Day 1 (Thursday):

Welcome to the Dordogne—let the adventure begin!


 We recommend arriving in Sarlat-la-Canéda a day early, giving yourself time to unwind, wander the cobbled streets, and ease into the rhythm of southwestern France. By the time the tour officially begins, you’ll be rested, refreshed, and ready to ride.

In the afternoon, we’ll take care of bike fittings between 1:00 and 3:00 pm—because comfort is a luxury we take seriously. Afterward, we’ll gather in the hotel lobby for a relaxed orientation and a quick overview of cycling in France, then it’s time for our first taste of the Dordogne on two wheels.

Our inaugural ride follows a lovely voie verte (greenway), an easy and scenic introduction to the region and its namesake river. For nearly 500 miles, the Dordogne flows past honey-colored limestone cliffs, storybook castles, lush farmland, and ancient prehistoric sites. This fertile valley is legendary for its culinary riches—foie gras, truffles, bold red wines, and walnuts—and today is just your first experience with its charms.

We’ll cross the river and pedal toward the medieval village of Groléjac before gliding back to our hotel. The day concludes with dinner together—good food, good wine, and the perfect toast to the journey ahead.

Mileage: 23 km round trip on a flat, paved surface
Dinner: Together~ 🥂🍽️

Day 2 (Friday): Castles and Countryside

After breakfast, we’ll head out on the voie verte toward St-Julien-de-Lampon, a lively village perched above the Dordogne Valley with postcard-worthy views of the river and surrounding castles. We’ll explore the village and enjoy lunch before pedaling a few more kilometers to the magnificent Château de Fénelon.

Often described as a medieval masterpiece, the château blends formidable military architecture with elegant Renaissance details. After our visit, we return to Sarlat, where the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Join our optional walking tour of town, wander the maze of cobblestone alleys, or hop back on your bike for more exploring at your own pace.

Dinner this evening is together.

Dinner: Together~
Mileage: 36 km round trip

Day 3 (Saturday): Markets, Canoes & Cliffside Villages

This morning begins with a visit to the famous Sarlat market, a feast for the senses. You’ll discover local produce, foie gras, walnut specialties, and handcrafted treasures—and we’ll gather picnic supplies for today’s adventures.

From here, you can choose your own Dordogne delight:

  • Canoe gently downstream (18 km, slow and scenic), launching in Vitrac and floating past Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Beynac, and Castelnaud. Picnic riverside and enjoy the cool waters of the Dordogne-don’t forget your swimsuits!

  • Cycle through the countryside, soaking up views at your own pace. For those craving more time on two wheels, ride to the breathtaking cliffside village of La Roque-Gageac and Beynac Castle, where it’s easy to find the perfect picnic spot with a view.

Ride mileage : Sarlat to La Roque-Gageac, approx. 28 km round trip

Dinner tonight is on your own~perhaps inspired by the market’s temptations.


Day 4 (Sunday): Into Prehistory

Today we say au revoir to Sarlat and ride toward Les Eyzies, our home for the next three nights. Known worldwide as the Capital of Prehistory, this region is rich with Paleolithic caves and history.

It’s Sunday—a day for leisure in France—so we take our time, enjoying a relaxed ride with scenic stops along the way. In the afternoon, we visit Font-de-Gaume, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the few caves in France still displaying original prehistoric polychrome paintings. Dating back more than 14,000 years, the artworks—bison, horses, and mammoths—are awe-inspiring and carefully protected, with limited daily access.

After our visit, return to town for rest and relaxation at the hotel, or explore the nearby National Museum of Prehistory.

Dinner: Together~
Mileage: 23 km

Day 5 (Monday): Lascaux & Leisure

This morning, we offer a shuttle to the world-famous Lascaux caves (about a 30-minute drive). Though the original cave is closed for preservation, Lascaux IV is an extraordinary full-scale replica that brings the 20,000-year-old paintings vividly to life. Expect a fascinating visit lasting about 2–3 hours.

Afterward, we’ll stop for lunch in the charming town of Montignac. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish:

  • Return to the hotel and relax

  • Join our shuttle to visit an artisanal walnut mill in Vézac

  • Or take a suggested loop ride along the Vézère River

    Dinner this evening is on your own~

Day 6 (Tuesday):

Beautiful Villages & a Grand Finale

Today we spend most of the day cycling along a scenic voie verte from Les Eyzies to Limeuil, passing limestone cliffs and walnut groves. We’ll stop for lunch in the charming village of Le Bugue, then continue on to Limeuil, where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet.

Often named one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Limeuil is a joy to explore. We’ll wander the village, then gather at an artisanal brewery for a celebratory beer before returning to Les Eyzies.

This evening marks our final dinner together, and we’ve saved something special. We’ll travel to the bastide village of Domme, perched dramatically atop a cliff overlooking the Dordogne. Arriving early, you’ll have time to explore and take in sweeping views as the sun sets over the valley—then enjoy dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in all of France.

Mileage:

  • Les Eyzies → Le Bugue: 12.5 km

  • Le Bugue → Limeuil: 6.5 km

  • Total: 38 km

Dinner together~

Day 7 (Wednesday): Au Revoir, Dordogne

Over a final breakfast together, we’ll reflect on a memorable week—sharing stories, laughter, and favorite moments from our journey. If you’d like, we’d love to see your photos from the ride. We’ll assist everyone with onward travel plans and hope to welcome you again on another adventure in France with Let’s Explore!