Self-guided Timeless Dordogne Bike Tour

Begin your journey in Sarlat-la-Canéda, where a comfortable 30-minute car transfer brings you to Montignac, nestled in the southeastern corner of the Dordogne. This charming riverside town is best known as the gateway to the world-renowned Lascaux caves—a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves some of humanity’s oldest known artworks, dating back an astonishing 17,000 to 22,000 years.

Although the original caves are closed to protect their delicate condition, the impressive Lascaux IV replica allows visitors to experience the prehistoric masterpieces in stunning detail. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring glimpse into the imagination and skill of our ancient ancestors.

Later in the afternoon, your bikes will be delivered to your hotel, and a friendly local host will meet you for a warm welcome and a detailed briefing of the days ahead. It’s the perfect start to a journey that blends deep history, natural beauty, and quiet adventure.

Today’s ride is a scenic loop that begins and ends in Montignac, taking you through some of the most picturesque countryside in the Dordogne. Your first destination is Saint-Amand-de-Coly, officially recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Tucked into a lush valley, this peaceful village is crowned by a striking fortified abbey—one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the region.

Pedal onward through gently rolling hills and pastoral landscapes, where time seems to stand still. Your route continues to Terrasson-Lavilledieu, a charming riverside town where the old town’s cobbled lanes and panoramic views over the Vézère River invite exploration.

If you haven’t yet visited the Lascaux IV cave center, today is a great opportunity—either before or after your ride—to admire the breathtaking prehistoric paintings that have made Montignac famous.

For a shorter and more leisurely ride, you can skip the loop to Terrasson and enjoy a 24 km (15 mi) round trip between Montignac and Saint-Amand-de-Coly instead.

Elevation: +650 m (2,132 ft)

Today’s ride takes you deeper into the Vézère Valley, a landscape rich in history and natural beauty. Leaving Montignac behind, you follow quiet country roads to Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Nestled along the riverbank, its medieval stone houses and peaceful setting make it a perfect place to pause and soak in the atmosphere.

From here, continue to La Roque Saint-Christophe, a dramatic cliffside troglodyte site that has housed humans for over 55,000 years. Carved into a sheer limestone wall, the site reveals layers of human history etched into its rock ledges.

A short optional detour brings you to La Madeleine, a prehistoric rock shelter showcasing remarkable Magdalenian-era carvings and artifacts from more than 14,000 years ago.

Your day ends in Les Eyzies, famously known as the “Capital of Prehistory.” Here, the acclaimed National Prehistory Museum offers fascinating insight into early human life, rounding out a day rich in ancient wonders.

Elevation: 700 m (2,300 ft)

Today’s loop ride from Les Eyzies takes you on a journey through some of the Dordogne Valley’s most scenic and culturally rich landscapes. Your first stop is Limeuil, a hilltop village where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet. With its cobbled lanes, panoramic views, and flower-filled gardens, Limeuil is the perfect place to wander and soak up the tranquil charm.

From there, continue to the bustling riverside town of Le Bugue, known for its vibrant market and artisanal shops. Take a moment to explore its inviting streets or enjoy a coffee by the water before heading onward.

One of today’s highlights is the Gouffre de Proumeyssac—an awe-inspiring underground cavern nicknamed the “Crystal Cathedral.” Illuminated chambers showcase towering stalactites and sparkling mineral formations that leave a lasting impression.

As you pedal back to Les Eyzies, the route winds through peaceful woodlands, gentle hills, and timeless stone villages. It’s a ride that captures the soul of Dordogne—earthy, storied, and utterly captivating.

Elevation: 500 m ( 1,640 ft)

Today’s ride leads you from Les Eyzies through a tapestry of wooded hills and hidden valleys, along peaceful country roads that feel untouched by time. Your first stop is the evocative Château de Commarque, a partly restored fortress nestled in a secluded green hollow. Its dramatic ruins and centuries-old watchtower invite you to climb and uncover stories of knights, nobles, and forgotten times—all with sweeping views of the forested Dordogne below.

From there, continue on to the hilltop village of Marquay, where honey-colored stone houses and panoramic vistas make for a perfect pause. Then it’s onward to the Château de Puymartin, a fairytale-like castle complete with turrets, grand halls, and ghostly legends. As you explore its richly furnished rooms and learn of its noble past, it’s easy to be swept back into the pages of medieval history.

Your day ends in Sarlat, a jewel of the Périgord Noir. Its cobblestone lanes, golden facades, and vibrant ambiance will welcome you warmly for a well-earned rest—and two nights of timeless discovery.

Elevation: +770m (2,526 ft)

Your day begins with a peaceful ride along a dedicated bike path out of Sarlat, easing you into the rhythm of the Dordogne. Soon, you ascend to Domme, a magnificent bastide town perched high above the river. From its medieval ramparts, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Dordogne Valley—a panorama worth every pedal stroke.

Descending through quiet lanes and riverside scenery, you reach Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, where the imposing Château de Castelnaud awaits. This remarkable fortress houses an extensive collection of medieval arms and tells gripping stories of past conflicts that once shaped the region.

If you're feeling adventurous, detour to the romantic Château des Milandes, once home to the legendary Josephine Baker. Her story—equal parts glamour, courage, and activism—is vividly brought to life in this lovingly preserved château. Alternatively, take a loop to the clifftop Château de Beynac, a formidable stone fortress that commands the valley like a silent guardian.

Garden lovers can wander through the magical Jardins de Marqueyssac, where sculpted boxwoods and cliffside paths reveal jaw-dropping views. The day’s final stop is the picture-perfect village of La Roque-Gageac, with its golden facades tucked between limestone cliffs and the riverbank. Recognized among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, it’s an idyllic end to the day.

As the sun sets, return to Sarlat for a relaxed evening—perhaps with a glass of local wine and reflections on the castles and cobbled streets that marked your journey.

Elevation: +750m (2,460 ft)

Today you set off from Sarlat along a peaceful bike path that leads us to Carsac, a delightful village nestled along the Dordogne River.

From here, you venture through rolling hills and lush meadows, making way toward Aillac. Along the route, pass through picturesque hamlets and tranquil landscapes, where time seems to slow down. The peacefulness of the countryside offers a welcome escape from the fast pace of everyday life.

Rejoining the dedicated bike path, continue toward Cazoules, where the scenic beauty of the Dordogne Valley unfolds before us. Soon, you reach Souillac, a perfect spot to pause, relax by the water’s edge, and take in the charming riverside setting.

With renewed energy, push forward toward our destination—Rocamadour.

This awe-inspiring village clings to the cliffs high above the valley, its stone buildings stacked dramatically against the rock face. A UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic pilgrimage destination, on account of the sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary dating back to the 12th century, Rocamadour has attracted illustrious pilgrims such as King Henry II of England and Saint Louis IX of France among others.

It is also a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association, our third on the tour. As you arrive, explore its sacred sites, wander its medieval streets, and admire the breathtaking views of the valley below.

Elevation: 560m (1,837 ft)

Au revoir, Périgord Noir, and the unforgettable Dordogne!

After a final breakfast, you transfer back to Sarlat, where you can catch a train to Bordeaux.

Take one last look at the breathtaking landscapes and charming villages, carrying with you memories of an incredible journey through history, culture, and natural beauty.