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Bicycle ToursSelf Guided Dordogne Biking
Day 1 ... Arrival in Gourdon. Cliff will give you the bikes and a briefing for the tour. Day 2 ... Leave Gourdon to pedal to the Dordogne Valley. You'll then climb to the region of the causse, a wild limestone plateau with stone walls and black-eyed sheep. Visit an ancient water-powered flour mill on the way to Rocamadour. Day 3 ... A day ride takes you to stunning Rocamadour, significant as an ancient pilgrimage site. After exploring this near-vertical village overlooking the isolated Ouysse ravine, ride to Carennac, or to Autoire, delightful villages dotting the course of the Dordogne River. Explore the sinkhole of Padirac Chasm and take a boat ride on an underground river. Day 4 ... Follow the curves of the Dordogne to the cliff side villages of La Roque-Gageac and Vitrac. This section of the river is studded with fairy-tale castles! Day 5 ... Enjoy a full day to explore this region. Wander through Sarlat, a beautifully preserved and restored town with winding streets and magnificent buildings. Visit Beynac, then Castelnaud castle with its medieval warfare museum. The view from the hilltop village of Domme is unforgettable. Day 6 ... Enjoy spectacular views of the Dordogne valley as you follow winding roads through the forests and villages of Périgord Noir. Pause at St-Cyprien, dominated by its massive Romanesque church, then head to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, sometimes referred to as "The World Capital of Prehistory". Day 7 ... On a day ride from Les Eyzies you'll explore the Vézère River valley. This is the land of the most famous prehistoric sites, including caves and troglodyte dwellings. Visit Font de Gaume, Abri du Cap Blanc and the lovely village of St-Léon. Go as far as Lascaux . Day 8 ... Follow gentle river valleys through the green hills of the Bouriane to return to Gourdon. Savour the beauty and tranquility of this charming landscape. Day 9 ... Cliff will pick up the bikes and say his good-byes. The shortened seven-day tour skips Rocamadour and days 2 and 3 described above, as you head directly to La Roque-Gageac. Cost per person double occupancy in US$:
Dates : Start April 1 to October 25,
2005.
Accommodations : Area Manager, Cliff Walker, will contact you when you arrive and set you up on the bikes. Each day, you leave your luggage and head out, following the route instructions. Pedal at your own pace, linger in cafés as long as you want, wander through fascinating villages, or hammer out extra kilometres. All you'll need to carry in your panniers are some snacks and light clothing. Cliff will be on the road, moving your luggage, available for technical or emergency support - just a phone call away. The self-guided formula lets you choose your own meals. Buy a baguette and cheese for a simple picnic lunch or discover a hidden café. Eat as little or as much as you want for the evening meal. Getting There : You start in Gourdon, about 550 km south of Paris. Gourdon is a charming village, crowning a hill in quiet wooded countryside. It boasts a charming medieval quarter of narrow streets and golden limestone houses, and a 14th-century Gothic church. Gourdon is on the main Paris-Toulouse rail line, a 5-hour trip with no change of trains. Named best outfitter
for self-guided walking tours, Travel & Leisure, August 2000
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The Dordogne is often called the most beautiful
river in France. Our tour to this land of the castles of Richard
the Lionheart, features the most famous and spectacular section
of the river, studded with castles and cave art. The pedalling
is perfect, and a plentitude of sights and attractions round out
your vacation. This tour to the southwest serves as a delightful
introduction to France, but also suits experienced adventurers.