Cycling and Chateaux in Dordogne

Between the wodd famous wine regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux lies the Dordogne River Valley, During the Middle Ages, this tranquil region passed back and forth between the French and English, who built hundreds of fortresses along the river. Biking along the same paths as pilgrims and soldiers of centuries past, we sleep in Medival castles and dine on the rich flavors of the southwest, including foie gras, truffles and game. The landscape of the Dordogne provides miles of scenic and spectacular biking. The river bursts out of the volcanic rocks of the Massif Central, runs through the granite platforms of the Limousin, and criss-crosses the fertile plains.

Our week begins in Roumegouse where we visit Gouffre de Padirac, the charming village of Autoire, and the Cirque d'Autoire, a natural amphitheater with a breathtaking view of the valley below. We continue on to the fortified town of Loubressac and its Renaissance style Chateau de Montal. The next morning we might join a balloon ride above the dramatic countryside before we pedal on to Rocamadour. An old rail route leads us to the meticulously preserved town of Sarlat. Next, we visit the Valley of the Castles, where we can trade our bikes for canoes and enjoy a lazy ride down the river to see the fortresses along the banks. Castenaud and the bastide town of Domme are just a few of the highlights. Finally, our trail leads us through Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, the capital of prehistory. We explore St-Amand-de-CoIy, Les Eyzies and the wonderful reproductions at Lascaux II.

Our bicycle tours are created as a vacation, not a race. This 8 day tour of the Dordogne gives one a great taste of France. Our riding is on gently rolling to rolling terrain with some climbs. Cycling and Chateaux in the Dordogne is recommended for moderate cyclists, but athletic beginners who would like some stunning scenery and unique cliff-top villages should also join us.

Day 1 & 2 Roumégouse, Autoire & Loubressac A ride to the subterranean river of the Gouffre de Padriac before we hike to the Cirque d'Autoire, a natural amphitheater with a breaktaking view. Continue on to the fortified town of Loubressac or relax poolside before indulging in a glass of Monbazillac and a luxurious meal at our inn.
Two nights at the Château de Roumegouse, an ancient castle dating from the 10th century.

Day 3 Rocamadour & La Treyne Our day begins with an optional sunrise balloon ride above the dramatic cliffs. Back on the ground we cycle to Rocamadour. Thanks to the miracles performed by the Black Virgin, Rocamadour was an important pilgrimage stop in the middle ages. Climb the 223 steps to pay homage or enjoy a fascinating tour of a 15th c. flour mill, the Moulin de Cougnaguet. Our picnic lunch is set out next to the mill, where Hubert offers his homeade digestif after our feast. The adventurous might choose to bike a dirt road for a tasting of some artisanal foie gras.
Overnight at the Château de la Treyne or Pont de L'Ouysse.

Day 4 & 5 Sarlat & Valley of the Castles We follow the old rail route to the meticulously preserved town of Sarlat. Next we pedal on to the Valley of the Castles, where we can trade our bikes for canoes and enjoy a lazy ride down the river. This section of the Dordogne has the largest concentration of castles that you will probably ever encounter. The fortresses include the 13th c. Beynac, 15th c. Les Milandes, and the 13th c. Castelnaud. A visit to the honey hued town of Domme to admire its splendid panorama, from Beynac to the west and Montfort to the east.
Two nights at the opulent Domaine de Rochebois. Amenities include formal gardens, golf and pool.

Day 6, 7 & 8 Montignac & St. Amand de Coly
Our ride through the Vezere Valley includes a stop in Meyral to visit a 500 year old cottage and the modern art works of Pascal Magis. Next, we climb the Dordogne hills into Les Eyzies, the "capital of prehistory". We admire the original 14,000 year old cave paintings of the Font de Gaume, and the replicas at Lascaux II. We bike on to a small workshop where a coppersmith shows us his gleaming pots, pans, and utensils. Finally, we reach the abbey of St. Amand-de-Coly, one of the most amazing of this region's fortified churches. A champagne toast and one final feast at Puy Robert as we bid a fond adieu to the Dordogne.
Two nights at the Château de Puy Robert, a Relais & Châteaux inn and Michelin starred restaurant.

Length: 8 days/7 nights
Daily Mileage: 15-35 miles on gently rolling to rolling terrain. Some hills and climbs.
Dates: May 14-21, 2006, Jun 11-18, 2006, Jul 23-30, 2006, Sep 17-24, 2006, Oct 1-8, 2006
Cost: $3680 ; single supplement: $700
Included:

• Services of 2 experienced guides.
  
• All maps, trip notes, and detailed route directions.
  
• Support van and baggage transfer.
  
• All gratuities at inns & restaurants; all state & local taxes.
  
• Guided tours and visits to the Gouffre de Padirac, the Moulin de Cougnaguet, Sarlat, Font de Gaume and Lascaux II. We also visit two artists' studios and enjoy a foie gras tasting.
  
• T-shirt and water boffle.
  
• Wine at some select meals. All other alcoholic beverages are at the discretion of our clients.
  
• Detailed pre-trip information packet including travel directions, how to prep for your tour and pre/post tour hotel recommendations.
  
• Rental bike is a 24 speed H500 Cannondale hybrid. Helmet, water boffle and handlebar bag included. Toe clips are also available. You may bring your personal clipless pedals and we will attach them. We also supply complementary helmets, but for the best fit bring your own personal helmet.Your handlebar bag includes: a clear map case, a full color map of the region, tissues, spare tube, de-grease cloths and a bike lock
  

Our small groups (limit of 16) assure distinctive service and selection throughout our trips.

Our hotels are 4 star inns, Relais & Chateaux properties and the luxurious Domaine de Rochebok, which reflect the architecture, art and hospitality of the Dordogne. All with private baths and luxuries such as marble baths, pools or private terraces.

Meals feature the best of regional cuisine. Dining is from the menu, not a pre-set meal. At certain restaurants our selections may be limited to the chefs carte dujour; but we will always have a number of excellent opbons. Whether we are dining in a small bistro where the vegetables are grown in their private garden, or in an elegant Michelin star restaurant, our meals reflect the best and freshest of the region. Included are All breakfasts, one picnic lunch and snacks along the way, 6 dinners of superb French cuisine featuring a Ia carte menus and Michelin-starred restaurants: appetizers, soups & salads, main courses, coffee & dessert. 1 free night for dinner on your own.

Weather - We plan all of our tours based on the best season for biking in that region. Nevertheless, we always recommend you pack rain gear for that unexpected shower. Spring and early summer tours are filled with abundance of wildflowers-- expect to see fields full of red poppies. Warm days are followed by cool nights. Summer in the Dordogne includes warm, sunny days and the perfect weather to relax by the beautiful pools at our inns. Fall months are sunny and bright and perfect for cycling. Thanks to the harvest, our menus will feature plenty of mushrooms, game and foie gras.
Average high and low temperatures: April = 61/43, May = 67/50, June = 73/55, July = 79/59, August = 79/59, September = 74/54, October = 64/48.

Start: At the Brive train station at 2:00 pm. 4 hours from Paris/Care d'Austerlitz by train.
Finish: At the Brive train station by 1:00 pm. 4 hours to Paris/Care d'Austerlitz by train.
Pre and Post Trip Recommendations; Fly into Paris. Spend one night in Paris and then train to Brive (4 hours) the next morning. In order to bike on Day I, you must arrive in France at least I day prior to your tour. A few days in Paris are a perfect complement to a visit to the Dordogne.

Every morning your guides review the day's route and the highlights of the day. You set your own pace. You do not "follow the leader" or need to keep up with the group. We encourage you to slow down, relax and enjoy the day. Most of you will bike our main route, some of you may add on mileage with our optional routes. Your guides are always in the background. One guide sweeps the route by bike, the other sweeps with our van. Sometimes, the van is needed to deliver luggage or to transfer supplies. Don't worry, if you break down or are tired and want a lift, you can reach your guide via the guide's cell phone supplied on every tour.

"And unlike many group ventures, it's an intimate, first-class affair .. there's no oppressively regimented schedule"-
New York Magazine

"Crazy about cycling? Grab your bike and head for Italy. Wine-taste your way through Umbria... staying in palatial accommodations...or view the Venetian countryside, with its Renaissance villas, medieval towns and red-poppy farms".
- Vogue Magazine

"For folks whose tastes run to small, elegant inns and gourmet restaurants".
- Travel America

"I discovered one of the best cycling touring companies to ride with ...an impressive company offers trips loaded with amenities and flair ...they thought of everything you may possibly need..."
- Cape Cod Life

" ...5 star accommodations in historic palaces, exquisite unlimited cuisine prepared by first class chefs and a daily choice of menus make this a bike lover's dream..."
- Italia Magazine