Dordogne by bike : Black Périgord and Lot Valley
The most beautiful sites and landscapes in Southwest of France
© Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
8 days and 7 nights
Niveau
Fit
Departure date
From March 31st to October 30th
Type de séjour
Freedom trip
Travelling loopLes points forts
- Sarlat, a true architectural gem
- Rocamadour, sacred city on rocky outcrop
- Figeac and its exceptional heritage
- Cahors and its vineyard
- The beautiful valleys and landscapes of the Dordogne and Lot
- Local gastronomy, cradle of French cuisine
Dordogne and Lot valley by bike
Immerse yourself in the discovery of the Périgord and these riches in this 8-day itinerary
This stay between the Dordogne and the Lot valley invites you to discover varied and authentic landscapes in one of the most beautiful regions of France. During your bike journey, you will take small winding roads in the deep forests shade and enjoy the beautiful panoramas, old stone houses sun-drenched by the sun, medieval castles and the many caves of the region.
The Périgord Noir is spread around the Dordogne and takes its name from its immense forests of dark colors. It is one of the cradles of humankind, the capital of prehistoric times. Many rock art caves offer visits of ancient works that cannot be bought! Along the river, the Hundred Years War also shaped the landscape: fortified castles, country houses (fortified cities / towns with geometric layouts). An imposing architecture which gives off a feeling of power.
The Lot draws its character from its causses (limestone plateaus) cut by its rivers, the Lot of course but also the Dordogne and the Célé. It is interspersed with great sites and beautiful villages like Rocamadour, Cahors, Figeac or Saint-Cirq-Lapopie … Man and nature have left their footprints on the territory. By bike, the naturalness and authenticity of the Dordogne and Lot are revealed before your eyes. Land of gastronomy, take the time to taste the local specialties. This territory also awakens your taste buds with truffles, foie gras, lamb, Quercy melon or even the wines of Cahors, vineyard recognized as one of the oldest in Europe.
Itinéraire
Fit 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 !
Ils ont voyagés avec nous
Informations pratiques
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 1210€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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 1400€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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
- 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
- Topo maps
- 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 1210€
Book your trip
Expert , 
Aventure
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.