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HISTORIC
DORDOGNE
Cycling in the southwest of France
  The Dordogne, as the French say, is a land with 'un peu de tout', a little of everything; a gently meandering river, lush pastures, wine, walnuts, geese, the warm southern sun and of course a web of country roads linking the historic hamlets and towns, all just ideal for a stimulating cycling holiday. Don't be surprised to hear English voices, either on vacation or in residence, as the English have long been associated with this fertile green valley where they fought and died in the Hundred Year's War. They held the South bank of the river Dordogne and built many of the castles and fortified villages that are dotted along the route.
This cycling holiday starts and finishes in Souillac in the valley of the Dordogne River. We cycle on tiny lanes and byroads, initially following the river, which winds through a landscape of steep green wooded hills, patchwork fields and terraced slopes. This area of France is rich in scenery, architecture, history - and of course has a famous gastronomic reputation, as this is the home of the truffle! Cycling starts in the area around Souillac, known as Perigord Noir because of the way the oak and chestnut foliage turns dark as the sun sets. Pedaling through wooded lanes leads up to the truly magnificent Rocamadour, built almost vertically into its rocky backdrop. Pilgrims have flocked here for many centuries, drawn by the carving of the Black Madonna and the legend of Zacchaeus. Today tourists might outnumber the pilgrims but it is still worth the visit to admire the architecture, walk the trail past the 'stations of the cross' to the top of the hill and admire the sweeping views across the river valley and beyond. There are plenty of good restaurants here to sample the local
specialities.
Back down into the Dordogne valley, our route passes the fortified town of Domme, which dominates the skyline for miles around, and on past the prehistoric troglodyte cave dwellings carved into the rock face. We stay for two nights in Sarlat the capital of Black Périgord; it is an exceptionally well-preserved city. The oldest buildings date back to the 10th century, with a comparatively modern old town being only 600 years old! The mellow honey-coloured stone building are a delight to the eye as you explore the pedestrianised streets, look up to the many tiers of windows and the steep roof of the Maison de la Boetie, wander the shady labyrinth of lanes and courtyards and join the café society for a little refreshment.
The second half of the circuit is a little more rural with an overnight stop in Les Eyzies, the Mecca of prehistoric man where a visit to the world famous Font de Gaume is a must. These caves are a showpiece of engravings and paintings from around 14.000 BC. The artefacts found during excavations testify to a continual occupation since the age of the Neandertals. The beautiful town of Montignac astride the Vezere River is our last stop before completing the circuit back to Souillac.
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - The first and last nights are spent in a comfortable hotel (2*) in
Souillac town centre with a delightful setting. The last night is on a B&B basis to allow you to test one of the towns many first class eating establishments. A fine, attractive hotel (2 * logis) in
Rocamadour has outstanding views from the restaurant terrace. Two nights are spent in the centre of
Sarlat in a very comfortable family run hotel (2 *). The second night is on a B&B basis giving an opportunity to try one of the town's superb restaurants. Our (3 *) hotel for your fifth night is in
Les Eyzies and is set into the rock face! It has a superb swimming pool, a first class restaurant, and a central situation. A (2*) hotel in
Montignac offers comfortable rooms and a chef who takes pride in his menu in the best French fashion; you are sure of a great meal
Terrain
There is much riding on the high plateau and along the valley floors but there are also the inevitable hills between the two. Most of the route is therefore hilly but not mountainous punctuated by the odd climb out of the valleys of up to 300m
Sherpa
Notes
Bike Hire
Road bicycles with flat handle bars are provided; they are equipped with a handle bar bag, water bottle, tool kit, rear carrier with elastic, pump and lock. We advise you to take your own helmet. Accommodation and Meals
Bed and breakfast throughout in country hotels of mainly 2 star category. On five nights evening meals are included at the hotels. Start and End of Tour
This tour starts and ends in Souillac. You can fly to Toulouse or Paris and take a main line train directly to Souillac (train fare not included). It is also possible to travel by train from London.
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