Highlights of the Dordogne by Bike

Arrive in the bustling old town of Souillac, strategically placed since pre-Roman times astride the river Dordogne, and easily reached by rail or autoroute from Paris via Brive. Time to explore the old quarter and magnificent 11th century Romanesque church. Since the middle of the 19th Century Souillac has been a traditional market town with goods stopping here on their journey along the Dordogne River. Every Friday morning there is a traditional morning market, from 8.30am - 1.00pm. The perfect place to stock up on some local fruits and cheeses for a picnic! In July and August there is a Wednesday farmers market 5pm - 8pm selling organic, fresh local produce.

Today you have a choice of two cycle routes to Sarlat. The shorter option takes you across the river through Carlux, Ste Nathalene and Croix d’Alon and has several uphill stretches making it more challenging. The longer option follows the river and with a small detour allows a visit to the ‘Chateau de Fenelon’. In Sarlat on Saturdays there is a large market spread throughout the streets of the old town, selling both local food produce as well as arts and crafts. There is also a smaller market on Wednesday mornings. On most days however there is a covered market in the former church of Ste.-Marie.

Today you can choose to take a rest day and explore and shop in Sarlat. Alternatively, you can do a loop cycle out to visit the bastide town of Domme and the spectacular village of La Roque Gageac that is tucked beneath the cliffs alongside the Dordogne river. Overnight Sarlat. Dinner is not included tonight so you are free to sample the local restaurants.

Cycle today across rolling country to visit the Château of Beynac before arriving at Castelnaud, dominated by its own 12C Château. The nearby Château les Milandes can also be visited before you arrive in the delightful old town of St Cyprien. From here you leave the Dordogne river to arrive in the Vézère valley and the cliffs of Les Eyzies, renowned world-wide as the centre of prehistory. Overnight in Les Eyzies

Today you can choose to have a rest day in Les Eyzies. Alternatively, you have the option to cycle a 29km route where you will pass by troglodyte caves, the Chateau de Commarque with its prehistoric caves beneath, a roman chapel, knights tower, and nobles houses recently discovered after 350 years covered by vegetation which are all carved into the cliff. Continue to the tomb of Cro-Magnon man which was discovered by rail workers in the 1800's. You can also view prehistoric art (15000 years old) in the only original site in the region still open to the public, Grotto de Font-de-Gaume. Pre-booking tickets is required. Tonight you have a choice of local restaurants for dinner.

There is a choice of two routes to Montignac. The shorter option enables a stop at the prehistoric caves at Castel Merle. The longer ride passes along the Vézère valley beneath the towering cliffs of la Roque St Christophe, a remarkable troglodytic site inhabited from prehistoric times until the 18th Century. Continue via the Romanesque church of St Leon sur Vézère to Montignac, where you stay tonight.

Today it is possible to visit the cave paintings at Lascaux. The ride to the caves is slightly longer, but also includes lots of downhill sections. Return to Souillac past the golden limestone village of St Geniès, and the 13th century convent of Salignac. The lovely 18th century Italianate gardens of Eyrignac can also be visited.