Day 1 Sarlat
Arrival in Sarlat. Check in to 3 star hotel and at 6.30pm welcome meeting and information about the programme. Cocktail and first French dinner.
Day 2 Sarlat—Souillac 41 km
From the hotel we cycle to the bucolic city of Sarlat. This is one of the most beautiful cities in France and during the guided city tour, you will understand why it is a national treasure. Marvellous gothic buildings and Renaissance houses in the small alleys. It is a renowned gastronomic town with many regional specialties and several specialized shops – but they have to wait till lunch time!
In the afternoon we cycle through pastoral scenery,on beautiful paths with oaks and chestnuts to Souillac. The XII century Romanesque abbey of Souillac is a real highlight.
Day 3 Salignac—Lascaux—Les Eyzies 45 km
A terrific cycling day as well as a lot of culture. From Salignac we cycle through lovely landscape to a nut oil press. After an informative and culinary stop, we continue to the impressive abbey of St-Amand-de-Coly and then to Lascaux II and its incredible cave paintings, before we cycle alongside the river Vézère to the remains of a large troglodyte town. The Roque Saint Christophe occupies five terraces in the limestone rock, over 80m above the ground.
Day 4 Sarlat – Domme—Château de Beynac 38 km
From the hotel we cycle on small paths to the Dordogne, to follow this picturesque river before we climb up to Domme. Visit of the bastide and the wonderful views over the Dordogne valley! From here we follow the river loop up to La Roque Gageac. The picture of the small town next to the steep limestone is truly scenic. Our journey then takes us to a visit of the château de Beynac.
Day 5 Rocamadour—Souillac 36 km
Rocamadour – popular place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages on the way to Santiago de Compostella. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims have stayed in this beautiful town and have made the building of chapels, churches and crypts possible. On the day of the Grand Pardon up to 30,000 pilgrims gather in Rocamadour, to visit the seven churches and chapels: the Basilica Saint Sauveur, the Crypt St Amadour, chapel Dame and the chapels St Jean Baptiste, St Blaise and Ste Anne. But Rocamadour is also fascinating thanks to its marvellous location. Snuggled against the rugged slope we can see it from afar. After a detailed visit and a picnic in a fantastic location, we will continue our way over small rural and calm paths to the river Dordogne.
From here, we cycle along the wonderful river loop back to Soulliac. Return by bus to Sarlat
Day 6 Sarlat—Font de Gaume—Les Eyzies—Limeul 42 km
Today is a cultural highlight by bike! First stop at the Abri Cap Blanc. a rock overhang and its 13m long frieze. After the visit it is a real treat to cycle down to Font de Gaume. This is the last cave with original polychrome paintings which is still accessible to the public. Entry to the 120m long aisle with its 18,000 year old paintings is in small groups. We then continue to Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac, the “centre of pre-history “.
The tour ends on beautiful paths up to Limeuil, along the river and above it.
Day 7
After our last breakfast it is time to say goodbye. “Au revoir et à bientôt“
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