Périgord and Quercy 2024

In Gourdon, we are awaited by the family-run Hostellerie de la Bouriane***, where we will be treated to fine specialities from the Quercy area this evening.

After the adjustment of our bikes, we will reach the cave of Cougnac shortly after Gourdon and will come upon a first testimony of the fascinating pre-historic cave paintings. Our cycling tour then leads to Domme, one of the many Bastides laid out in Aquitaine in the 13th century with a unique panorama of the river landscape of the Dordogne. In the afternoon, our route leads on desolate paths in the direction of Sarlat-la-Canéda. At our daily destination, we are awaited by the Hotel La Hoirie*** on a small hill (two overnight stays). This hotel, which was developed out of a lovingly restored farmhouse from the 13th century, has a park, a swimming pool and an excellent restaurant, where we will then enjoy our evening dinner.

A short transfer leads us into the Tal der Vézère, where todays’ stage begins. Rows of pre-historic sites are strung together here in a globally unique density. Our route then leads back to Sarlat, one of the loveliest small cities in France. This jewel of old urban construction has been given new splendour, thanks to its careful restoration. Today, Sarlat is a small town full of life with an abundant offer of local delicacies from the kitchen and the cellar. After a small round tour, there will be enough time for you to explore the medieval alleys. Shortly afterwards, we will be welcomed by the Hotel La Hoirie*** once again. We will enjoy our dinner together.

Travelling on a former railway embankment, we continue to cycle slightly downhill through the typical Dordogne landscape, characterised by walnut tree plantations, acorn- and chestnut forests. The description black Périgord is due to the black earth of the region’s forests. In Souillac at around noon, we will visit the Romanesque abbey church, where two important artworks dating back to the 12th century can be found: the beast pillar and the Jesaja. The latter is generally seen as the pinnacle of Romanesque sculpture. Our afternoon route first leads onto a karstic plain and then into the canyon of the Ouysse. Here we will visit the Moulin de Cougnaguet, a romantically situated mill dating back to the 13th century, which the former miller painstakingly restored. We will soon reach the important pilgrimage place Rocamadour with its seven churches, chapels and crypts. We will be staying at the comfortable Hotel Beau Site*** (Travel date 1: three overnight stays). We will meet up for dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, where we will be treated to local delicacies.

In the morning, we will bridge a challenging section by bus and will reach the Gouffre de Padirac in the early morning. A path leads from the base of this massive gorge, interrupted by a longer river section to be travelled by boat, into one of the largest stalactite caves in Europe. In the afternoon, we will cycle through dream-like villages, and the special charm of this region can definitely be seen here. The cohesion of medieval architecture and the fascination of the landscape is unique. We will be residing in the comfortable Hotel Le Pont de L’Ouysse*** (swimming pool, two overnight stays/ travel date 1 Hotel Beau Site*** / round trip Gouffre de Padirac - Rocamadour). In the evening, we will meet up for dinner in the superb hotel’s restaurant, where we will enjoy a meal of haute cuisine.

In the morning, our route leads to Martel, which is known for its well-preserved medieval city centre and very well-preserved wooden market hall. After visiting Martel, which is also referred to as the “city of seven towers”, our cycling route then leads via small paths to Meyronne, which is located directly at the Dordogne. From here, it is only a short distance to our hotel, where there is still enough time to enjoy a swim (travel date 1 Hotel Beau Site*** / round trip Rocamadour - Vallée de la Dordogne-Rocamadour). We will end the eventful day with a joint dinner.

In the morning, a bus will bring us onto a hill above the Lot river valley, where we will mount our bicycles. In the course of the morning, we will reach the cave of Pech Merle, with its fascinating rock paintings, and which is rightly considered as one of the loveliest caves still accessible to the general public. In the afternoon, we will continue cycling downstream to Cahors, where we are awaited by the Hotel Best Western Divona Cahors**** (swimming pool). The city’s landmark, the Pont Valenté, a fortified stone bridge from the middle Ages, via which streams of pilgrims once left the city on the Way of St. James, is just a short walk away. We will be able to review and share memories of our cycling trip over dinner.

After breakfast, our cycling trip will come to an end. As there is nothing on today’s programme, you will be able to arrange your departure individually. Our shuttle will bring you from the hotel to the Toulouse airport. Please take note, that this transfer must be reserved in advance with Rotalis, and in good time, and is not included in the travel price.

We gladly assist you on booking additional nights. All prices are on request. Please note, that it can be cheaper, when you book additional nights by yourself.