The colors of Perigord

7 days cycling through the Purple and Black Périgord

Highlights

The medevial town of Sarlat
The Bergerac vineyard
The Dordogne river and castles
Belvès, one of the most beautiful villages in France
The caves of Eyzies

The story behind the trip

Jean-Paul, former president of the Bergerac tourist office, is truly passionate about his region. When you arrive in Bergerac, it is he who welcomes you. Make the most of his in-depth knowledge of the territory, he recommends you on all the top spots to discover during this trip.

When we met Jean-Paul, a few months after the creation of Abicyclette Voyages, we immediately wanted to share this passion and this knowledge of the Dordogne. Jean-Paul accompanied us along the banks of the Vézère and the Dordogne to discover the natural and historical gems of Périgord Pourpre and Périgord Noir. The region and the people have enchanted us to the point of returning there often, bringing back its treasures (wines, duck specialties …) to always have a little bit of the Dordogne sun at home. And it is now above all the pleasure of sharing this passion with you through secret and gourmet bike trips.

The secrets of the Dordogne Valley

122/5000 A one-week cycle tour in the Périgord Pourpre et Noir, a land of wines, gastronomy, castles, fortified towns...

Welcome to Bergerac, capital of Périgord Pourpre (Purple Périgord). Our local guide, Jean-Paul, welcomes you for some last recommendations on your trip. Take advantage of this evening stopover to discover the old town of Cyrano.

By bike, you get away along the small hilly roads of the vineyard that surrounds the city. These are the vines that give Périgord Pourpre its color. Discover and taste, in moderation, the famous gourmet and full-bodied appellations of this unique terroir. The glasses are tinted, here by the golden reflections of Monbazillac, there by the deep red of Pécharmant, testifying to its potential.

This stay allows you to discover rich and varied landscapes: winding roads in the shade of deep forests, superb panoramas at a bend in the road, old stones gilded by the sun, castles and prehistoric caves. The route is accompanied by many imposing residences, castles and authentic villages, some of which are classified among the most beautiful in France: Limeuil, Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, Belvès …

A route where nature impresses and accompanies you all along: limestone cliffs, rivers, meadows, forests … Enough to replenish oneself of fresh air. The color changes from purple to black, relative to the dark and imposing forests of the eastern part of Périgord.

The Périgord Noir (Black Périgord) is also a journey through time, from prehistoric times to modern times. Your bike will take you to Eyzies-de-Tayac, the prehistoric world capital, where many rock sites are concentrated. You ride up the Dordogne stream to Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval architectural gem where you can walk in its narrow streets, to discover the most beautiful squares and well preserved architecture.

In addition to its remarkable natural, historical and cultural heritage, Périgord is also renowned for its exceptional local products: foie gras, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, walnuts, figs… Everything you need to satisfy any gourmet traveler!

Carte séjour à vélo - Les couleurs du Périgord
Niveau FitFit
Day 1

FROM BERGERAC, MONTBAZILLAC LOOP 27km 171m Niveau Loisir

Discover the vineyards of Bergerac and Monbazillac. After the climbing the hills you arrive at the castle of Monbazillac, high place for the tasting of this world-renowned sweet white wine. From here, you overlook Bergerac and its valley. After dabbling on the small vineyard roads, you dive into Bergerac and its old town for an excellent evening.

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

From BERGERAC to LES EYZIES DE TAYAC 68km 851m Niveau Forme

Day of the rivers. Leave Bergerac in the morning to stroll along small roads lost in the middle of forests and meadows. You undulate in these fresh landscapes, crossing authentic Perigord villages huddled around their often fortified steeples. After a few spins of the wheels, you arrive on the “cingles”, This is the name we give to the meanders of the Dordogne. Your day becomes more sporty but you are rewarded by magnificent views and you can swim at the confluence of Vézère and Dordogne in Limeuil, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Day 3

FROM EYZIES DE TAYAC TO SARLAT LA CANEDA 40km 706m Niveau Forme

You will ride in cool valleys along the wild rivers of the region where trout like to rest. You will pass in front of the castle of Commarque, whose remains can be visited. You biking day ends in Sarlat La Canéda.

  • For a few more km 59km 946m Niveau Expert

    This variant allows you to visit the magnificent gardens of Eyrignac.

Day 4

FROM SARLAT LA CANEDA, DOMME LOOP 40km 786m Niveau Forme

A loop to discover the Monfort cingle (meander) and its castle, and the fortified town of Domme, medieval town perched at 300 m altitude above the river. Make some time to stroll through Sarlat and lose yourself in its charming streets and squares.

Day 5

From SARLAT LA CANEDA to BELVES 40km 551m Niveau Forme

This is the day of the castles. Leave early because you will be put through the wringer! After leaving Sarlat, you will find the Dordogne valley in La Roque-Gageac, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Once explored, you will enter the valley of the castles, Beynac, Castelnau, Marqueyssac, Fayrac, Milandes … the choice is yours! You will end your day in a hilltop town, Belvès, another of the most beautiful villages of France.

Day 6

From BELVES to BERGERAC 59km 373m Niveau Forme

You cross large wild expanses punctuated by pretty little villages with a church here, a covered market there, further down a beautiful home to arrive at Beaumont du Périgord, an English fortified town of the 13th century, dominated by its immense fortified church. You resume your journey by the beautiful valley of Couze, a river with many mills and pure water. You cannot return to Bergerac without before having admired the castle of Bannes, marvel of medieval architecture, perched on its rocky outcrop and the castle of Lanquais, the unfinished Louvre of Périgord. On your arrival, find the life of the streets of the beautiful city of Bergerac.

Day 7

BERGERAC

It’s the end of your stay after breakfast. Have a good journey home!

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.

Accommodation example
Façade de l'hotel-de-france à Bergerac Le Menestrel - Les Eyzies-de-Tayac Manoir de la Moissie - Belvès

Starting from 945€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Façade de l'hotel-de-france à Bergerac Façade Hôtel les Remparts à Sarlat la Caneda Hotel Clement V

Starting from 1000€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hotel les Glycines Hotel Clement V

Starting from 1485€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • The trip itineraries available on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Cycling practical guide including topo maps, restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Trekking bike

    A layed out and dynamic position

    Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Vélo Abicyclette Voyages

    Ebike

    With an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy!

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    EBIKE VELO DE VILLE

    Children Bike

    Recommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :

    • 16 inches from 105cm to 120cm (or 6 to 7 years old)
    • 20 inches from 120cm to 135cm (or 7 to 10 years old)
    • 24 inches from 135cm to 145cm (or 10 to 12 years old)
    • SPORT XS bike (adult frame) from 145cm to 155cm (from age 10)

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 inner tube
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Vélo enfant 24 pouces pour vacances à vélo

    Bike trailer

    Thule Chariot Cross 2
    Children’s trailers can only be rented for installation on one of our bikes.
    We do not provide this service on any other bike. There is too much risk of incompatibility and breakage.
    Por one or 2 children.
    Max child trailer load: 45kg.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet (or 2 if 2 kids)
    • 1 inner tube
    • 1 bike water bottle (or 2)
    • Accessories on request: baby hammock. A padded hammock that supports baby’s sides and offers maximum stability (1 to 10 months). Use only the newborn hammock for walking.

    Getting here

    Departure city : BERGERAC

    Coming by car

    • at from PARIS
    • at from BORDEAUX
    • at from LYON

    Parking*

    • Parking privé – Hôtel de France
    • Parking Bellegarde – BERGERAC
    • Parking les Carmes – BERGERAC
    • Parking République – BERGERAC
    • Parking Seigneurs Capitaines – BERGERAC
    • Parking Colluci – BERGERAC

    Coming by train

    • Bergerac train station - 3h45 from Paris
    • Bordeaux train station - 2h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Bordeaux airport

    Arrival city : BERGERAC

    Coming by car

    • at from PARIS
    • at from BORDEAUX
    • at from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Bergerac train station - 3h45 from Paris
    • Bordeaux train station - 2h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Bordeaux airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

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