: 34.5km, 330m of ascent, 300m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure
Following breakfast this morning your tour comes to an end. Check out of your accommodations and say au revoir to beautiful Monpazier as you depart for the airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – 23rd, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,950 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,150 USD
Departure on April 24th – June 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,050 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,550 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,195 USD
Departure on July 1st – August 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,125 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,625 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,225 USD
Departure on September 1st – October 10th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $2,050 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,550 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,195 USD
Departure on October 11th – 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $1,950 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,150 USD
Accommodation on the Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and 4-star and offer basic or modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, pools, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Edward 1er in Monpazier ★★★★
Experience the elegant style of this exceptional hotel. Rooms boast views of the Périgord hills, Monpazier, and the Dordogne River.
Cdh Château Gautoul (Puy-L'Evêque)
Cdh Château Gautoul in Puy-L'Evêque is a stunning chateau offering a blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Nestled in Puy-L'Evêque, it provides an elegant retreat with beautiful surroundings, featuring luxurious amenities and a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.
Cdh La Petite Auberge (Villefranche-du-Périgord)
Cdh La Petite Auberge" in Villefranche-du-Périgord is a quaint inn offering a cozy and intimate stay. Nestled in the heart of Villefranche-du-Périgord, this accommodation provides guests with a charming retreat and personalized service in a picturesque setting.
Hotel Clement V in Belves ★★★
In the heart of the medieval city lies this unique hotel, formerly a grocery shop and carefully restored into a superb hotel. Enjoy a home-away-from-home atmosphere at this charming and intimate hotel.
Hotel Edward 1er in Monpazier ★★★★
Experience the elegant style of this exceptional hotel. Rooms boast views of the Périgord hills, Monpazier, and the Dordogne River.
What’s Included in the Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Monpazier are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the locations along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour does not include any transfers as you will be biking to your next accommodation each da, however, luggage transfers are included.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
- Hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities or excursions
- Luggage transfer
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
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