Bordeaux to Sarlat cycling tour: between vineyards, castles and Dordogne river | 9 days

Day 1Arrival in Bordeaux

Discover Bordeaux, with its numerous green and flowered open spaces, its exceptional heritage, and its quality of life naturally punctuated with gastronomic pleasures and night parties. Enjoy its remarkable renovated Garonne river banks.

Day 2Bordeaux – Cadillac | 47 km

For your first bike stage, leave easily the town centre to ride on an original and rustic cycling path which will lead you through the heart of ‘Entre-deux Mers’ vineyards to Créon, a typical fortified village of the area, then to the former Sauve-Majeure Abbey. Then continue through the vineyards of Cadillac to old village’s surrounding walls, overlooked by a beautiful castle.

Day 3Excursion to Sauternes vineyards | 46 km

Another loop for your papilla and your adventure in the vineyards : After a ride between forest and vineyards, the Chateau Yquem appears … veritable icon of the Sauternes wines ! A honey flavour for a sweet white wine highly appreciated by wine’s lover ! From the deep cellars to the small routes between vineyards, ride on the path of a soil renown through the entire world. Then en route you have the opportunity to stop at the Toulouse Lautrec resting place before coming back to Cadillac.

Day 4Cadillac – St Emilion | 49 km

Ride through the heart of ‘Entre-deux Mers’ vineyards, from the  Garonne to the Dordogne river. After a stop at medieval chateau of Rauzan, continue to explore the Bordeaux vinyards by reaching the famous village of Saint-Émilion. Discover this World Heritage site, the fascinating Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets.

Day 5Saint Emilion – Bergerac | 67 km

Cycle once again through the famous St Emilion vineyards before reaching the Dordogne river. There you will enjoy the charming 18^th century Sainte-Foy-la-Grande village with its half-timbered houses and sunny streets. From here, follow the splendid routes going through the Montbazillac vineyards, overlooked by its majestic chateau. Stop in Bergerac, city of art & history settled on the Dordogne river banks.

Day 6Bergerac – Les Eyzies | 60 km

Leave the Renaissance city center of Bergerac to follow the meandering Dordogne river up to the beautiful and picturesque village of Limeuil. At the confluence of the Dordogne and the Vézère rivers, this medieval village offers an ideal swimming or canoe spot in an outstanding natural environment. Continue to Les Eyzies, a amazing village built on a cliff and capital of Pre-History!

Day 7Les Eyzies – Sarlat | 54 km

On the long version of this stage, from Les Eyzies, you will enjoy the beautiful landscapes until Montignac in order to the well known Lascaux Cave which are one of the most important prehistoric sites thanks to their numerous prehistorical paintings and caves.
Ride the scenic routes through the ‘Sarladais’ country to join the famous medieval town of Sarlat. This city with its cobbled streets, old roofs, and warm stone walls give an exceptional heritage. Sarlat is also well known by gourmets for its delicious local products (such as ducks ‘foie gras’ and truffles). Enjoy its market where you can smell, taste and discover all these treasures.

Day 8Excursion to La Roque Gageac & Beynac | 40 km

A last bike excursion to discover the most beautiful views over the Dordogne area, with its numerous medieval villages and chateaux. First ride on the peaceful cycling path, then go to the charming Domme village, offering an amazing view over all the valley and the river. Then continue to La Roque Gageac, old river harbour pressed up against the cliff before visiting Beynac with its impressive 12th century chateau perched on a rocky peak! Then come back to Sarlat.

Day 9Departure during the day

Good to know!

You will have the possibility to shortern some bike stages by taking the train!
Please consult “information / routes“.