France Self Guided Bike Tour – From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the castles of the Dordogne

While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.

Arrive to Bordeaux on your own. Meeting with our local guide. Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip. Bordeaux, the jewel of the south-west, is a city of elegant architecture and rich cultural heritage.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers a journey back in time with its majestic squares, such as the Place de la Bourse and its water mirror. Stroll through the lively historic heart of the Saint-Pierre district and discover exceptional museums such as the Cité du Vin.  Famous for its prestigious vineyards, Bordeaux is also a capital of gastronomy: savour specialities such as canelé, oysters from the Arcachon Basin or entrecôte à la bordelaise.

You leave the regional capital on a bicycle lane that takes you into the Bordeaux countryside to the charming little walled city of Creon. Continue your ride by admiring the site and the Romanesque pillars of the La Sauve-Majeure Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a few kilometers, you are in the middle of vineyards, as far as the eye can see, that stay with you all the way to Saint Emilion.

Departing from Saint-Émilion, the vine-lined roads offer a chance to immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed vineyards. In Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, several châteaux offer tastings. As you head towards Saint-Genès-de-Castillon and Belvès-de-Castillon, the relief becomes more marked, offering fine views of the wine-growing hillsides. At Saint-Michelde-Montaigne, you can visit the château where the philosopher lived. In Montcaret, a Gallo-Roman villa houses remarkably well-preserved mosaics. After Saint-Seurin-de-Prats, the route crosses the Dordogne on a bridge offering panoramic views over the valley. At Pessac-sur-Dordogne, the riverside quays are perfect for a break. The road continues through vineyards and hamlets, skirting the Durèze as far as Sainte-Radegonde.

For a few more km 66 km 508 m
Leaving Saint-Émilion, the route passes through Pomerol and Lalande-de-Pomerol, two appellations renowned for their elegant wines. Wine estates line the road, offering opportunities for tasting. After Les Artigues-deLussac and Lussac, the landscape alternates between vineyards and forests before reaching Petit-Palais-etCornemps, then Puynormand and Minzac, where the vineyards give way to rolling meadows. In Villefranche-deLonchat, an old fortified town, the central square invites you to take a break. After Montpeyroux, the road descends towards Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne, where the philosopher’s château stands. In Montcaret, the GalloRoman villa reveals its well-preserved mosaics. The route then joins Saint-Seurin-de-Prats, where a bridge offers an unobstructed view of the Dordogne before crossing it. In Pessac-sur-Dordogne, the riverbank is the perfect place to stop for a break. Finally, the route follows the Durèze valley, winding its way between vineyards and peaceful hamlets, to Sainte-Radegonde.

At the bastide (fortified town) of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, you are at the gateway of Périgord. You then leave the terroirs of the appellation Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superiors to join the AOP Monbazillac apellation, the pride of the region! This sweet white wine, rich or mellow, goes perfectly with aperitif, blue cheese and foie gras. No doubt you will find it on your table tonight! To finish your route, you cross the Dordogne to reach Bergerac, the city of Cyrano.

Day of the rivers. Leave Bergerac in the morning to stroll along small roads lost in the middle of forests and meadows. You undulate in these fresh landscapes, crossing authentic Perigord villages huddled around their often fortified steeples. After a few spins of the wheels, you arrive on the “cingles”, This is the name we give to the meanders of the Dordogne. Your day becomes more sporty but you are rewarded by magnificent views and you can swim at the confluence of Vézère and Dordogne in Limeuil, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Leaving Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, the capital of prehistory, you head up the valley towards the Combarelles caves, decorated with fine rock engravings. The route then winds through the forest to the Château de Commarque, whose medieval ruins stand on a rocky outcrop. After a steep climb to Marquay, you’ll come across the Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens and enjoy a clear view. The route continues towards Tamniès, passing through rolling countryside typical of the Périgord Noir. You then descend towards Marcillac-Saint-Quentin and Proissans, alternating between woods and meadows. The approach to Sarlat gradually reveals the lauze roofs and gilded facades of the medieval town, whose cobbled streets and lively markets invite you to take a well-deserved break.

For a few more km 59km 946 m
Continuing towards Solignac-Eyvigues, the quiet little roads lead you to the magnificent gardens of Eyrignac. This historic estate boasts a series of carefully trimmed formal gardens, with plant sculptures, symmetrical paths and ponds reflecting the harmony of the setting.

Leaving Sarlat-la-Canéda, the route descends into the Dordogne valley towards Vitrac, where the river meanders between cliffs and meadows. A climb leads to Domme, a hilltop bastide offering exceptional views over the valley. The descent takes you to La Roque-Gageac, a troglodyte village nestling against the cliffs, where the gabares are a reminder of Périgord’s river history. At Vézac, the gardens of Marqueyssac unfurl their sculpted paths above the Dordogne. Further on, Beynac-et-Cazenac impresses with its medieval castle overlooking the river. After a hilly stretch of road, the Jardins de Haute Terre offer a plant-filled interlude before reaching Saint-André-d’Allas, typical of the Périgord Noir with its stone houses with lauze roofs. The route comes to a gentle end in Sarlat, whose medieval heart, bustling with markets and cobbled streets, invites you to make one last discovery.

End of the stay after your breakfast. You can catch a train to Paris, Bordeaux and many other locations in France.