Cycling holidays in the Dordogne: A journey through time

The Dordogne region in southwestern France is a cyclist’s paradise, offering an intoxicating mix of scenic beauty, historical sites, and charming villages. For those seeking an adventure that weaves through medieval towns, picturesque landscapes, and ancient caves, then cycling the Dordogne along the beautiful routes through Beynac, Domme, Montignac, and Lascaux will provide an unforgettable experience.

Why choose the Dordogne for a cycling holiday?

Cycling in the Dordogne is perfect for all levels of cyclists. Many of the routes follow the course of the Dordogne or Vézère Rivers, providing a flat and scenic ride. The riverbanks are dotted with picturesque villages, verdant vineyards, and lush forests, offering plenty of opportunities for leisurely stops and photo breaks along the way. Our cycling holidays in the Dordogne also lead you through rolling countryside and tranquil woodlands & past majestic castles. The climbs up to the medieval villages & castles can be steep, but the view from the top of the river winding through lush green landscapes is well worth the effort! Whether you are thinking of booking a short break getaway or a week long trip, our holidays provide a pleasant mix of gentle inclines, steep ascents and exhilarating descents to guarantee a delightful bike ride through the heart of the Perigord region.

Read more
Cycling in the lush Dordogne : short & sweet
      • France - Dordogne
    • Self-guided
    • Cycling
      • 5 days
      • From March to October
  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Charming
      • Superior

Highlights of the trip

  • An enticing mixture of charming villages, meandering rivers, historic chateaux & fascinating prehistoric sites
  • Bike, Wine & Dine: Exploring the Dordogne & Vezere valleys on two wheels
  • Châteaux de Commarque & Chateau Puymartin
  • La Roque Gageac, Domme, Beynac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
  • Saturday morning market in Sarlat


    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

The best of Dordogne cycling
      • France - Dordogne
    • Self-guided
    • Cycling
      • 7 days
      • From March to October
  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Charming
      • Superior

Highlights of the trip

  • Cycling through the heart of the Perigord from Montignac to Sarlat
  • Dramatic river valleys dotted with fairytale chateaux, fortresses & charming villages
  • Many Prehistoric sites including the impressive Lascaux caves in Montignac & troglodyte houses
  • The gourmet gastronomy & local wines


    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

Cycling in Dordogne from Montignac to Rocamadour
      • France - Dordogne
    • Self-guided
    • Cycling
      • 9 days
      • From March to October
  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Superior

Highlights of the trip

  • Cycling on the country roads of the peaceful Dordogne
  • Beautiful rides from Montignac to Rocamadour
  • Fairytale chateaux, fortresses & medieval charming villages
  • The famous Lascaux cave & troglodyte houses
  • Good food & good wine ! 



    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

Cycling Dordogne: what not to miss!

We have put together a selection of cycling holidays in the Dordogne that take you from the medieval heights of the majestic castles to the prehistoric depths of the troglodyte villages and caves, offering a journey through time and nature. With the well-maintained cycle paths of the Dordogne and Vézère valleys, your trip will be both enjoyable and memorable, highlighting the best that this enchanting Perigord region has to offer.

 

Montignac: discovering Lascaux

Montignac is a charming town that straddles the Vézère River. Known for its beautiful riverside setting and historic architecture, Montignac is also the gateway to one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the world: the Lascaux Caves. No cycling Dordogne trip would be complete without a visit to Lascaux. Located just a short ride from Montignac, the Lascaux Caves are renowned for their prehistoric paintings, which date back over 17,000 years. The original caves are not open to the public to preserve the delicate artwork, but Lascaux IV, the International Centre for Cave Art, offers a stunning replica that allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring paintings up close.

 

Les Eyzies

To continue our cycling Dordogne experience in the Vézère valley, you also get to spend time in and explore the village of Les Eyzies. Known as the ‘Prehistoric Capital of the world’ this village is home to the National Museum of Prehistory and numerous prehistoric sites.

 

Exploring the Dordogne Valley: Beynac-et-Cazenac

Commonly referred to as Beynac, the village is perched high above the Dordogne River and is dominated by its imposing Château, a fortress that dates back to the 12th century. The narrow, winding streets of Beynac, lined with honey-colored stone houses, lead up to this historic castle, offering cyclists a challenging yet rewarding ascent

 

Enchanting La Roque-Gageac

La Roque-Gageac, nestled between towering cliffs and the Dordogne River, is often cited as one of the most beautiful villages in France. As you approach, the first sight of the village's golden stone houses clinging to the cliffs is breathtaking. The microclimate created by the cliffs allows Mediterranean plants to thrive, adding to the village's charm.

Cyclists can explore the narrow, winding streets of La Roque-Gageac, visit the exotic gardens, and even take a boat ride on a traditional Gabare to get a different perspective of the village. For those looking for a bit of adventure, a short hike up to the troglodyte fort offers spectacular views of the village and river below

 

Cycling Dordogne: exploring the beautiful Sarlat-la-Canéda

A beautifully preserved medieval town with a bustling market and stunning architecture, we highly recommend booking and extra day to enjoy everything that this town has to offer! A very pleasant way indeed to wrap up your cycling holiday in the Dordogne

 

Practical Tips for Cycling in the Dordogne

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn are ideal times for cycling in the Dordogne, offering mild weather and fewer tourists.
  • Access and logistics: Although the Dordogne is located inland and is a fairly remote part of France, access is actually quite good. There are international flights into Bergerac, Bordeaux and Périgueux airports, and a good train & bus service from the main cities to Montignac & Les Ezyies, the starting points for our Cycling Dordogne trips.