Dordogne by bike : Black Périgord and Lot Valley

SARLAT LA CANEDA

Arrive on your own to Sarlat, capital of Périgord Noir. The city’s heritage is internationally recognized, you should take the time to visit this beautiful medieval city.

From SARLAT LA CANEDA to ROCAMADOUR 58km 761m

From Sarlat, a greenway leads you to the gates of Souillac. This charming little town owes its notoriety to its magnificent abbey: the Sainte-Marie abbey. From here, you can admire the famous sculpture of the prophet Isaiah, the seven viaducts built on both sides of the city, the Museum of the Automaton and its alleys full of history. Remember to save some time at the end of the day to discover the medieval city of Rocamadour. Don’t forget to make a stop at a small farm to taste the local goat cheeses.

From ROCAMADOUR to FIGEAC 53km 632m

A transition stage between the banks of Alzou and Lot is on the day’s agenda. You also cross the Causse de Gramat, the most important Causse (limestone plateau) in Quercy. The greatest wealth of this fascinating territory lies in its many stone treasures. Barns, barracks, low walls, wells, laundries, crosses, dolmens and menhirs, the landscape is interspersed by this priceless and emblematic heritage.

• For a few more km 80km 1306m

  Discover Loubressac and Autoire, two villages classified among the most beautiful villages in France and the splendid Gouffre de Padirac.

From FIGEAC to SAINT CIRQ LAPOPIE 53km 629m

A day along the water, on the banks of the Lot, which will lead you to Saint-Cirq Lapopie. Set on a cliff 100 meters above the Lot, Saint-Cirq Lapopie is one of the major sites in the Lot valley. This medieval village, with no less than 13 historical monuments, is one of the most beautiful villages in France.

From SAINT CIRQ LAPOPIE to CAHORS 43km 630m

From the medieval town of Saint-Cirq Lapopie, you enter the Célé Valley. On your way, take the time to discover the famous prehistoric cave of Pech Merle and its museum. You arrive in Cahors, capital of the Lot, which combines southern atmosphere, historical richness and gourmet pleasures!

• For a few more km 57km 993m

  You go along the Célé Valley to reach the heights and the Couzals ecomuseum, labelled as a museum of France.

From CAHORS to GOURDON 55km 847m

After a few kilometers along the Lot, you head north, indicating your return to Perigord. Through small villages and small roads in the shade, you reach Gourdon. This small town has kept a strong medieval identity: fortified gate, half-timbered houses, narrow streets winding up to the esplanade of the old castle … There, at the top of the mound, indulge the hilly landscapes specific to Périgord. Here, everything calls for a medieval stroll especially on the occasion of the medieval festivals which resound, at the beginning of August, with the sounds of swords and troubadours songs .

From GOURDON to SARLAT LA CANEDA 27km 211m

This stage allows you to reach Sarlat smoothly. Your passage over the Dordogne will certainly give you the craving for a swim or a nap under the fresh air of the river. This can be an opportunity to visit the city of Sarlat if you haven’t had the time on your arrival.

• For a few more km 40km 551m

  A longer route is available for the more adventurous. It will take you to the village of Domme, which offers a splendid panorama over the Dordogne.

• For a few more km 52km 861m

  You continue your journey towards the magnificent castle of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle overlooking the whole valley. You then follow the Dordogne river to the village of La Roque-Gageac, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. You will need to make a few more efforts to reach the heights of Sarlat, and then you can plunge into the historic heart of this sumptuous town.

SARLAT LA CANEDA

End of the stay after your breakfast. Have a safe trip back !