Gourmet roundtrip between Lot & Dordogne valley

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.