Looking to get away from it all? If yes, then this tour is for you. Your days on tour offer tranquil riding along beautiful roads, remarkable food, luxurious accommodations, and a leisurely pace. It is lovely green countryside full of small family farms and villages, and is away from the more touristy areas of the Dordogne. We offer the best Val De Dronne bike tours.
Day 1: Perigeux to Chancelade
We pick you up at the depot and it is a short drive to your chateau in nearby Chancelade. If you arrive early, there is much to explore in Old Town Perigueux, with lovely shops and a Roman Museum. We will hep you get your bikes set up in the chateau garden. Also, we will brief you on rules of the road and all about cycling in France in general. Dinner is at the chateau and will be outstanding.
Day 2: Chancelade to Champagnac de Belair
After exploring the old Abbaye de Chancelade, you have a lovely ride up the valley of the Beauronne River, over a ridge, and down to the Valley of the Cole. You then arrive at your first “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (France’s most beautiful villages), St. Jean de Cole. Then a short ride to your hotel; a beautiful old converted mill converted on the banks of the Dronne River. Along the river you will see many lovely water mills (moulins) all along the river. Your hotel’s restaurant has a Michelin Star rating and the food is wonderful, which is included tonight. About 50km, with options for more miles available.
Day 3: Champagnac de Belair to Bourdeilles via Grotte de Villars
You explore several beautiful villages on the Dronne River and visit Grotte de Villars, a beautiful large cave well worth the visit. Then wind your way to and through the village of Villars and Chateau de Puyguilhem and down the Dronne Valley to lovely Bourdeilles. You will explore here tomorrow, so we continue to Bourdeilles. Dinner is at your hotel tonight. You ride about 60km.
Day 4: Bourdeilles to Brantome Loop
It is a short ride up the Dronne to Brantome, “the Venice of the Perigord”. The heart of the village is an island surrounded by the river. There is the old Abbaye and Museum and caves to visit, as well as many shops and galleries. Also on the ride are lovely villages and with fortified churches. Dinner is on your own tonight in Bourdeilles (several good choices) or at your chateau.
Day 5: Bourdeilles to Aubeterre
Today is your best riding day, down the Dronne to the west. You follow our favorite routes along the Dronne. You visit Maison de la Dronne, an old mill fully restored and generating electricity. Also, a great museum on the history of moulins nearby if time allows. Want to ride mountain bikes? Montagrier has many marked trails and mountain bikes are available for rent. Settle in for 2 nights and a wonderful dinner is included tonight.
Day 6: Riberac Friday Market & Aubeterre Loop Rides
Depending on when you start your tour you can visit the Friday Morning Market in nearby Riberac. This is a great regional street market well worth the ride. Then off to the little town of Aubeterre in the Charante Department just across the Dronne from your Chateaux. You will want to visit the market square and also the famous old Monolithic Church carved out of rock from the 5th to 12th centuries. Dinner is on your own.
Day 7: Aubeterre to Chancelade
After a leisurely morning you ride back to Chancelade over a ridge to the Isle River Valley. You should have time to pack up your bike before dinner. Another outstanding meal for your farewell dinner, which is included. About 60km depending on your route choice. As always, there are longer options.
Day 8: Transport back to Perigueux
We will take you to the Gare to meet your train. All the major car rental companies have offices near the Gare as well. Also, Saturday morning is the very large Perigueux Street Market in the Old Town, which is worth visiting if your timing is right.
Special thanks to our local guides, Roger & Em Boiling, for many of the wonderful pictures included on this page and our other Val de Dronne pages. All of these images capture the beauty and peace that the river valley is known for. Come and discover this hidden cycling destination for your next vacation.
