Dordogne Bike Tours: Explore the Vézère Valley on Two Wheels
Experience the magic of the Dordogne region on an unforgettable cycling journey through medieval villages, rolling countryside, and breathtaking river valleys. Our Dordogne Self-guided bike tours offer the perfect balance of adventure and flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace while immersing yourself in the rich history, gastronomy, and natural beauty of southwestern France.
Tour Highlights
- Ride through the stunning Vézère Valley, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape renowned for prehistoric cave art and medieval towns.
- Explore charming villages such as Les Eyzies, Sarlat, and Montignac, each offering its own unique character and historical significance.
- Visit world-famous prehistoric sites, including Lascaux IV and the National Museum of Prehistory.
- Enjoy scenic rides along quiet country roads, through vineyards, forests, and along the picturesque Dordogne and Vézère Rivers.
- Indulge in the region’s culinary delights, from duck confit and foie gras to local cheeses and wines.
- Stay in hand-selected accommodations that provide a mix of comfort, charm, and authentic French hospitality.
Who Is This Tour For?
- Cyclists who love history and culture – Ride through some of the most historically rich landscapes in France, with access to ancient caves, castles, and medieval towns.
- Travelers seeking a self-guided adventure – Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace while benefiting from our expertly designed routes and support.
- 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.
- Food and wine enthusiasts – Savor Dordogne’s world-renowned cuisine and local wines, with plenty of stops to indulge in authentic French flavors.
- Active travelers looking for a challenge – With varied terrain and optional longer routes, this tour is ideal for those who enjoy exhilarating rides with rewarding views.
- Lovers of scenic countryside – Cycle through rolling hills, river valleys, and lush forests, taking in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in France.
See full itinerary below. Or CLICK HERE to learn more about our Dordogne bike tours.
- 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: 8 days, 7 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 climbs.
Bikes suggested: Road bikes, e-bikes, or hybrids
Average daily riding: 50km
Start city: Les Eyzies
Finish city: Les Eyzies
Suggested transport: Train from anywhere.
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 |  |
| Domme | Hotel l’Esplanade |  |
| Meyronne | Hotel La Terrasse |  |
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$2,545
- Single Occupancy: US$3,045 (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
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Les Eyzies
Welcome to Les Eyzies, the prehistory capital of France! We’ll meet you at the train station and assist with assembling your bicycle or fitting your rental. Once settled, enjoy a short orientation and a warm-up loop if you’re eager to start cycling. Alternatively, explore the historical sites on foot, stretching your legs before your journey begins. Your accommodations are in a stunning historic hotel, built into the cliffs near the site of the Cro-Magnon man’s discovery. Dinner at the hotel is included.
Day 2: Les Eyzies to Domme – 37km/23mi
Cycle along the scenic Vézère River to Le Bugue and explore the lively Tuesday morning market, perfect for picking up lunch. Afterward, cross the ridge to visit Château Les Milandes and Castelnaud. Arrive in Domme, a breathtaking clifftop village with sweeping views of the Dordogne River Valley. Enjoy an included dinner at your hotel’s renowned restaurant.
Day 3: Domme to Meyronne – 51km/32mi
Begin your day with a visit to Château Beynac, perched high above the Dordogne. This historic castle was a stronghold for the French during the Hundred Years’ War, while its rival, Castelnaud, sat across the river under English control. Continue your ride through picturesque villages, including La Roque-Gageac, Montfort, Carsac, St. Julien de Lampon, and Souillac, before reaching Meyronne. Your charming château-turned-hotel awaits, nestled by the river. Settle in for two nights, with dinner included.
Day 4: Rocamadour & Gouffre de Padirac Loop – Up To 73km/45mi
Today’s ride features two awe-inspiring destinations. First, visit Gouffre de Padirac, a 100-meter-deep chasm leading to an underground river you can explore by boat. Then, continue to Rocamadour, a dramatic clifftop village and key stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Opt for a 30km route to Rocamadour or extend to 73km by including both sites and the upper Dordogne Valley. Dinner is on your own tonight—choose between your hotel’s offerings or a charming eatery in St. Sozy.
Day 5: Meyronne to Sarlat – 51km/32mi
Retrace your path down the Dordogne River, bypassing Souillac to explore scenic new roads. Ride a gentle route along the river before hopping onto a designated bike path leading into Sarlat, the regional capital. This medieval town boasts a beautifully preserved old quarter, excellent shops, and a rich history dating back to the 9th century. Enjoy a delightful included dinner at your hotel in Sarlat.
Day 6: Sarlat to Montignac – 40km/25mi
Wake up to the lively sounds of Sarlat’s bustling street market. Spend the morning exploring its array of local food, textiles, clothing, and art, or visit one of its fascinating prehistory sites. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic yet hilly ride along the Vézère River to Montignac, a hub of prehistoric wonders. Settle into your hotel before enjoying a well-earned dinner.
Day 7: Montignac to Les Eyzies via Lascaux & La Roque St. Christophe – 26km/16mi
Your final day of cycling is packed with history and natural beauty. Begin with a visit to the world-famous Lascaux II cave, a stunning reproduction of prehistoric cave paintings just 2km from Montignac. Follow the Vézère River past Château Losse and onward to La Roque St. Christophe, where humans have lived in the cliffs for over 20,000 years. A scenic ride over the ridge brings you back to Les Eyzies for a well-deserved evening in town. Dinner is on your own.
Day 8: Departure from Les Eyzies
Enjoy a leisurely morning with a relaxed breakfast before saying farewell to the stunning Dordogne region. We’ll collect your rental bike and assist with your luggage transfer to the depot. Safe travels, and we hope to see you on another cycling adventure soon!
