You will start your cycling trip in the magnificent bastide town of Monpazier, built on the orders of King Edward 1st in 1284 and today recognised as one of the "Most beautiful villages in France". Enjoy a pleasant 3-course dinner in the hotel's restaurant.
Your first day's cycling takes you to the impressive 13th century Château de Biron. After a visit, you continue along a gently winding valley road until you reach the village and fortress of Gavaudun, built in the 11th century. This fortress is perched on a rock above the village and played an important role in the Hundred Years War. You will then cycle along a quiet country road to the river Lot. You will then follow the river until you reach your accommodation in the village of Puy L'Eveque. The “Bishops Hill”, once occupied by the English during the reign of King Henry IV, the marks of his cannonballs are still visible on the walls of the church of Saint-Sauveur.
Challenge: 61.2 km / 38 mi, 806 m ascent, 884 m descent.
You will start your day by cycling along the Lot river. You will leave the valley, then follow a difficult but short climb to reach the village of Les Arques. We recommend a visit to the museum dedicated to the artist Zadkine. You will continue through peaceful countryside, on quiet cycle routes, and through chestnut forests. Your route ends in the famous bastide town of Villefranche-Du Périgord where you can visit the chestnut museum.
Challenge: 49.2 km / 30,5 mi, 793 m ascent, 686 m descent.
Today you will cycle through the countryside, passing through small hamlets and authentic villages. At the end of your itinerary, you will have an uphill climb when you reach your destination: one of the "most beautiful villages in France": Belvès, where you can enjoy spectacular views over the valley. Take a stroll through the town and visit the remains of the medieval houses under the main square.
Challenge: 45.7 / 28,5 mi km, 688 m ascent, 740 m descent.
Today you do not have to cycle, but if you do choose to get back in the saddle, a picturesque tour awaits you. You will visit some of the most important sites in the Dordogne region, cycling along the Dordogne valley towards the Château de Milandes, once the home of the artist Josephine Baker. There is an exhibition on the life of the artist in the castle. You can also add an additional 11.5km / 7.1mile loop to the Château de Castelnaud, the best reknown and most visited castle in the Dordogne region.
Challenge: 41.7 km / 26 mi, 659/659 m ascent/descent. If you make an additional loop through the castle of Castelnaud: additional 11.4 km / 7 mi and additional 242 m.
Today you will be cycling through the forests and the beautiful countryside of the South West. You can take a break in the village of Cadouin, as those on the road to Santiago de Compostela once did. Take the opportunity to visit the 12th century Abbey of Cadouin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today is a short trip, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the pool at your hotel in Monpazier. Enjoy your last dinner in the hotel restaurant and sample some local specialities.
Challenge: 34.7 km / 21,5 mi, 572 m ascent, 549 m descent.
After breakfast in your hotel, you will return home.
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included.
For this roundtrip, you will also stay in a 4* hotel without any supplement.
This 4-star Hôtel Edward 1er is located in the medieval village of Monpazier. This hôtel offers rooms overlooking the hills of the Périgord and Monpazier. Rooms have a private bathroom and satellite TV, free Wi-Fi is available. A full breakfast can be served in your room, in the restaurant, in the garden or by the pool.The Éléonore restaurant offers authentic and direct cuisine.
La Truffiere is located in the center of Puy-lʼÉvêque, featuring a restaurant, bar, shared lounge and free WiFi. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The hotel provides certain rooms that include river views, and each room comes with a private bathroom. You can enjoy in the hotel a continental breakfast.
The Hotel-Restaurant La Bastide is located on the outskirts of the oldest Bastide in Périgord, Villefranche du Périgord. It is housed in an old stone building, with a shaded terrace in front and a large garden with swimming pool at the back. You can have diner in the gastronomic restaurant and have breakfast on site.
Lasting from the XIth and XIIh centuries, this former village grocery shop has been transformed into a 3 stars hotel. The rooms on the back benefit from an extraordinary view on the surrounding countryside. All the bedrooms offer individual air conditioning.
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, from April 1st to October 31st.
The best airport of arrival is Bergerac airport, which is also served by several low cost companies. Transfer from Bergerac airport to Monpazier and back € 165,--.
Also, possibility of arrival in Bordeaux or Toulouse airport.
You can get to Bergerac, Buisson-de-Cadouin or Belvès by train. Transfer from train station of Bergerac to Monpazier and back € 165. Transfer from train station of Buisson-de-Cadouin to Monpazier and back € 120. Transfer from train station of Belvès to Monpazier and back € 80. To be paid on the spot to driver.
For timetables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
From Paris to Monpazier (approx. 6h15 - 590 km/366 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.
Parking possibilities at the hotel
GPS tracks are available on request
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)