The Dordogne and the Pays des Bastides
A bicycle-touring getaway in the gourmet Périgord through the villages of the Middle Ages
Highlights
Bergerac and its vineyard
The most beautiful bastides in the region: Monpazier, Eymet, Domme ...
The Dordogne castles of the Middle Ages
The village of Domme and its breathtaking view of the Dordogne valley
The most beautiful villages of France: La Roque-Gageac, Monpazier, Belves ...
The story behind the trip
Jean-Paul, former president of the Bergerac tourist office, is a real fan of his region. When you arrive in Bergerac, he welcomes you. Take advantage of his in-depth knowledge of the land, he will give you advice on all the good places to discover during this trip.
When we met Jean-Paul, a few months after the creation of Abicyclette Voyages, we immediately wanted to share his passion and knowledge of the Dordogne. Jean-Paul quickly pointed us to the pays des bastides, for a visit of the beautiful Monpazier. Less known than the Périgord Noir, the pays des bastides is an enchanting place with its castles, preserved landscapes and geometrical layout of villages which have managed to retain their old charm.
A bicycle trip in the South of Périgord
On its peaceful and winding little roads, discover the authentic Dordogne in the heart of the Pays des Bastides thanks to this 8-day itinerary.
From Bergerac, we invite you to explore by bike the peaceful, rural and authentic Dordogne, where history is deeply rooted. Different periods in time have left indelible traces in Dordogne. Prehistory and the Middle Ages bear witness in particular to the natural riches of the region, prompting men to settle and defend this territory.
Thanks to this 6-day bicycle-touring route, you connect the main historical sites which bear witness to the life of the Middle Ages. In the 12th and 14th century, the bastides, new cities erected at the request of the king of France or England, were built in the south of the Dordogne because of the proximity to the Agenais who had become the theater of Franco-English rivalries . The bastides assure the possessions of the King of France and those of the King of England also Duke of Aquitaine. Many of these bastides are found in the Pays du Dropt. This region is made up of many small authentic villages, castles, churches and mills, green hills and valleys but also vines and vineyards.
Castles and mills are particularly present on your cycling routes. Take the time to admire the Malfourat mill, visit the Château de Castelnaud which houses a collection of medieval weapons and armor and discover the world of Joséphine Baker at the Château des Milandes, where she lived with twelve orphans.
There is no shortage of views of the Dordogne valley. The most beautiful will undoubtedly be the one from the village of Domme. This bastide, a model of its kind, perched on the hill will allow you to enjoy a breathtaking and unparalleled view. Of course, this requires some effort on the bike to reach its panoramas. The effort is amply rewarded! The electric bike is often appreciated here to minimize the efforts that the valley requires. The rich and gourmet cuisine also makes up for the day’s exertions.
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!
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.
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.
Starting from 1055€/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.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a double room
- 7 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance
- Application fee
- Day 1 : Welcome
- A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
Price does not include
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
- Repairs, spareparts and mileage allowance
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
- 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
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
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 bikeA layed out and dynamic position Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
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Children Bike20″ or 24″ bike | |
Bike trailer |
Getting here
Meeting point
Bergerac, Dordogne (24)
Bergerac by car
From Rennes by the A83 and A10 (540 km 5h10)
From Paris by the A20 (590 km 5h45)
From Lyon by the A89 (470 km 4h30)
From Bordeaux by the A89 (120km 1h30
Bergerac by train*
TER station in Bergerac
TGV station in Bordeaux
Bergerac by plane*
Bordeaux Airport
* Abicyclette Voyages offers, upon request, a reservation service for your plane or train tickets to help you organize your trip.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Trekking or hybrid bike
- 21 to 30 speeds
- 26 or 28 inch (700) wheels
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (included with the rental)
- Clothing suitable for cycling
- Warm jacket (eg fleece)
- Rain proof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 small backpack or panniers
- 1 or 2 water flasks (included with the rental)
- 1 lock (included with the rental)
- Our reccomendation for optimal comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves
- 1 special pair of pants (shammy leather)
- 1 night see fluorescent vest
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Daily use kit: cloth, brake pads, oil
Other
- Suitcase (for transporting personal effects in luggage transfers)
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Warm jacket for the evenings
- Set of toiletries
- Mobile phone and charger
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.
Briefing Orientation
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet our local guide, Jean-Paul, 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.