Located in Upper Dordogne at the junction of two rivers, the Borreze and the Dordogne, the town of Souillac is an ideal starting point for the cycle. Tourist attractions are limited to the Benedictine Monastery built in the XIIth century by St Eloi and the adjoining abbey, however there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the flavour of the region in one of the many cafés. Check in to your hotel is generally after 2pm.

Meals:  D

The cycle route begins by winding its way through the Ouysse Valley towards Rocamadour, past geese farms and the imposing Chateau de Belcastel at the confluence of the Ouysse and Dordogne rivers. There are a number of good ascents and descents from the valley floor to the limestone plateau above and excellent views of Rocamadour before you reach the town. The town of Rocamadour is set on a cliff face above the Alzou River. During the 12th to 14th centuries it was an important stop on the Camino Trail for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Even today it remains important for pilgrimages during Easter and Christmas, Mariane week (usually around 8 September) and 14/15 August. There are some interesting museums and holy sites found in and around the town.

Meals:  B,D

A delightful cycle through the forest and up and down the hills in the Nature reserve called "The Causse du Quercy". En route, you may choose to visit the "Château du Repaire". The medieval centre of Gourdon is characterised by yellow stone houses and all roads leading to the Place de La Liberation set in front of a fortified gateway. Some of the houses date back to the 13th century. From the town you can ascend a staircase to the top of the hill where a castle once stood and there is a superb view over the Dordogne valley and its surroundings.

Meals:  B,D

A couple of kilometres out of town you can visit the Cougnac grottos. Discovered in 1949, the caves have beautiful rock formations and some interesting prehistoric paintings. Continue cycling through the Dordogne Valley to discover a wide range of castles and fortified towns overlooking the river such as Domme. The cycle concludes today in La Roque Gageac, a regular winner of France’s prettiest village award. Whilst most visitors come for the afternoon, the best time to experience this picturesque town is at sunset when the ochre coloured terrace houses blaze with a burnt orange glow. Located beneath overhanging cliffs the winding alleyways can be explored on foot or take your time to relax at a local café where you can soak up the view. Another option is to rent a canoe and view the sunset over the town from the other side of the river.

Meals:  B,D

A magic stage along the loops of Dordogne River to discover Beynac perched on his rock, or Proumeyssac chasm, one of the deepest in Europe. Les Eyzies is a centre for exploring the prehistoric painted caves of the Vézère valley, and there is an interesting museum in town.

Meals:  B,D

From Les Eyzies the cycle takes you through beautiful landscapes. En route you can visit the Lascaux grottos in Montignac before traversing the Sarladais country to reach the famous medieval town of Sarlat, the capital of the black Perigord. This region, also known as Sarladais, contains dense oak forest and is home to the truffle (or the black diamond of Perigord). If your schedule allows, you should time your visit to coincide with the Saturday market.

Meals:  B,D

The cycle route returns to Souillac along the banks of the Dordogne River overlooked by the Chateaux of Veyrignac and Fenelon.

Meals:  B,D

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B