Cycling from your holiday home in the Dordogne

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The Dordogne – Lot region in southwestern France is known for its stunning landscapes, historic castles, and delicious gastronomy. A great way to enjoy quality time with your partner or family is by going on a cycling trip from your holiday home in the Dordogne. This is the ideal way to explore the region, with routes ranging from quiet riverside paths to challenging hilly routes. During your bike ride you will pass picturesque villages and bastide towns, medieval castles and fortresses, winding rivers and steep cliffs and the extensive vineyards of Cahors and Bergerac. The best season for cycling in the Dordogne is from May to October. July and August can be very hot, but the months of September and October are ideal for a bike ride through the tranquil landscapes while admiring nature’s golden autumn colors. Cycling during the holidays with your partner or family is not only fun and exciting but also a healthy thing to do and a great way to make social contacts and create unforgettable memories.

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Cycling in the Dordogne, what routes are there?

Whether you are a recreational cyclist or an experienced cyclist, the Dordogne has something for everyone. Komoot, a popular route app, offers a range of cycling routes in the Dordogne Valley.
Sarlat to Cazoulès (35 km): This route starts in the medieval town of Sarlat and follows the former railway line to Cazoulès through the green countryside of the Périgord and past Beynac and Domme.
Véloroute Voie Verte V91: A beautiful cycle path along the Dordogne river and past pretty villages, from the dam of Tuilières to Prigonrieux.
Véloroute Voie Verte Vallée de l'Isle (100 km): Follow the course of the Isle from Périgueux towards the southwest. You will pass charming villages, old castles and industrial heritage.
La Roque-Gageac to Domme: A route through the most beautiful villages and castles of the Dordogne, including La Roque-Gageac and Domme.
Clergoux – Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (54) km: This route leads you along the most beautiful stream valleys and offers a varied landscape with paved roads.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne – Rocamadour (57 km) : A beautiful route along the banks of the Dordogne river, ending with an exciting steep climb for the last few kilometres. This route offers the perfect view of the region.
Round trip from Bergerac (48 km): A wonderful route along the Dordogne river, with highlights such as typical villages and Chateau Bridoire.
La Vézère à Vélo (60 km) : This route follows the Vézère river and offers flat, quiet cycle paths. It is ideal for families or for those who want a leisurely ride.
Dordogne castle circuit: Visit historic castles such as Beynac, Castelnaud and Milandes.

Highlights of cycling tours

  • Touristic routes
  • Touristic villages
  • Voie Verte
  • Dordogne river
  • Steep cliffs
  • Vineyards
  • Caves
  • Cycling with partner
  • Cycling with children
  • Picnic areas

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Cycling in the Dordogne Valley: Which bike is suitable?

The Dordogne Valley is a wonderful destination to go cycling with your partner or with your whole family. With its picturesque landscapes, medieval castles and tourist villages, the region has everything you need for a successful holiday in the Dordogne. Do you want to go on a bike ride on a flat cycle path or do you want to traverse the hills? Choose the right bicycle for you, in order to have the best cycle trip!
Standard bicycles – For families with older children who can ride by themselves, standard bicycles are a good choice. Many rental companies in the Dordogne offer bicycles in different sizes, so that everyone can find a suitable bicycle.
Electric bicycles – These are suitable for families who want to travel longer distances or explore hilly areas. They provide extra support, allowing even those with little experience to keep up effortlessly.
Mountain biking - For adventurous cyclists, there are opportunities to rent mountain bikes equipped with GPS. This allows you to explore the more challenging terrain routes independently.
Bicycle trailer - Perfect for families with young children who can't ride a bike yet. They can sit, play and sleep in the trailer whilst being protected from sun and rain.
Follow-me tandem - A system that pairs a children's bike with an adult bike, ideal for children who can already ride a bike but sometimes need extra support.

Cycling with your partner

Going on a cycling trip from the holiday park in the Dordogne with your partner is a great way to spend time together, be active and discover new places. Here are some tips and benefits to make your holiday in France even more enjoyable:
Health and Wellness: Cycling is very suitable for improving health and strengthening muscles. It is also good for mental health due to the fresh air and exercise. When you are back in your holiday home with a jacuzzi you can relax.
Socializing and Communication: Cycling provides the perfect opportunity to talk to each other and enjoy each other's company. Make sure you are both on the same page about which route you want to take and at which pace.
Romance and Adventure: Cycling during the holidays can be very romantic. Stop along the way for a picnic or sit on a bench and admire the beautiful view. Discover new routes together and explore the area.
Variety and Comfort: Alternate cycling days with other activities, such as visiting local attractions or relaxing on the terrace of your holiday home with swimming pool. Invest in comfortable bikes and accessories, such as a good saddle and a handy phone holder.

Cycling with your children

Cycling with children is a fun way to spend time together, stay healthy and explore the area from your luxury villa in the Dordogne. Some tips to ensure a successful bike trip.
Choose the right destination: Look for areas with bike-friendly roads, beautiful scenery, and interesting sights that will pique your children's curiosity.
Plan short routes: Don't make your routes too long. Kids can't ride on their bikes for as long as adults, so plan routes that are feasible for them.
Make it fun: Provide varied routes with fun stops, such as swimming or visiting a village.
Involve children in planning: Include your older children when planning the route and activities.
Make sure you have good cycling equipment: Make sure everyone has a comfortable bicycle and bring a repair kit.
Take breaks: Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
Healthy diet and protection: Eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids. Protect your children from the sun with sunscreen.

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Voie Verte in Dordogne

The Voie Verte in the Dordogne is a popular route for partners or families who want to ideally combine nature, sightseeing and relaxation. Built on a former railway line, this car-free cycle route appeals to families who want to enjoy the beautiful French countryside. The Voie Verte is a flat, well-maintained route suitable for cyclists of all levels. The total length is about 29 km, from Sarlat-la-Canéda to Cazoulès, with an extension possible to Souillac (+3 km). The route passes through forests, past meadows and orchards, allowing you to admire a varied and picturesque landscape. During your trip on the Voie Verte you will enjoy various sights such as beautiful touristic villages, views over the Dordogne river where you can also go canoeing, historical sites such as castles and prehistoric caves. Want to take a break along the way? There are various places to stop along the way such as picnic areas, catering establishments and beaches where you can go for a swim. Many parts of the routes are sheltered by trees, which makes them pleasant during hot summer days. The shaded areas are ideal for cycling without suffering from the heat.

Safety

  • Helmet: Wearing a helmet is mandatory in France. Be sure to wear a well-fitting helmet to avoid head injuries.
  • Reflective clothing: Reflective clothing is mandatory in France. Wear reflective vests, especially in areas with poor visibility, to remain visible to other road users.
  • Traffic Rules: Obey the traffic rules and give way to pedestrians and other cyclists on shared paths.
  • Asphalt quality: Check the condition of the asphalt before you leave. Poorly maintained roads can be dangerous, especially when it rains.
  • Weather conditions: Adjust your route according to the weather. Rain and wind can make the roads slippery and limit visibility.
  • Bike in good condition: Make sure your bicycle is in good condition before you leave. Check the brakes, tire pressure, and lights.
  • Other cyclists or hikers: Be alert to other road users, especially on shared paths with hikers.

Bike rental in the Dordogne

In the Dordogne, there are several bike rental companies that offer different types of bikes, from mountain bikes, VTCs, electric bikes, children's bikes to tandems. Prices range from €17 for a mountain bike to €40 for an electric bike per day. Here are some recommendations for bike rental in the region:
Velo du Lot can deliver in Souillac.
Liberty Cycle in Sarlat-la-Canéda, located on the Voie Verte cycle route.
Biking Dordogne in Lalinde.
Aquitaine Bike in Coux et Bigaroque-Mouzens.
Périgord Vélo in Carsac-Aillac.
Copeyre in Roufillac.
Cap Evasion in St Julien de Lampon.
Bike Bus in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.

Tips

  • Route planning: Plan your routes in advance and check road conditions to avoid surprises.
  • Weather conditions: Check the weather before you leave and bring rain and sun protection.
  • Voies Vertes: Use the car-free voies vertes for a quiet and safe ride. Popular routes are the V91 along the Dordogne and the V90 along the Isle.
  • Cycling guides: Consider booking an organized bike tour with guides who offer local knowledge and allow you to customize the route.
  • Highlights: Visit historic castles such as Beynac and Domme, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes around Sarlat-la-Canéda.
  • Maintenance area: Some holiday parks in the Dordogne offer space for bike maintenance, which can be useful for minor repairs.
  • Physical condition: Be realistic about your physical condition. The Dordogne is hilly, so consider an electric bike if you are less fit.
  • First aid kit: Bring a small first aid kit with basic items such as band-aids and bandages for minor accidents.
  • Period: July is the best month for cycling in this region. August can be very busy.
  • Parking: Park your car for free at bike rental companies such as Liberty Cycle and start your tour directly from there.
  • Water and breaks: Bring plenty of water and plan stops in villages such as Belvès, Rocamadour or La Roque Gageac.
  • GPS routes: The regional guide Southwest France offers free GPS routes for various cycling tours in the area.
  • Reservations: It is recommended to reserve bicycles in advance, especially in high season.

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