Troglodyte rock along the Dordogne River. Photo via Flickr:Steve Jurvetson

Along the Garonne River, Bordeaux, France. Photo via Flickr:Grand Parc - Bordeaux, France
5/5 (1 rating)

Bordeaux to Sarlat

France Bike Tours

A cycling experience for the wine and food lover alike!

This bike tour in France will take you through the Bordeaux and St Emilion "grands crus" great vineyards to the medieval chateaux of the Dordogne area. Get used to raising your glass, as you will be sampling what are considered to be the best wines in the world! The gastronomy of the region, also world renowned, is another highlight of this extraordinary cycle tour in France.kk

History buffs will enjoy the centuries-old architecture and the stories each and every ancient chateau has to tell. Don't miss the Lascaux grottos, home of the famous paleolithic cave paintings. Accidentally discovered by 4 young boys, these paintings have enlightened historians on both prehistoric art and human origins.

Every step of the way, incredible French scenery will accompany you; from quaint villages and miles of grape vines, to the lush green countryside of rolling hills and blooming flowers.

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Where You’ll Stay

Accommodations in comfortable rooms with private facilities (5 nights in 3 hotels and 2 nights in 2 hotels)

What’s Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
  • Breakfast
  • 3 x dinner
  • Luggage transport
  • 27-speed bike with two saddlebags, visibility jacket, lock, map holder, helmet, odometer, and repare kit
  • Maps, itineraries, and tourist information
  • GPS tracks are available, please ask!
  • Taxes

What’s Not Included

  • Remaining meals and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Individual arrival/departure
  • Bicycle protection
  • Trip insurance

Bordeaux to Sarlat Map

TourBike
TypeSelf Guided
SkillModerate
Length8 days
From€1361 Rates
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Tour Dates

Daily from March 1 to October 31, 2016

Daily from March 1 to October 31, 2017

Skill Level

To enjoy this tour to it’s full potential, you should have good level physical fitness and be comfortable cycling hills. Daily distances range from 17 to 43 miles (26 to 68km) with ascents.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Bordeaux to Sarlat Map

Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux
Day 2: Bordeaux - Cadillac, 31 mi. (49 km) 
Day 3: Cadillac - Saint Emilion, 32 mi. (50 km) 
Day 4: Saint Emilion - Bergerac, 43 mi. (68 km)
Day 5: Bergerac - Les Eyzies, 39 mi. (61 km)
Day 6: Les Eyzies - Sarlat, 17 mi. & 34 mi. (26 to 54 km)
Day 7: Sarlat - La Roque Gageac - Beynac - Sarlat, 27 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: Departure from Sarlat

Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux
From your ideally located hotel, Bordeaux is at your fingertips. With nearly 1,810 hectares designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there is plenty to see and do. Pey-Berland Tower, Saint Michel's Basilica, and the Aquitaine Museum are just a few of this city's highlights. Bordeaux also has its fair share of restaurants where you can find foie gras from Landes, oysters from Arcachon Bay, or strawberries from the Perigord, all of which can be enjoyed with a Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Sauternes, or any of the other exquisite wines that make this region famous!

Day 2: Bordeaux - Cadillac, 31 mi. (49 km) 
Leaving town on one of the original cycling paths, you will reach Créon, a typical fortified village of this area. Continuing on, countless vineyards will accompany you until your destination of Cadillac. Although most people associate this name with the luxury car (indeed the town shares its name with the Frenchman who also founded Detroit), Cadillac is home to an imposing Chateau built by the Dukes of Épernon. Overlooking the river Garonne, this Chateau served as a women's prison for 130 years!

Day 3: Cadillac - Saint Emilion, 32 mi. (50 km) 
Today's route takes you through the heart of 'Entre-deux Mers' vineyards, from the Garonne to the Dordogne River. You will have a chance to visit the charming village of Rauzan, overlooked by a dignified medieval chateau, before reaching the prestigious village of Saint-Emilion. Saint-Emilion is one of the culturally richest villages in historical testimony, which can be witnessed through the still immaculate architecture. Don't miss the King's Tower,  located in the middle of town. Who it was built for is still a mystery, but one thing is for certain: the view from the top is not to be missed!

Day 4: Saint Emilion - Bergerac, 43 mi. (68 km)
Today continues again through the vineyards of St. Emilion. Half-timbered houses and sunny streets await you in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. The Dordogne river runs through the center of this town and even has a small beach where you are invited for a dip! The day ends in Bergerac, but not before passing through vineyards of Montbazillac. The ancient city of Bergerac is characterized by its elegant Renaissance buildings from medieval times. Gourmet restaurants, street entertainment, and the fact that almost all of the city can be seen on foot, all contributes to its world-class charm.

Day 5: Bergerac - Les Eyzies, 39 mi. (61 km)
Again, today's route follows the river until the picturesque village of Limeuil. This fortified town is located at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vezere Rivers; an ideal spot for swimming and canoeing! Continuing on, the route ends in Les Eyzies. This town is a testament to human persistence; the houses are cut out of the sheer rock cliff! Nicknamed "the Prehistory capital", Cro-Magnon men had been unearthed here, contributing to the most impressive archeological excavations of the Paleolithic period.

Day 6: Les Eyzies - Sarlat, 17 mi. & 34 mi. (26 to 54 km)
Departing Les Eyzies, you will pass beautiful landscapes until Montignac, home of the Lascaux grottos. These caves are known around the world for the impressive Prehistoric paintings depicting animals, human figures, and abstract signs. The medieval town of Sarlat is today's destination. Famous for its delicious gourmet meals such as foie gras and mushroom truffles, and for its bustling markets full of fresh produce, you will not go hungry in Sarlat!

Day 7: Sarlat - La Roque Gageac - Beynac - Sarlat, 27 mi. (42 km)
Today is a beautiful round trip ride passing by peaceful villages and impressive chateaux. La Roque Gageac is a beautiful ancient harbor town perched on the river Dordogne. It is a member of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ("The most beautiful villages of France") association. Beynac is another old village with a rich history. Home of the Beynac Castle, built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac, it sits atop a sheer cliff face precarious enough to discourage any invaders. This castle has also been used as a location for several French films. 

Day 8: Departure from Sarlat
Departure after breakfast from Sarlat.

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Customer Feedback

  • M. Flynn 5 months ago

    Our trip was well organized logistically and the biking routes were beautiful. I highly recommend Tripsite and will be booking future trips with them. Thanks for a fantastic week of biking.

     Reply

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