Explore the Beauty of the Dordogne: Relaxed 6-Night Bike Tour
Embark on a journey through one of France’s most picturesque regions with our Dordogne bike tours. Perfect for cyclists who enjoy a more leisurely pace, this Dordogne self-guided bike tour offers a relaxed yet immersive experience, showcasing the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich history of the Dordogne Valley. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual adventurer, this tour provides an unforgettable way to explore the heart of France by bike.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic Rides Through Charming Villages: Cycle along quiet roads through traditional villages like Sarlat, Domme, and Montignac, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Dordogne Valley.
- Historic Sites & Ancient Caves: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lascaux and explore the prehistoric caves that reveal the region’s ancient past.
- Gastronomic Delights: Enjoy delicious French cuisine, with opportunities to stop at local markets, cafés, and restaurants known for their regional specialties.
- Leisurely Pace: With daily rides ranging from 25 to 55 km, this tour is designed for cyclists who prefer a relaxed, stress-free pace with ample time to explore the area.
- Stay in Historic Hotels: Rest in charming accommodations that reflect the area’s rich history, including hotels located near ancient landmarks and offering stunning views.
- Self-Guided Flexibility: Enjoy the freedom of self-guided cycling in Dordogne, where you control your pace and route, all while receiving detailed maps and directions.
Who Is This Tour For?
This Dordogne self-guided bike tour is perfect for:
- Cyclists who prefer a relaxed pace: Ideal for those who want to explore the Dordogne at their own pace, without rushing through long daily rides.
- History enthusiasts: Those interested in the prehistoric and medieval history of the Dordogne, including visits to Lascaux Caves and other historical landmarks.
- Couples and Small Groups – Whether you’re looking for a romantic cycling getaway or an adventure with friends, this tour offers a mix of independence and guided support.
- Nature lovers: Cyclists who want to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of the Dordogne Valley, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and charming villages.
- Gastronomy aficionados: Anyone eager to enjoy authentic French cuisine, local wines, and the regional flavors that make Dordogne so unique.
- Travelers seeking a peaceful, immersive experience: This tour is for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the tranquility of rural France.
See full itinerary below. To learn more about our Dordogne bike tours CLICK HERE.
- General Details
- Guide/Concierge Info
- Accommodations
- Rental Bikes Available
- Inclusions
- GPS Availability
- Pricing
- Register For This Tour
Dates: Your pick! We offer tours in the Dordogne as early as March and as late as October and into November.
Length: 7 days, 6 nights
Service: Supported, Private, “Self Guided” tour. For more about how our Self Guided tours work CLICK HERE.
Type of riding: Rolling to flat terrain with some short climbs.
Bikes suggested: Road bikes, e-bikes, or hybrids
Average daily riding: 30km
Start city: Les Eyzies
Finish city: Les Eyzies
Suggested transport: Train from anywhere.
From greeting guests when they arrive, to personally handling luggage transfers, to curating excursions, to problem-solving (e.g., flat tires and other unforeseen issues) our concierges assist guests daily. They also set you up on your rental bikes, and can help with routing and simple questions. Need help finding a good lunch spot? Is it raining too hard or you’re too tired to continue? The concierge is a phone call away and are there to help you! Each tour group works with a single, dedicated concierge who can be called upon for in-person assistance at any time.
We generally target 3 and 4-star hotels, which we hand select to maximize comfort while minimizing cost. The star rating is using a French rating system, which has proven to be the standard around the world. Therefore we use the same standards in France and beyond.
Over the years we have developed relationships with many amazing 3 and 4-star properties that distinguish themselves as providing much more than their rating suggests. We have loved getting to know these hotels and sharing them with our guests. For tour groups wishing to upgrade their accommodations, we can provide custom pricing for four and five-star hotels, pending availability. Below are an example of some of our favorite hotels in the region that we target using on our tours, pending availability.
| Location | Hotel | Photo |
| Les Eyzies | Hotel Cro Magnon |  |
| Montignac | Hotel La Roseraie |  |
| Sarlat | Hotel Restaurant La Couleuvrine |  |
| La Roque Gageac | Hotel Belle Etoile |  |
All bikes come with helmet, repair kit, pump (or CO2 cartridges), lock, and water bottles. During the registration process, you will be asked for sizing specifics to ensure we have the correct sized bike waiting for you. We can supply a number of styles of pedals – please ask if you don’t see the pedal type you’re looking for on the registration form.
Road Bikes: Our rental road bikes are a racing style with drop handlebars.
- Type – Road
- Sizes – 47cm, 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm, 62cm
- Components – Aluminum frame with midrange of Shimano components. Triple or compact chainrings.
Hybrid Bikes: Our rental hybrid bikes are a relaxed style with flat handlebars.
- Type – Hybrid
- Sizes – 46, 50, 54 with sizing for all sizes.
- Components – Mixture of Shimano road and mountain components with either triple cranksets.
eBikes: These semi-powered bikes allow for non-riders to share the experience with their friends and family who are stronger cyclists.
- Type – eBike
- Sizes – S, M, L
- Components – Mixture of Shimano Acera and Deore.
- All hotel accommodations – mostly 3 and 4 star but ask for custom accommodation requests.
- An OBT cycling jersey!
- Detailed route notes, maps, and tourist information. This includes standard cue sheet, and GPS courses to upload to your own GPS device.
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel.
- Meals as explained in the tour itinerary pages. Usually this means all breakfasts, no lunches, and some dinners.
- Access to your personal guide/concierge (See Guides/Concierge tab).
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Transportation to start location and from finish location.
- Bikes, but we have rental bikes available.
- Travel and Health Insurance.
- Admission to sightseeing venues, unless explicitly mentioned as included.
Tour Cost Per Person:
- Double Occupancy: US$1,945
- Single Occupancy: US$2,345 (for single room occupancy on multiple person tours)
- Solo Tour: Please contact us
Bike Rental Per Person:
- Road Bike: US$430
- eBike: US$430
- Hybrid: US$280
Questions: First, please feel free to ask us any questions about the tour. We are happy to help clarify any details.
Registration: Once you are ready to register please go to https://outfittertours.com/registration/ and complete the registration form. EACH tour participant will need to complete the form. At the end of the registration for you will be asked for a US$800 deposit. You can pay the deposit by bank check, wire, or credit card. Once we have all registrations we will secure all of the details of your tour – hotels, bikes, etc.
Final Payment: 60 days prior to your tour we will invoice you for the balance of the tour.
Tour Packet Delivery: Once the balance is paid and approximately 30 days before your tour we will send you a complete tour packet containing all details of your tour – accommodation information, detailed routing, a suggested packing list, maps, tourist guide, and much much more!
For more information on our Terms & Conditions please CLICK HERE.
Day 1: Arrival in Les Eyzies
Welcome to Les Eyzies, the pre-history capital of France! Upon arrival at the train station, we’ll meet you and assist with either assembling your bicycle or fitting you for your rental. Take in a short orientation before choosing between a relaxed afternoon warm-up ride or a walking exploration of nearby historical sites. Your accommodation for the night is a spectacular historic hotel built into the cliffs—just steps from the site where Cro-Magnon remains were discovered. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 2: Les Eyzies to Montignac – 25km/16mi
Cycle along the Vézère River, passing some of the region’s most remarkable prehistoric sites. Visit Site Madeleine, explore the troglodyte dwellings of Roque St. Christophe, and admire the charming Château de Losse. The ride is a moderate 25km, with short climbs and breathtaking scenery throughout. Stop for lunch in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, a postcard-perfect village with cafés and picnic spots. Arrive in Montignac, a picturesque town at the base of Lascaux, and settle into your centrally located hotel. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 3: Montignac to Sarlat – 40km/25mi
Prepare for a fulfilling day of exploration and cycling. Start with a visit to Lascaux II, an exquisitely detailed replica of the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings (an optional but highly recommended stop). Afterward, cycle through the rolling countryside, stopping at the medieval villages of Saint-Amand-de-Coly and Saint-Geniès. Don’t miss a visit to Moulin de la Tour, a charming walnut mill showcasing one of the region’s prized culinary traditions. By evening, arrive in Sarlat, where you’ll stay for two nights. With its cobblestone streets and vibrant café culture, Sarlat is a dream for history lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Dinner is on your own—take advantage of the incredible local cuisine.
Day 4: Sarlat Market & Exploration
Wake up to the lively sounds of Sarlat’s famous market day. Wander through stalls filled with fresh produce, regional cheeses, cured meats, and artisan crafts. Spend the morning indulging in the sights, smells, and flavors of one of France’s most celebrated markets. The rest of the day is yours to explore Sarlat’s well-preserved medieval architecture, museums, and historic sites. Whether you prefer people-watching in a café or uncovering the town’s rich past, Sarlat offers endless charm.
Day 5: Sarlat to La Roque-Gageac – 25km/16mi
An easy yet scenic ride takes you into the Dordogne River Valley, with plenty of cultural and historical stops along the way. Begin with a visit to Château de Montfort, a fairy-tale castle perched above the river. Next, ride up to Domme, a breathtaking bastide town known for its stunning panoramic views. Finally, pass by the imposing Château de Beynac, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in France. Arrive in La Roque-Gageac, an idyllic village nestled against limestone cliffs. Tonight, enjoy a well-earned dinner at your hotel, renowned for its exquisite local cuisine.
Day 6: La Roque-Gageac to Les Eyzies – 31km/19mi
Begin your day cycling along the Dordogne River, passing through the historic Castelnaud-la-Chapelle before reaching Château des Milandes, once the home of American entertainer Josephine Baker. History and architecture lovers will be captivated by the beauty of this château and its enchanting gardens. From there, continue your ride through the picturesque village of Meyrals, a perfect spot for a riverside picnic. Take time to visit the studios of local artists before rolling back into Les Eyzies, where your journey began. Enjoy your final evening exploring the village at your own pace.
Day 7: Departure from Les Eyzies
Savor a relaxed breakfast and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Les Eyzies one last time. We’ll assist with bike collection and luggage transfers before bidding you farewell, with memories of an unforgettable Dordogne cycling adventure.
