Experience the best of the Périgord countryside by bike on this 7-day self-guided tour
Experience an authentic France on the 7-day self-guided Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour. Cycle a delightful route between the Lot and Dordogne river valleys, experiencing the romantic Périgord countryside in all its glory.
Beginning and ending your cycling tour in one of France’s “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages in France), you’ll embark on a breathtaking loop from Monpazier and back. Monpazier certainly sets the bar high for village experiences, but rest assured, the medieval villages to come are equally as charming! Your route unfolds as you pedal to Puy L’Eveque, the Bastide town of Villefranche, and beautiful Belvès, with stays in lovely historic accommodations in each. Enjoy spectacular dining experiences in each village during the tour, savouring the best French food and wine.
Explore another of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France as you explore Belvès, perusing its 15th-century market hall as the sound of the town’s 7 bell towers fills the air with an ancient song. Cruise through enchanting chestnut forests that lead to the village of Cadouin, where you’ll hop off your bike to explore a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. Pedal through the scenic Dordogne valley, uncovering spellbinding Châteaus among the picturesque countryside.
The Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour is a true pleasure for the senses. Experience one of France’s most beautiful regions by bike!
Highlights of the Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour
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Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your tour begins in the Bastide town of Monpazier, known worldwide as one of the most beautiful villages in all of France. Monpazier was founded in 1285, and its construction was commissioned by King Edward I of England.
Areas of interest in Monpazier are endless! Settle into your accommodations here, then set out on a walk, perhaps beginning in its exceptionally well-preserved medieval center.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monpazier
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Château de Biron, Gavaudun, and the River Lot
A lovely first day on bike awaits you as you pedal to the beautiful village of Puy L’Eveque.
Within a few kilometres of your route commencing, you’ll encounter the spellbinding 13th-century
Château de Biron. Take some time to explore this monumental building, its Renaissance apartments, and the stately chambers.
Then, continue a gently winding path through the valley to the 11th-century village and fortress of Gavaudun. The final part of today’s splendid route leads you along a peaceful country road towards the River Lot. Tracing the river, you’ll reach your accommodations in Puy L’Eveque.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Puy L’Eveque
Distance: 60km, 540m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Pedal Périgord Countryside to Villefranche-Du Perigord
Today’s route will introduce you to the scenic tree-lined shores of the Lot River. Climbing out of the valley, you’ll continue your ascent towards Les Arques, where a visit to the Zadkine museum is well worth the stop. The route continues through the glorious countryside, your trail peppered with lovely chestnut forests. You’ll soon reach Villefranche-Du Périgord, another gorgeous bastide town, and your resting place for this evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villefranche-Du Périgord
Distance: 49km, 660m of ascent, 510m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Ride to Belvès
Back on the road, you’ll continue to enjoy the authentic French countryside today, as you cruise through tiny hamlets and elegant villages on your way to Belvès. Belvès also makes the list of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The most beautiful villages of France). Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the medieval city is home to 7 ancient bell towers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Belvès
Distance: 41.5km, 450m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Optional Loop to the Dordogne River Castles
Today you’ll choose between a rest day and a scenic journey to explore some of the highlights of Dordogne.
If you do decide to ride today, you’ll visit the famous French entertainer Josephine Baker’s Château de Milandes, where you’ll explore her fascinating life through an exhibition housed in the château. If this château has got you wanting to see more, add another 11.5km onto your ride, and loop to the Dordogne’s most famous castle, Château de Castelnaud.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Belvès
Distance: 41.5km, 450m of ascent/descent (add 11.5km for Château de Castelnaud)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Return to Monpazier Via Cadouin
Your final day on the bike will be brief but no less wonderful! Depart Belvès via the chestnut forests, making your way to the lovely medieval village of Cadouin. The ancient village is home to a 12th-century abbey.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cistercian monastery known as Cadouin Abbey is an authentic Gothic art masterpiece. Spend some time enjoying this remarkable place frozen in time, and then continue to Monpazier, where you’ll enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Refresh tired muscles with a relaxing dip in the hotel pool, or swap out your wheels for walking shoes, and continue to explore stunning Monpazier on foot.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monpazier
Distance: 34.5km, 330m of ascent, 300m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7 Departure
Following breakfast this morning your tour comes to an end. Check out of your accommodations and say au revoir to beautiful Monpazier as you depart for the airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour in France is always run as a private tour for your group and the price per person depends on the number of people staying in one room and the season.
Prices below are per person.
Departure between April 1st and 22nd:
- Price per person in a single room: $1,695 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $1,175 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $1,175 USD
Departure between April 23rd and June 30th:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,775 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,725 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $1,225 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $1,195 USD
Departure between July 1st and August 31st:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,825 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,795 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $1,225 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $1,225 USD
Departure between September 1st and October 10th:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,775 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,725 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $1,225 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $1,195 USD
Departure between October 11th and 31st:
- Price per person in a single room: $1,695 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $1,175 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $1,175 USD
Accommodation on the Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and 4-star and offer basic or modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, pools, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Edward 1er in Monpazier ★★★★
Experience the elegant style of this exceptional hotel. Rooms boast views of the Périgord hills, Monpazier, and the Dordogne River.
Hotel Bellevue in Puy-l’Eveque ★★★
Hotell Bellvue is a small romantic hotel known for its excellent hospitality, located near to local restaurants and shops.
Hotel la Bastide in Villefranche-du-Perigord ★★★
This stunning stone property is designed with elegance and charm. Guests will enjoy the lovely outdoor swimming pool and private garden here.
Hotel Clement V in Belves ★★★
In the heart of the medieval city lies this unique hotel, formerly a grocery shop and carefully restored into a superb hotel. Enjoy a home-away-from-home atmosphere at this charming and intimate hotel.
Hotel Edward 1er in Monpazier ★★★★
Experience the elegant style of this exceptional hotel. Rooms boast views of the Périgord hills, Monpazier, and the Dordogne River.
What’s Included in the Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Monpazier are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the locations along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour does not include any transfers as you will be biking to your next accommodation each day. You can book transfers for your luggage for an extra charge ($250 USD per person).
Also Included
- Detailed route notes and maps
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
-
- Hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities or excursions
- Luggage transfer: $250 USD per person
Frequently Asked Questions about Lot and Dordogne Valley Cycling Tour
French Biketours takes the guesswork out of planning your bike tours. The itineraries focus on French biking adventures, and with experience arranging trips since 2017, you’ll enjoy tried and tested routes that show off France’s beauty.
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