The Dordogne and the Pays des Bastides

BERGERAC

If you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, a first loop invites you into the vineyards of Pécharmant. Small appellation of red wines. This structured wine has a dark garnet color. It calls for some wine tastings at the vineyards! In the evening, you will enjoy the charming town of Bergerac and its lively narrow streets.

From BERGERAC to EYMET 43km 410m

For this first day of cycling, you will first discover the vineyards of Bergerac and Monbazillac. After climbing the hills you arrive at the Château de Monbazillac, the Mecca for tasting this world famous liquoreux sweet white wine. From this place, you overlook Bergerac and its valley. After a few pedal strokes, you arrive at the Malfourat mill, of which only the Tower remains. You arrive at the medieval castle of Bridoire where you can stop to discover the history of this castle which has been plundered many times before being restored. You can also play many games of yesteryear since the castle provides its visitors with around a hundred old games. Finally, through fields and small villages, you reach the bastide town of Eymet founded in 1256 by Alphonse de Poitiers. In the evening, explore the central square, its arcades and its typical houses with exposed stone or half-timbered facades.

• For a few more km 52km 529m

  On this hilly detour, you will discover the magnificent little church of Puyguilhem as well as the village of Soumensac offering a splendid view of the countryside that surrounds it. Finally, before reaching Eymet, you will enjoy a stop by the Lac de l’Escourroux from where you can watch the birds during a rest break.

From EYMET to MONFLANQUIN 53km 486m

You leave Eymet and quickly reach the country of Dropt, named after the river which crosses it and marks the border between Agenais and Périgord. You cycle to Lauzun, a charming little village whose castle is listed as a historic monument. A little further east is the bastide of Castillonnès, built like many others by Alphonse de Poitiers. Then you reach another remarkable bastide: that of Villeréal, also founded by Alphonse de Poitiers. The wooden hall is perfectly preserved and the fortified church is imposing. Walk the pretty streets of the bastide as well as the rue Saint Roch. You finally reach the bastide town of Monflanquin, classified by “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”.

• For a few more km 73km 527m

  Before reaching Lauzun, you reach the villages of Allemans-du-Dropt, which owes its name to the Germanic confederation of Alamans which invaded it in the 6th century, then the bastide town of Miramont-de-Guyenne.

From MONFLANQUIN to MONPAZIER 33km 359m

From Monflanquin, you cycle through a rural landscape before reaching the Château de Gavaudun. Located above the village on a rocky outcrop, it was first a heretics’ landmark before being one of the last French bastions during the 100 years war. In summer, the life of the castle is enlivened by storytelling matinees, stone-cutting workshops, abseiling from the dungeon … You hop on your bike again and enjoy a few kilometers under the shade of big trees. You will now see the Château de Biron, recognized as a Major Site of Aquitaine and classified as a Historic Monument. A few more kilometers more and you reach Monpazier, classified by the Most Beautiful Villages of France, where you spend the night.

• For a few more km 62km 745m

  This itinerary allows you to complete your day with a visit to the medieval castle of Bonaguil. This castle, whose conservation is unique in Europe, dominates the valley and forms an ensemble of gigantic proportions.

From MONPAZIER to DOMME 50km 693m

You leave one of the most beautiful villages in France for another. It is by small roads that you reach Belves. This medieval city also called “the city of 7 bell towers” was not spared by invasions and wars but it has miraculously preserved magnificent traces of its heritage built over the centuries. Belvès means “beautiful view” in Occitan. Indeed, its geographical location offers an exceptional panorama over the horizon of the Périgord noir. After a  last effort, you reach the bastide of Domme, from which you enjoy a breathtaking landscape above the Dordogne. A genuine moment of contemplation is presented to you.

• For a few more km 70km 969m

  These few additional kilometers allow you to discover the Montfort cingle as well as the Montfort castle. This castle is visited from the outside. It combines elements of medieval and renaissance architecture.

From DOMME to CADOUIN 46km 300m

Today, you cross the Dordogne before reaching the picturesque village of La Roque-Gageac. Located at the foot of a cliff facing south, the golden houses with brown tiled roofs are reflected in the waters of the Dordogne where the gabars (sailing barges) laden with goods crossed in the 19th century. You now climb up to Castelnaud castle, whose dominant position allows visitors to enjoy a unique view of the Dordogne valley. A few pedal strokes and you arrive at the Château des Millandes, home of the famous Josephine Baker. Between the meadows of walnut trees and the old tobacco barns, you follow the Dordogne before arriving in the medieval city of Saint-Cyprien. Stroll through the small streets of the village where the stone dwellings have been preserved and give the village an incredible charm. You then reach the Buisson de Cadouin and then the small village of Cadouin, whose Cistercian abbey is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.

• For a few more km 55km 400m

  Before reaching Cadouin and its fabulous Abbey, you set off to explore Limeuil, a village classified among the most beautiful in France. Archetype of the medieval city, several buildings allow you to appreciate the architectural mastery of the time. When you arrive in the village, you can see that the old city wall has kept its three access doors: the port door, the Récluzou door and the Marquisate door. Do not forget to visit its panoramic Garden above the confluence between the Vézère and the Dordogne.

From CADOUIN to BERGERAC 45km 300m

This last day of cycling brings you back to Bergerac. You are going to discover English bastides. At first, you cross Molières. This English bastide was founded in 1284 by Jean De Grailly, seneschal of the King of England. On the banks of the Dordogne, your route takes you to Lalinde, the first English bastide town in Périgord! It has kept its mission as a trading town and a stopover between Bergerac and Sarlat. The road is flat up to the Chateau de Lanquais, a symbol of power and grandeur. This fortified castle adjoining a prestigious renaissance palace was built by the builders of the Louvre. Following the Dordogne, you will find Bergerac, which marks the end of your adventure in the Pays des Bastides.

• For a few more km 65km 500m

BERGERAC

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