The Dordogne department of the Aquitaine Region, in the Black Perigord, and if you can get that, you will be delighted to visit Quercy. Nevermind the geopolitical boundaries; the well known name of Dordogne is equivalent to famous cave paintings, remarkable chateaus, delicious food, rolling green countryside, and historic villages ! What more could one vacation offer ?
Here on this tour you get to experience the force of water and the large rivers that have cut the limestone plateau and provided for all the now famous grottos that prehistoric man chose as his canvas. You can visit these grottos, explore the historic aspects of important towns such as Sarlat, La Roque Gageac, Les Eyzies and the amazing Rocamadour. See chateaus, and stay in charming, superior hotels and country manors. A different Dordogne itinerary but every bit of the fantastic sites that make this region !
If you wish to visit prehistoric caves during your stay, remember to book your entrance tickets in advance. The caves are protected sites and the number of visitors is very limited. Our team is available to help you book.
To
see
- Font de Gaume, a cave housing a collection of prehistoric polychrome cave paintings.
- Padirac chasm
- Lacave cave
- Gageac Exotic Garden and the troglodyte fort
- Chateau des Milandes, former home of Josephine Baker, and the Chateau de Castelnaud la Chapelle
Gastronomy
The duck confit, the foie gras, the truffles, the strawberries, the walnuts, the goat's cheese of Rocamadour
Wine
The Bergerac, the Monbazillac
Feedbacks
We very much enjoyed our self-guided cycling tour. We had great support and communication in the planning. Throughout our week everything went off as planned.
Mark B.
This was my second experience with Discover France and had, again, an amazing time with my children. If you want to discover, on your own, little cities in France, this is what you have to do.
Linda G.
Our first but certainly not our last trip to beautiful France! The routes were well laid out, the app worked well, the bikes were comfortable and the hotels were excellent.
Ingrid A.
We truly had a glorious time and only have compliments for you and your company. Equipment, information, assistance, accommodation were faultless and Solène at Discovery France took care of us from the first e-mail of enquiry until the end of the cycle trip. We truly can’t wait for our next adventure with Discover France. Anna.V
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Standard : 3* or 4* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Upgraded : 4* or 5* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
J-1
Arrival in Bergerac and transfer to Mauzac & Grand Castang
Arrival in Bergerac, a large town with good rail access and services. This is your getaway into the famous Black Perigord. The historic city is very picturesque and offers visits including the Maison des Vins - for local wines.
According to your arrival time, you could visit the city then taxi will drive to your hotel in Mauzac (transfer is included).
Accommodation : La Metairie**** - Mauzac et Grand Castang
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Accommodation : Le Vieux Logis**** - Tremolat
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Included : Emergency support,concierge service,phone not provided,mobile guidance application,roadbook,travelbook,transfer arrival,luggage transfer,client transfer,Orientation with a local guide,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
J-2
From Mauzac via Tremolat to Les Eyzies
Your ride today will take you to Les Eyzies, capital of prehistory, where Cro Magnon was discovered. Starting out easy you come to Audrix a small village by small roads and almost no traffic. Then down to Le Bugue and Gouffre de Proumeyssac, and then on to Les Eyzies. Take time to visit this very charming town and its sites, museums including the Font de Gaume.
Distance : 51 Km (32 mi).
Elevation : 636 m.
Accommodation : Les Glycines Hotel & SPA**** - Les Eyzies de Tayac
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Accommodation : Les Glycines Hotel & SPA**** - Les Eyzies de Tayac
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Included : luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
Since today is a short ride but your destination has plenty to offer, we recommend getting an early start to give you plenty of time to visit the very charming town of Sarlat. This town with its cobbled streets, old roofs, and warm stone walls give an exceptional heritage. Sarlat is a medieval town that developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin. The medieval Sarlat Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Sacerdos. Because modern history has largely passed it by, Sarlat has remained preserved and one of the towns most representative of 14th century France. If you happen to be there on Wednesday or Saturday morning, do not miss the wonderful local market.
You can decide to ride a longer distance (with more elevation) with a longer option that goes by the Chateau of Commarque (open to public), facing his rival the Chateau de Laussel (private).
Today you ride to Lacave and where you can visit the local cave. In this cave, the visit starts with a short underground train ride, at the end of which you will meet a guide to take you on a mile-long visit ! On your way to Lacave, you can stop in Souillac and its Church of Sainte Marie.
Distance : 40 Km (25 mi).
Elevation : 575 m.
Accommodation : Le Pont de l'Ouysse**** - Lacave
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Accommodation : Chateau de la Treyne**** - Lacave
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Included : luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
You will pass today by the Gouffre de Padirac, one of the most famous underground caves of France, with part of the visit by boat. Because it is out of the way (but worth it !) and quite popular, we recommend getting there as early as possible. Be sure to allow some time to visit Rocamadour, one of the most visited places of France, first as a pilgrimage destination, but also because of its beautiful village built on a cliff side. Do not forget to visit the Remparts, as well as the Rocher des Aigles where vultures, falcons and eagles fly free. You may want to visit a local farm producing and selling goat cheese, or just walk around the narrow streets of the village.
Distance : 51 Km (32 mi).
Elevation : 872 m.
Accommodation : Les Esclargies*** - Rocamadour
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Accommodation : Le Bois D'Imbert**** - Rocamadour
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Today, is a longer ride, so take your time riding along the Dordogne River for a quiet countryside ride. Your destination is Vitrac or Carsac, small villages in the Black Perigord. Vitrac is known for its Chateau and water sports.
Distance : 46 Km (29 mi).
Elevation : 619 m.
Accommodation : La Villa Romaine**** - Carsac Aillac
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Accommodation : La Villa Romaine**** - Carsac Aillac
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Take advantage of your morning to visit the charming village of Belves, classified "Most beautiful villages in France", enjoy the narrow streets and its magnificent view of the surrounding Dordogne. You will then drive on small roads in the forest to reach the edge of the Dordogne river to finally reach Les Eyzies.
Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Belves. (transfer included) to Bergerac train station and then catch a train to Paris Montparnasse in about 5h45m.
Included : breakfast,transfer departure,luggage transfer,client transfer
CUSTOMIZED TOUR
This is a catalog tour, it can be modified as you wish : add extra nights, extra activities (wine tastings, visits, transfers...).
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Arrival in Mauzac & Grand Castang :
by train : from Paris Montparnasse to Libourne (around 5 hours) and take a bus to Bergerac - and taxi transfer to Tremolat or Mauzac directly (included)
by Plane : to Bordeaux possible from many European cities (around 1h from Paris Orly)
Departure from Belves :
by train : to reach Paris Austerlitz (around 5h)
by plane : from Bordeaux possible to many European cities (around 1h to reach Paris Orly)
The SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty "trekking" geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 27 speed transmission and integrated front and rear lights, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
Included with your bike rental :
Helmet
Lock
Hand pump
2 spare tubes
Rear pannier
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
1 souvenir water bottle
Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 30unisex (or equivalent)
All the fun of cycling in an electric version. The SCOTT Sub Tour eRide 30 will assist you in all your rides in town or in the countryside thanks to its 500 Wh Bosch battery.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride.
Included with your bike rental :
Helmet
Lock
Hand pump
2 spare tubes
Rear pannier
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
1 souvenir water bottle
Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 30 Disc (Standard) (or equivalent)
With a new geometry that focuses more on endurance. The SCOTT ADDICT 30 Disc will become your preferred choice for long distance travel.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Rear pannier
Helmet
Odometer
Lock
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Equipped with a Shimano 105 Di2 12 speed drivetrain and a brand new carbon frame, the Pinarello X3 is designed to go the distance thanks to its ability to filter vibrations and absorb the shocks present on your next road.
Sizes available: XXS,XS,S, M, L, XL,XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump.
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise.
Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
SCOTT Speedster Gravel 30 (Standard) (or equivalent)
A talented and versatile gravel road bike. Designed to go the distance, explore the roads less traveled or speed up your daily commute. It's high enough for long-distance comfort and forward-leaning enough for speed.
Available sizes :XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Details
Included
ACCOMODATIONS
- 7 nights of accomodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
MEALS
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- 3 dinners included
BIKES
- Hybrid bike rental included
GEAR
- Complimentary Discover France Gear (including water bottle, drawstring bag)
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
SUPPORT
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including detailed maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
- Concierge service available to assist you for your requests during your trip (taxi transfer, restaurant, activities...)
TRANSFER
- Taxi transfer from Bergerac to Tremolat/Mauzac included
- Taxi transfer from Belves to Bergerac included
- All luggage transfers
Not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Ticket Font-de-Gaume cave
- Ticket Lacave cave
- Ticket Gouffre de Padirac
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
- Multirisk travel insurance
Other questions?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.
Escape to the countryside. To a timeless place. This beautiful 19th Century house offers tranquility and simplicity, far from the sound and the fury, deep in the heart of the Périgord. Extensive grounds, an outdoor pool, bright colours and a terrace overlooking the garden bring together all the ingredients for a relaxing break in this 4 star boutique hotel. In addition, you will discover delicious food showcasing regional produce and cosy rooms, each decorated in a different style. Located just a few kilometres from Bergerac, the famous prehistoric village of Eyzies and Sarlat.
http://www.la-metairie.com/en
At the bottom of the Vézère and the Dordogne valley, here is the ideal starting point for your itinerary, at the heart of the culinary tradition, in the land of caves and beautiful villages. To stay at Le Vieux Logis, is rather like going back to one’s family home, a domain where agriculture used to be at its heart (specializing in the tobacco trade).,A house, passed on from generation to generation in the same family, until passing into the hands of Mr Giraudel, who epitomizes the quintessential spirit of the Vieux Logis. Open all year, the estate includes a manor house, tenanted farm, outbuildings, tobacco drying room, which now houses the new gastronomic restaurant. The hotel's 23 rooms, suites and apartments are located in the main building or the Logis des Champs outbuildings. Each spacious, quiet and comfortable room is unique. With their bare stone walls, period furniture and contemporary fabrics, you are sure to be won over by the elegant décor, which combines old-world style with more modern touches.
http://www.vieux-logis.com/en/
Les Glycines Hotel & SPA**** - Les Eyzies de Tayac
The Périgord Noir landscapes enhance Les Glycines, a former coaching inn. A delightful lush park featuring weeping willows, ros trees, poplars and, next to a swimming pool, a few palm trees. A splendid terrace, where fine food is served, overlooks this enchanting building. The sophisticated, gourmet dishes are prepared using local seasonal produce and vegetables from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden. Spacious rooms ensuring a peaceful stay, nestled in the 19 th century building, with its sober and elegant façade. The pristine white shades enhance the overall feeling tone set by the deliberate minimalist décor.
http://www.les-glycines-dordogne.com/fr/accueil
Les Glycines Hotel & SPA**** - Les Eyzies de Tayac
The Périgord Noir landscapes enhance Les Glycines, a former coaching inn. A delightful lush park featuring weeping willows, ros trees, poplars and, next to a swimming pool, a few palm trees. A splendid terrace, where fine food is served, overlooks this enchanting building. The sophisticated, gourmet dishes are prepared using local seasonal produce and vegetables from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden. Spacious rooms ensuring a peaceful stay, nestled in the 19 th century building, with its sober and elegant façade. The pristine white shades enhance the overall feeling tone set by the deliberate minimalist décor.
http://www.les-glycines-dordogne.com/fr/accueil
This graceful property in a quiet area, offers elegant accommodation and modern facilities to make your stay in Sarlat a pleasant one. Modern, elegant and timeless, Le Renoir hotel is highly surprising. Built in a non-conventional style, it is located in the very heart of the medieval city. French hospitality and pleasant surroundings. You can take a stroll through its cobbled streets and discover a thousand years of architecture. The attractions include walled towns, chateaux, prehistoric caves, Romanesque churches, parks, gardens, quiet streams and of course Perigord's celebrated cuisine. Functional and personal, the hotel's bedrooms are perfectly arranged to make your stay enjoyable and meet all your expectations.
http://www.hotel-renoir-sarlat.com/en/home/
Plaza Madeleine is definitely a destination for your holidays in Dordogne. The hotel is located in the heart of Sarlat with direct access to the medieval city, its market and entertainment. Contemporary, opulent decor, relaxed atmosphere, quality of services, Plaza Madeleine is also recognized in the major national guides: Michelin and Gault & Millau. The hotel was completely renovated and redesigned. For your enjoyment, Plaza Madeleine now has a heated pool, a wellness center and falls in step with the hotels that offer comfort ... much more than sleep.
http://www.plaza-madeleine.com/
The Pont de l'Ouysse hotel and restaurant are nestled beneath a vertiginous cliff crowned by the Belcastel Castle. The mysterious Ouysse River, its banks lined with footpaths and gardens, flows quietly by. Along its banks, a subtle melange of flowers, aromatic plants and vegetables adds a note of colour and a hint of bygone days. From a simple farm, Le Pont de l’Ouysse has grown into a hotel whose refined charm is the product of careful growth and development, with part of its newly-found space having been reclaimed from the rocky cliff in which it is nestled. The hotel has 12 rooms and 2 apartments, all of them bright and sunny with gleaming hardwood floors. Indoor or outdoor, fresh breakfast or gourmet dinner, you will be served in a manner that is unfailingly attentive without being obtrusive. The magic of evening meals in the open air, during the summer, is matched by the aesthetic pleasures inside the hotel – from the discreet little bar to the beautifully comfortable lounges, airy and spacious yet still intimate.
http://www.lepontdelouysse.com/en/
Located between the Lot, known as the “land of marvels”, and the Dordogne, home to more than one thousand châteaux, the Château de la Treyne is the ideal base from which to set off and explore this fascinating region. Overhanging the Dordogne, the castle (XIVth and XVIIth century) combines the authenticity of past, the stamp of comfort and the highest quality standard of a listed site. The Castle is surrounded by grounds embellished by a French formal garden, rare species of trees and ancient cedars. You're looking for well-being and relaxing break away; the new heated swimming-pool with overflow is at your service. At the restaurant, the Chef adapts the cuisine of the terroir, based on foie gras or lamb from the Causses du Quercy nature park. A delicious dinner can be enjoyed in the Grand Louis XIII Salon, or on the terrace overlooking the Dordogne. Breathe in pure, fresh air and look around wide-eyed to take in this extraordinary setting.
http://www.chateaudelatreyne.com/en/
Welcome to a place where everything is dedicated to relaxation and well being. It is here in Rocamadour, in this elegant hotel "Les Esclargies" amongst the oak trees, that we invite you to spend your next holiday. Situated in Rocamadour, not far from the castle, the hotel has been built amongst the oak trees which are typical of this region.. The stone and the wood used in the construction of the building blend together to enhance its warmth and hospitality. All of the rooms are beautifully decorated to reflect the natural environment, and have views over the oak trees, dry stone walls and box hedging.
http://www.esclargies.com/en/bienvenue.php
Located in Rocamadour not far from the medieval city and near the region's must-see places, this hotel offers a unique setting. This hotel has 57 rooms and suites, modern, comfortable and air-conditioned, with view on the forest or the valley.
Surprise your taste buds with a visit to the panoramic restaurant. Discover the menu of regional specialties, made from fresh and local products. All this to be tasted with a breathtaking view on the valley of Ouysse.
In the Bar, enjoy a selection of spirits, cold and local drinks but also a snack menu.
https://leboisdimbert.com/
La Villa Romaine built on a Gallo-Roman site perfectly combines comfort from the past and the present. It deploys its 19th century architecture in three exposed stone wall buildings organised around a vast inner courtyard looking over the pool and the park. The hotel, stood opposite the River Dordogne and the Druids' Forest, neighbouring the water gardens with lotus flowers and white water lillies, provides exceptional panoramic views of the countryside. The Villa Romaine proposes 17 larges rooms and suites. Restored in the traditional art, they all proposes a great comfort: air-conditioned, queen and king sized beds, mini bars, safes deposit, hair dryers, TV's, free WI-FI, .... Ideally located on the Dordogne valley and close to the famous prehistoric sites of the Vezere Valley, including the famous Lascaux cave The Villa Romaine hotel provides access to many activities nearby.
http://lavillaromaine.com/en
La Villa Romaine built on a Gallo-Roman site perfectly combines comfort from the past and the present. It deploys its 19th century architecture in three exposed stone wall buildings organised around a vast inner courtyard looking over the pool and the park. The hotel, stood opposite the River Dordogne and the Druids' Forest, neighbouring the water gardens with lotus flowers and white water lillies, provides exceptional panoramic views of the countryside. The Villa Romaine proposes 17 larges rooms and suites. Restored in the traditional art, they all proposes a great comfort: air-conditioned, queen and king sized beds, mini bars, safes deposit, hair dryers, TV's, free WI-FI, .... Ideally located on the Dordogne valley and close to the famous prehistoric sites of the Vezere Valley, including the famous Lascaux cave The Villa Romaine hotel provides access to many activities nearby.
http://lavillaromaine.com/en
In the heart of Belvès, medieval city, one of the « Plus Beaux Villages de France », this former grocery shop has been transformed into a charming hotel. Michel and Muriel Fischer’s goal was to give the whole a “home sweethome” intimate atmosphere. Nothing was left to chance between the personalized welcome, the daily exchanges with the couple about tips and sites to discover, the harmony of the antique furniture (family owned and/or gathered) combined with the quality of the materials and fabrics. The bedrooms are spacious (26m² the smallest to 60m² the largest), individual controlled air-conditioning and/or heating, WC are separate from the bathroom, wireless internet. Beauty and calm in the heart of all major sites, castles and bastides...
http://clement5.com/en/
In the heart of Belvès, medieval city, one of the « Plus Beaux Villages de France », this former grocery shop has been transformed into a charming hotel. Michel and Muriel Fischer’s goal was to give the whole a “home sweethome” intimate atmosphere. Nothing was left to chance between the personalized welcome, the daily exchanges with the couple about tips and sites to discover, the harmony of the antique furniture (family owned and/or gathered) combined with the quality of the materials and fabrics. The bedrooms are spacious (26m² the smallest to 60m² the largest), individual controlled air-conditioning and/or heating, WC are separate from the bathroom, wireless internet. Beauty and calm in the heart of all major sites, castles and bastides...
http://clement5.com/en/