The Great Dordogne & Rocamadour Bike Loop
- From 959 € / pers.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- From April to October
- Departure : any day
- Level : moderate to rather sporty
- Electric bicycle available
- Luggage transfer included
Highliths :
- the exceptional cultural, natural and culinary heritage of the region
- the imposing feudal castles, theater of the Hundred Years' War
- the medieval town of Sarlat, the pearl of the Périgord Noir
- the almost vertical millenial city of Rocamadour, built on the side of a cliff
- the famous Padirac Caves, and its incredible underground river
- the rock paintings of the Lascaux cave, sublime testimony of our ancestors
- the Vézère Valley, peppered with fascinating prehistoric sites
Highliths :
- the exceptional cultural, natural and culinary heritage of the region
- the imposing feudal castles, theater of the Hundred Years’ War
- the medieval town of Sarlat, the pearl of the Périgord Noir
- the almost vertical millenial city of Rocamadour, built on the side of a cliff
- the famous Padirac Caves, and its incredible underground river
- the rock paintings of the Lascaux cave, sublime testimony of our ancestors
- the Vézère Valley, peppered with fascinating prehistoric sites
From 959 € / pers.
- 8 days / 7 nights
- From April to October
- Departures : any day
- Level : moderate to rather sporty
- Electric bicycle available
- Luggage transfer included
THE PÉRIGORD AND QUERCY: OVERVIEW
This loop across three departments holds so much to discover that, to be honest, it wasn’t easy to give it a name! We could just as well have called it “The Route of the Most Beautiful Villages in France” – no fewer than 11 of the 164 classified French villages appear in your roadbook! – or “A Journey Through Prehistory, the Hundred Years’ War and Timeless Villages,” but that would overlook the natural treasures, which are no less remarkable. Deep chasms, dazzling underground caves, and vertiginous cliffs form an integral part of the landscape. As for the scenery, from the lush valleys of the Périgord to the stony environment of the Lot’s limestone plateaus (the famous "causses"!), passing through the green meadows of the Limousin region, it all offers tremendous variety.
But what truly charms the region is undoubtedly this extraordinary marriage of nature and humans, which seems to have continued since prehistoric times. With the cave paintings of the Lascaux Caves – often called the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory” – the bar was set high from the start. Above ground too, nature’s generosity has been cleverly harnessed: troglodyte villages carved into rock, bastides and fortified castles perched atop rocky outcrops, sanctuaries clinging to the walls of the religious site of Rocamadour, and countless dry-stone walls dotting the causses… Even today, the region has remarkably resisted the concrete craze that blights so many other areas. It’s no surprise that it has the highest national density of villages classified as “Most Beautiful Villages of France”.
Food lovers will also be delighted: both Périgord and Quercy are jewels of French gastronomy. Beyond its iconic black truffles and foie gras, you’ll find omelettes with ceps, duck confits and magrets, foie gras terrines, caviar, goat cheeses, walnut tarts, strawberries, Sarlat-style potatoes… a true land of plenty! To taste these delights, besides enjoying a good meal at local tables, there’s nothing better than shopping at one of the many traditional markets, each more picturesque than the last.
As a result, cycling is certainly an excellent way to avoid putting on extra pounds… while allowing you to link these sites via small winding roads and hidden paths, discovering a few hidden treasures along the way.
YOUR ITINERARY
The itinerary has been designed to give you time to explore the heritage of Périgord, Lot, and Corrèze at a relaxed pace. On days dense with interesting sites, stages have been proportionally shortened. While a few hills may need to be tackled, cycling remains one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the region, and the itinerary is generally accessible to many. Electric bikes are also an option.
Have a wonderful journey!
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Sarlat-la-Canéda
By train or car, make your way to Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Black Périgord, whose medieval old town is a true architectural treasure. To enjoy the city fully, try to arrive not too late!
Day 2: Sarlat – Rocamadour
56 km | 
+550 m | ⏱︎ 4h05
You leave Sarlat via a greenway through the forest, gradually following the Dordogne River, where many swimming spots punctuate the route (the best spots are not always easy to find but are marked in the roadbook).
You then enter the Lot department, which has plenty of surprises in store. First, the charming town of Souillac comes into view, whose imposing Romanesque abbey boasts a beautiful interior. Further along, you have the chance to explore the Lacave Caves, a real underground wonder with exceptional mineral heritage. A guided tour reveals the extravagant shapes of the many limestone formations.
On a lovely gravel path, you then gradually follow the wild Ouysse Valley until you come face to face with the ancient fortified mill of Cougnaguet, whose authentic and colossal stone millstone is still powered by water today. The loopholes once protected it against highwaymen!
A few kilometres later, you catch sight of what seems like an imaginary city… Rocamadour! Nestled in a stunning natural setting, this iconic stop on the Camino de Santiago and a UNESCO site is breathtaking: the village and religious sanctuaries cling to a 150 m-high cliff. In the Notre-Dame Chapel, you’ll encounter the mysterious Black Virgin, whose supposed miracles still attract thousands of pilgrims each year.
🚲 Sporting variant (63 km | Elevation gain: 710 m | ⏱︎ 4h38)
This variant is slightly hillier and takes you past Fénelon Castle – which can be visited – before descending back to Souillac where both routes merge again. Towards the end, this route follows more hidden paths, bringing you to Rocamadour as if you were a highwayman in olden times.
Day 3: Rocamadour – Loubressac
40 km | +690 m | ⏱︎ 3h23
You start on the barren lands of the Gramat Causse, where vegetation is sparse, offering a unique landscape, and dry-stone walls confirm you are in the Massif Central. Numerous shepherd paths allow you to weave through the plateau. A slight detour leads to a farm selling delicious Rocamadour goat cheese.
Further along, a huge cavity over 100 m deep pierces the rock: the famous Padirac Chasm. While we can’t know exactly when the cave’s vault collapsed, a magnificent underground river now allows a safe boat trip to explore the cave’s karstic splendour.
After a spectacular 75-metre descent into the lush cavity, the route continues through underground galleries over 100 metres below ground, where a boatman will take you on a guided crossing.
Bookable via our reservation form.
You then descend from the causse towards the classified village of Autoire, beautifully nestled in a rocky amphitheatre. From the bottom, a walk through the forest leads to the stunning Autoire Waterfall. The route then detours to Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle, perched on its promontory and a fine example of medieval military architecture. Finally, you reach the hilltop village of Loubressac, also ranked among the most beautiful in the country.
☕ Relaxed variant (33 km | Elevation gain: 530 m | ⏱︎ 2h45)
After Autoire, you may head straight to Loubressac instead of detouring via Castelnau.
Day 4: Loubressac – Collonges-la-Rouge
40 km |
+480 m | ⏱︎ 2h49
After a few kilometres along a relatively flat rural backroad, a short detour leads to the Taillefer Ruins, offering a sublime panoramic view over the surrounding valleys. The road then descends towards the charming river village of Carennac (classified), located on the banks of the Dordogne. You cross the river and continue through lush countryside, passing the classified village of Curemonte.
As you head north, the landscape opens gradually, thanks to the many meadows dotting the region: welcome to Corrèze! Our English friends jokingly call it “Cowrèze,” and rightly so, as the iconic Limousin cattle are an integral part of the landscape – you are indeed in the Limousin region! By the end of the day, you reach the superstar of the most beautiful villages in France: Collonges-la-Rouge. With its red sandstone houses and slate roofs, this superb and unusual village was destined to be the birthplace of the association of the most beautiful villages of France in 1982.
🚲 Variant via Martel (43 km | Elevation gain: 540 m | ⏱︎ 3h05)
Wednesday mornings host the traditional market in the lovely town of Martel, featuring numerous local specialties. Rather than passing through Curemonte after Carennac, this variant takes you via Martel.
Day 5: Collonges-la-Rouge – Montignac
55 km | +630 m | ⏱︎ 3h45
After a few kilometres, you reach the village of Turenne – also classified – atop a hill… although there were no cyclists in its day! Once the capital of its viscounty, it now enjoys a second youth thanks to tourism. Its white stone houses, narrow hillside streets, and crowning castle give it plenty of character.
You continue along small bucolic roads through typical Corrèze landscapes for much of the day before returning to Périgord. You then reach the classified village of Saint-Amand-de-Coly. The village owes its fame to the monumental bell-towered fortified abbey from the 12th century, considered the most beautiful in Périgord. At 30 m high, the bell tower was a technical feat in its day.
Finally, you join the Vézère Valley at the medieval town of Montignac.
Night market on Mondays (in season). Weekly markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays (mornings).
Day 6: Montignac – Les Eyzies
26 km | +300 m | ⏱︎ 1h49
Montignac is primarily the neighbouring town to the internationally famous Lascaux Caves, now only visited via a meticulously recreated replica to protect the original from tourism. The visit is just as moving and captivating, revealing fascinating wall frescoes of animals from over 15,000 years ago! Whether you find them adorable or grotesque, these prehistoric artworks by our Cro-Magnon ancestors are priceless.
Bookable via our reservation form.
This very relaxed day along the Vézère Valley allows time for multiple stops – beyond the Lascaux Caves – and to enjoy the river. Also called the Valley of Prehistory, the Vézère Valley features the troglodyte cliff of La-Roque-Saint-Christophe and the troglodyte site of La Madeleine. Some of these sites were inhabited until the 19th century; at La Madeleine, a full medieval village is embedded in the rock. These places occasionally served as excellent natural refuges during Viking raids, the Hundred Years’ War, or the Wars of Religion.
Other possible stops include Losse Castle overlooking the Vézère, the Reignac Fortified House (a cliff castle!) or the peaceful village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. Late afternoon, a few kilometres from Les Eyzies, you can also visit the Granges Goose Farm, producing its own foie gras.
Finally, you arrive at Les Eyzies… a tiny village that is nonetheless the world capital of prehistory. Its destiny changed with the 1868 discovery of Cro-Magnon man. The village nestles in a remarkable natural site under a cliff with troglodyte homes. True to its reputation, Les Eyzies is also home to the fascinating National Prehistory Museum.
Day 7: Les Eyzies - Sarlat
43 km |
+590 m | ⏱︎ 3h18
You leave the Vézère Valley to reach the Dordogne Valley about ten kilometres further. On the plateau separating them, the road winds through beautiful oak forests before descending to the charming village of Saint-Cyprien, easily recognisable by its impressive medieval abbey.
You continue through the renowned Dordogne Valley, with a few opportunities for swimming already appearing along the route! Soon you enter the famous “Valley of 5 Castles.” The first you encounter is Château de Milandes, once home to singer and dancer Joséphine Baker and her 12 adopted children! An interesting visit indeed.
A few kilometres later, you find yourself cycling through the former no man’s land between Château de Beynac and Château de Castelnaud, which, on either side of the river, faced off multiple times during the Hundred Years’ War between the French and English. Whatever your nationality, visiting these castles today should be a much more peaceful experience, so go ahead and explore.
Don’t miss the highly photogenic hanging gardens of Château de Marqueyssac, home to over 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods. In addition, the gardens offer a breathtaking panorama of the valley and its castles.
Moreover, this stretch of the Dordogne includes no fewer than four villages officially labelled among the Most Beautiful Villages of France: Castelnaud, Beynac, La-Roque-Gageac, and Domme! With their yellow stone façades and often slate roofs, they all have plenty of character. Beynac and Domme require taking the sporty variant.
By the end of the day, you finally return to Sarlat-la-Canéda… the loop is complete!
🚲 Sporty variant (56 km | Elevation gain: 730 m | ⏱︎ 4h08)
This variant also allows you to visit the villages of Beynac and Domme. To reach Beynac, note that you will need to take a departmental road which can be quite busy in season. The bastide of Domme (a grid-planned fortified village) is reserved for the most motivated cyclists, as it sits atop a promontory over 150 metres above the valley!
💡 This day is so full of attractions that it is impossible to visit everything, despite the moderate distance of the stage. If the Marqueyssac Gardens are a must-see, the Beynac and Castelnaud Castles can somewhat substitute for each other (but are both still interesting), while those intrigued by the story of the famous Joséphine Baker might prefer to visit Milandes Castle.
If you wish to visit all the castles, feel free to return the next day by car!
Alternatively, on request, it is also possible to split this last stage into two (please contact us).
Day 8: End of stay
End your Périgord odyssey after breakfast.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever level of comfort you choose, we prioritise authentic, human-scale accommodation that inspires comfort, friendliness, and well-being. We also strive to ensure they are well-located: easily accessible by bike, and as much as possible close to amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2/3 ★ Hotels or equivalent guesthouses
Simple but cosy accommodation, chosen for their welcome and location. Some have a swimming pool.
Well-kept 3 ★ Hotels or charming guesthouses
Selection of addresses combining modern comfort and authenticity. Most have a swimming pool.
Photos are given as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Restaurant(s) within walking distance
- Convenient location
BIKE CHOICE
Whether you choose a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suited both to the route and your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer trekking bikes and/or electric bikes of good quality, equipped with all necessary accessories. Equipment for children is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 12, as some stages exceed 50 km. That said, if your children are sporty, anything is possible — we even had a 7-year-old who loved it!
Trekking bikes
Versatile 24-speed CUBE bikes, ideal for tackling climbs without too much effort.
Electric bikes (E-bike)
Bikes from various brands equipped with a battery of at least 400 Wh. You can expect a range of at least 70 km with great comfort.
Child trailers
The route is suitable for child trailers, which we also offer for rent. They can accommodate up to 2 young children.
Children's bikes
For children who have not yet reached adult size, it is possible to rent children's bikes. Various sizes are available.
Tag-along bikes
If your child no longer fits in a trailer, a “tag-along” can be attached to the back of an adult bike.
Photos for reference only. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone mount (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear bag (1 per bike)
- Small handlebar bag
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, check your bike thoroughly: brakes, tyres, sprockets, derailleur, chain...
You may be far from help if a mechanical issue occurs!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Hybrid bikes (trekking)
- Mountain bikes (MTB)
- Gravel bikes
- Electric bikes with good battery range
- Road bikes
- City bikes
💡 As the route includes some compact gravel sections, avoid tyres that are too thin or too smooth. MTB tyres are not necessary.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over effort.
We therefore strive to adjust the length of each stage according to the terrain, type of paths, and points of interest, so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable, and open to the unexpected.
Some days have alternative routes that either shorten or extend the stage, which you can decide on the day if you choose to take them. These alternatives do not skip any must-see sights.
STAGE LENGTH:
STANDARD ℹ️
➡️ Average overall: 40 to 60 km/day
➡️ About 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day - max. 5.
➡️ A pace suitable for most people: combines cycling enjoyment with sightseeing along the way.
TERRAIN:
MEDIUM ℹ️
➡️ Average overall elevation gain: between +200 and +600 m/day.
➡️ Mostly gentle and accessible terrain, but some sections are hillier and may include steeper climbs.
Gentle slopes, often on greenways, may also be longer.
The Périgord, Lot, and Corrèze regions are fairly hilly in places, but you usually weave between the hills, staying in river valleys. To connect different valleys, you will need to climb onto the plateaus or over a hill, but these also offer the most beautiful panoramas.
⚡ To fully enjoy the route, even on climbs, you can opt for an electric bike.
TYPE OF PATHS:
The route is mainly on small country roads with little or no traffic. Some short sections are on greenways or gravel roads. Over 90% of the route is paved. The remainder is on well-maintained compact gravel tracks.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
8 days and 7 nights, including arrival and departure days. 6 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Any day from April to October
🗺️ ROUTE TYPE
Loop route. At the end of the route, you return to your starting point.
📍 START AND END POINT
Start of the trip: Sarlat-la-Canéda
End of the trip: Sarlat-la-Canéda
🌦️ BEST TIME TO GO
Weather is generally favorable from April to October.
During summer, the region enjoys a Mediterranean influence, with generally sunny and warm weather without extremes. Heat waves are possible, though. Tourist sites are also at their busiest during this period.
The region usually also enjoys a pleasant late season, with comfortable temperatures until the end of October. September and October are also the harvest period for walnuts, ceps, and chestnuts, which make Périgord famous.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (suggestions are included in our roadbook) or have a picnic, purchasing supplies at local shops.
For dinner, you will always have several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless your hotel has one itself!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by one of our partners. You only carry what you need for the day’s cycling stages. A pannier is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in side panniers, you are eligible for a discount.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
Sarlat is served by a TER train line from Bordeaux (approx. 2h20). Bordeaux itself is well connected by TGV (high-speed train) from various European cities.
More info on train schedulesBY CAR
Several free parking spaces exist in the town center for multiple-day stays. More information is available in the roadbook.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To make the most of your adventure, we provide practical and easy-to-use materials:
A roadbook (A5 booklet) prepared by us, including:
- Practical information
- Description of the route
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to buy supplies
- Swimming spots
- Cultural info and anecdotes
- List of nearby bike repair shops along the route
A map of the circuit
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- Easy-to-use app (a small tutorial will be sent if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
- Customized tracks between accommodations
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND SUPPORT
You travel independently (unaccompanied), with 7-day-a-week telephone assistance in case of issues.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To ensure reimbursement of costs in case of trip cancellation or problems on site, you can take out a cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or travel assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about insurance.
🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder, and waterproof rear bag are the basic equipment. If you rented a bike, these are included (helmet is available on request only).
For greater comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Rain overpants
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes, and mud. Some models have gaiters that also cover the shoes.
External battery (power bank)
Useful for charging your phone during lunch breaks: navigation consumes a lot of power, even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your battery is very efficient.
Costs about €10-20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel seat cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on long rides. Alternatively, use a padded seat cover (also called saddle cover).
Water bottle (bidon)
More practical and durable than disposable bottles. Some keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to double-wall insulation.
Buff / neck warmer / hat
Outside of summer, mornings can be chilly, and you won’t regret bringing these!
PRICES 2026
The price is based on a stay for two in a double/twin room. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.
| Package | Standard Range | Comfort Range | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | |||
| In double/twin room | €959 | €1029 | €1079 | €1169 | ||
| Single room supplement | + €340 | + €390 | + €360 | + €390 | ||
| Child reductions (sharing the same room with 2 adults paying full price) |
0-3 yrs: -80% | 4-11 yrs: -25% | 12-17 yrs: -25% | |||||
| Group discount | 6-11 people: -10% | 12+ people: -15% | |||||
| Additional nights (optional) | Standard Range | Comfort Range | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | High season | Low season | High season | ||
| Les Eyzies | Double/twin room | €75 | €85 | €105 | €115 |
| Single room | €145 | €165 | €175 | €195 | |
| Sarlat-la-Canéda | Double/twin room | €75 | €85 | €105 | €120 |
| Single room | €145 | €160 | €175 | €195 | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 1/4 - 31/5 & 1/10 - 31/10
- High season: 1/6 - 30/09
| BIKE RENTAL - equipment, delivery, and return included - | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike | €360 |
| Trekking bike | €220 |
| Child bike (-12 yrs) | €120 |
| Child trailer | €100 |
| Tag-along bike | €100 |
THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight stays in hotels or guesthouses in the selected comfort category
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), prepared by us during our reconnaissance trip
- GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
- A map of the circuit
- Luggage tags
- 7-day-a-week telephone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Bike(s) rental
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) at Les Eyzies and/or Sarlat-la-Canéda
- Visit to the Padirac Chasm (advance booking recommended)
- Visit to the Lascaux site (booking required)
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or travel assistance
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Return travel to Sarlat-la-Canéda
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed in “THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount applies (see booking form). An additional pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travellers: a logistical supplement applies in addition to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Cécile & Serge, 62 & 62 years"New experience with Cyclodyssée in the Périgord after Catalonia. Still just as satisfied! Excellent organisation, beautiful hotels, stunning landscapes … We will trust you again without hesitation!" August 2025
Axelle & Christian, 42 & 46 years
"A very beautiful stay, with lovely circuits on quiet country roads, comfortable accommodation. Great professionalism from the Cyclodyssée team in organisation and support, much appreciated. Beautiful villages crossed, many castles to visit. A pleasure for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds in this gastronomic region. Highly recommend this trip! Thanks again to the Cyclodyssée team!" May 2025
Christine & Rita, 46 & 60 years
"Professional people who love their job. Attentive and at the service of their clients from start to finish." August 2023
Serge & Marianne, 61 & 64 years
"Every year we spend a week cycling and choose the operator based on the destination. This time we went with Cyclodyssée to discover the Périgord Noir. Perfect organisation. We appreciated Joseph’s professionalism and availability, helping us solve issues with our personal bikes even though it was not his responsibility as we hadn’t rented bikes. Highly recommend Cyclodyssée!" June 2023
Isabelle & Jean-Pierre, 61 & 68 years
"Back from a Dordogne circuit, we are fully satisfied with this wonderful experience. Our contact, Joseph, was always very responsive. Cyclodyssée is a very reliable organisation. I highly recommend it." May 2023
Véronique & Yvan, 64 & 65 years
"For a first cycling trip, it was an excellent discovery! What convinced us was the possibility for me to take an e-bike on site as I am not as fit as my husband, who used his own bike! Some days the stages are longer, balanced by shorter days with visits (Padirac Chasm, Lascaux caves, troglodyte villages, etc.), perfect for a first cycling experience! Thanks Cyclodyssée!" October 2022
Hubert & Geneviève, 50 & 45 years
"Despite the heatwave, a very good trip… You get more fresh air cycling than walking! No two days are the same, which was a real plus for us used to following rivers and canals. 10/10 also for the roadbook, it completely replaces the guidebook!" August 2022
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