Sarlat and the Black Perigord
6 days by bike to discover the Black Perigord and its History, through the Vezere and Dordogne valleys
© Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
6 days and 5 nights
Niveau
Leisure
ou Fit
Departure date
From March 31st to October 30th
Type de séjour
Freedom trip
Type de circuit
Travelling loop
Destination
Les points forts
- The most beautiful villages of France: Belvès, La Roque-Gageac, Limeuil...
- The castles of Beynac, Castelnau, Marqueyssac ...
- Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, world capital of prehistory
- Lascaux caves
- Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Périgord Noir
- The Gardens of the Imagination in Terrasson
- The Limeuil panoramic garden
A bicycle ride in the Périgord Noir
From Sarlat, you set off to explore the Dordogne valley and Vézère, an emblematic area of Prehistory known for its numerous deposits, caves and sites listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
This trip takes you, between forests, historic sites, caves and castles, to discover the places that have made this region one of the cradles of Europe. In the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, you will be able to discover 66 listed monuments but also taste local products such as foie gras, regional wine or even walnuts.
You have the opportunity to reach the most beautiful castles of the region by bike: Beynac, Castelnau, Marqueyssac, Fayrac, Les Milandes … You head back in time and enjoy prehistoric sites classified as World Heritage by UNESCO as the caves of Lascaux, Font de Gaume and Combarelles.
During this bicycle-touring trip, you will discover many villages classified among the most beautiful in France. Among them, that of Belvès, where there is a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but also that of La Roque-Gageac which offers a journey back in time. When you arrive in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, you will notice that this village has many attractions: a characteristic troglodyte architecture, a remarkable art of living, an exceptional natural space, a real conviviality … Les Eyzies-de-Tayac are often presented as being the “World Capital of Prehistory” and that is saying something since this is where the Man of Cro-Magnon was discovered.
After the effort, make room for the pleasures of the table! Take advantage of gourmet gastronomy to taste local specialties: local wines, foie gras on toast or pan-fried, duck breast or duck confit … Be careful, there is little chance here of sticking to a diet! But isn’t that also one of the pleasures of the holidays?
Itinéraire
Leisure or Fit From SARLAT LA CANEDA to BELVES 40km 551m 
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.
From Belvès to Les Eyzies de Tayac 43km 368m
After spending your first day playing knights in the castles of Périgord, you return to the time of the Men of Cro-Magnon or Neanderthal. You leave one of the most beautiful villages of France towards the Bessède forest where you ride calmly in the shade of the trees accompanied by the song of birds. You will soon arrive at Cadouin Abbey, the cloister of which, listed as a Historic Monument and listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, is a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic art. It is by small peaceful roads that you reach the medieval city of Limeuil. This village with stone houses and brown tiled roofs typical of the Black Perigord is a pleasant and authentic stopover. Do not miss the visit of its panoramic garden which offers you a unique view on the valleys of the Vézère and the Dordogne. Your path continues along the Vézère before reaching Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, “World Capital of Prehistory”.
- For a few more km 67km 684m
This alternative route allows you to visit the Bastides of Molières and Lalinde after Cadouin. True symbols of the Southwest of the 14th century, there are no less than 25 bastides in the Périgord. This route also allows you to reach the Cingle de Trémolat where a natural belvedere reveals a unique panorama over the Dordogne and its valley.
From LES EYZIES DE TAYAC to TERRASSON-LAVILLEDIEU 45km 619m
Today you ride peacefully along the Vézère. During your journey, you will discover remarkable places such as that of La Roque St Christophe, a troglodyte site unique in the world, or even the charming village of Saint-Léon-de-Vézere, ranked among the most beautiful villages of France. You will be charmed by its narrow streets, with hot stones and cove roofs which make up all the authenticity of the medieval villages of Périgord Noir. Then you continue your road towards a high place of the Dordogne and prehistoric art: the fabulous and famous Cave of Lascaux in Montignac. Since its opening in December 2016, more than a million travelers from around the world have visited Lascaux IV!
- For a few more km 72km 705m
You leave towards the Rouffignac Cave and the village of Rouffignac St Cernin de Reilhac then you find the route to La Roque St Christophe.
From TERRASSON-LAVILLEDIEU to SARLAT LA CANEDA 57km 854m
During this bike stage, you ride on the small country roads of Dordogne and cross the Coly Valley to reach the village of Saint-Amand-de-Coly, classified among the most beautiful villages of France. Its 12th century abbey church, considered to be the most beautiful fortified church in the Périgord, watches over the houses of the village built from the local stone and typical slate stones of the region in a harmonious contrast of ocher and gray tones. A little further, another magnificent stop awaits you in the Jardins d’Eyrignac, the green jewel of the Périgord Noir. This must-see in the Dordogne lends itself wonderfully to the awakening of all your senses. It is then your return to the capital of the Black Perigord, city of art and history, Sarlat la Canéda.
- For a few more km 75km 931m
Following the visit of the Jardin d’Eyrignac you continue your route through the Périgord countryside which leads you to the castle of Carlux. Then a peaceful greenway accompanies you to Sarlat la Canéda.
SARLAT LA CANEDA
End of the stay after your breakfast. Have a safe trip back !
Ils ont voyagés avec nous
Informations pratiques
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 850€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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.
Quote on request
Contact us
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
Bed & Breakfast Range
Another way to travel, meeting the people of the lands you cycle through. They welcome you in their home and offer board and lodging*. It gives you the opportunity to chat and deepen your knowledge of the region. We have selected them for their charm and privacy.
*breakfast included, diners available according to establishments
Starting from 640€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Price includes
- Accommodation: 5 nights in a Double room
- 5 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 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
- Day 1 : Welcome briefing by telephone with our team on the day of your arrival.
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
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- 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.
- 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.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking Bike24 Speed Shimano Drive Train Integrated Cable Routing Integrated Dynamo Power LED Lights Supplied equipment per bike Helmet, Anti-puncture bomb, Code lock, Pump. |  |
EBikeHydraulic Brakes, Shimano Altus 9-speed Front suspension: Suntour NEX Bosch Drive Unit Active Plus GEN3 (50Nm) Sizes: Small – medium Supplied equipment per bike Helmet, Anti-puncture bomb, Code lock, Pump. |  |
EBikeMountain bike 20p and 24p Supplied equipment per bike Helmet, Anti-puncture bomb, Code lock, Pump. |  |
Getting here
Departure city : SARLAT LA CANEDA
Coming by car
- at 5h30 from PARIS
- at 2h15 from BORDEAUX
- at 4h15 from LYON
Coming by train
- Sarlat train station - 4h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Bordeaux airport
Bus : Line 1 - 55 min then Ter : 2h15
Arrival city : SARLAT LA CANEDA
Coming by car
- at 5h30 from PARIS
- at 2h15 from BORDEAUX
- at 4h15 from LYON
Coming by train
- Sarlat train station - 4h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Bordeaux airport
Bus : Line 1 - 55 min then Ter : 2h15
*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
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 640€
Book your trip
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.
Orientation by phone with us
On receipt of your travel documents (and bikes if you have opted for rental), we take the time to talk to you over the phone to explain all the important points and answer any questions you may have.