Why Cycling in Dordogne Should Be on Your Bucket List
Photo by Guide du Pèrigord
Cycling in Dordogne is an experience every biking enthusiast should have on their bucket list. With its rolling hills, winding rivers, and charming medieval villages, the landscape here is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just enjoy a leisurely ride, Dordogne offers a variety of routes that cater to all levels, making it a top destination for cycling.
Today we will look at cycling as a leisure activity during your visit to the Dordogne. We will give you information on routes that you can start from Domme and take advantage of the starting point from our holiday apartments and others that can be started from other locations of the Dordogne.
Ready for your next adventurous getaway and to enjoy the most beautiful landscapes of Dordogne?, hop on your bike and let’s get started!
Summary
- Why Cycling in Dordogne?
- The Best Time to Cycle in Dordogne
- The Most Popular Cycling Routes in the Dordogne
- Dordogne Bike Tours Providers
- Safety Recommendations for Cycling in Dordogne
- Final Thoughts on Cycling inDordogne
Why Cycling in Dordogne?
Picture this: you’re riding along a quiet country road in Dordogne, France. The sun warms your back, a gentle breeze carries the scent of wildflowers, and rolling vineyards stretch out before you like a patchwork quilt. Sounds pretty idyllic, right? Well, that’s exactly what awaits you on a cycling adventure through this stunning region. But beyond the picture-perfect scenery, the Dordogne offers a multitude of reasons why it’s one of the best places to explore on two wheels. Let’s delve into what makes cycling in Dordogne so special:
- Varied Terrain: Dordogne offers a fantastic mix of landscapes. You can cruise along gentle valleys, tackle challenging climbs with rewarding views, or meander on dedicated greenways. This variety caters to all cycling levels, from families and casual riders to seasoned cyclists seeking a workout.
- Stunning Scenery: Imagine cycling through picture-perfect scenes. Rolling vineyards bathed in sunshine, charming stone villages in valleys, and dramatic cliffs overlooking rivers – the Dordogne’s beauty is a constant companion on your ride.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Unlike bustling cities, the Dordogne boasts quiet country roads with minimal traffic. This allows you to truly immerse yourself in the natural splendour and enjoy a peaceful cycling experience.
- Rich History and Culture: Charming villages, historic castles, and even prehistoric sites are dotted throughout the Dordogne. You can easily incorporate these cultural places into your cycling route, taking breaks to explore and soak up the region’s rich heritage.
- Foodie Paradise: What better way to reward yourself after a day on the bike than with delicious local food? The Dordogne is a haven for foodies, with fresh produce, delectable wines, and traditional dishes waiting to be savoured.
The Best Time to Cycle in Dordogne
The best time to cycle in Dordogne is from late spring to early autumn, specifically between May and October. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, perfect for long rides through the countryside. In spring, you’ll enjoy blooming flowers and fresh green landscapes, while summer offers warm, sunny days ideal for exploring the region’s scenic routes. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage, adding a splash of color to your rides. Avoiding the peak of summer in July and August can also mean fewer tourists and more peaceful paths. No matter when you go, Dordogne’s beauty and charm make it a cyclist’s paradise.
The Most Popular Cycling Routes in the Dordogne
While staying at the Perle de Domme, you’ll find an array of cycling routes that allow you to explore the Dordogne region in depth. This charming village, situated high above the Dordogne River, serves as a perfect starting point for your adventures. From Domme, you can venture into the heart of the countryside, where quiet roads wind through lush forests, past vineyards, and alongside peaceful rivers. Each route offers a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty and rich history, ensuring that no two rides are ever the same.
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with hilly terrains or prefer leisurely rides through scenic valleys, the cycling opportunities around Domme are endless. So, gear up and get ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and timeless charm of Dordogne.
Domme to Sarlat -La-Canéda
Time: 1:00 hr
Distance: 11.8km
Uphill: 151m
Downhill: 164m
Level: Intermediate
The cycling route from Domme to Sarlat-la-Canéda offers a delightful mix of history, scenery, and culture, making it one of the most enjoyable rides in the Dordogne region. Starting in Domme, a medieval village perched high above the Dordogne River, cyclists are greeted with stunning panoramic views that set the tone for the journey ahead. Domme itself is a gem, with its cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and historical significance.
Leaving Domme, the route takes you through rolling countryside dotted with vineyards, walnut groves, and verdant forests. The Dordogne River often comes into view, providing a serene backdrop as you pedal along quiet country roads. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Vitrac, where you can stop for a rest and soak in the local ambiance.
The terrain is varied, with some gentle hills that add a bit of challenge but are manageable for most intermediate cyclists. These ascents and descents offer changing vistas, from open fields to shaded paths through wooded areas. The ride is about 30 kilometers, making it a comfortable day trip with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take breaks.
As you approach Sarlat-la-Canéda, the landscape becomes even more scenic. Sarlat is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture. Its narrow, winding streets, lively markets, and historical buildings, including the impressive Sarlat Cathedral, offer a rich cultural experience to cap off your ride.
The entire route is steeped in history and natural beauty, providing a perfect blend of physical activity and exploration. Whether you’re stopping to admire a centuries-old château or pausing by the riverbank to enjoy a picnic, the journey from Domme to Sarlat-la-Canéda is sure to be a highlight of any cycling adventure in the Dordogne.
Photo by John | 500px – Sarlat-la-Cáneda
Beynac -Domme – La Roque-Gageac
Time: 01:06 hrs
Distance: 18.9km
Uphill: 206 m
Downhill: 250 m
Level: Intermediate
To embark on this cycling journey, start at Parking d’Alsace. After cycling 2.97km, you’ll reach a vantage point offering stunning views of Castelnaud, an exemplary Medieval fortress. Proceeding another 4.15km along the route, you’ll encounter an inviting spot to enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters before continuing your journey.
At 5.28km further, you’ll arrive at Le long du Céou, another beautiful rest area with scenic views and an ideal spot for relaxation. Nearly 19km into the ride, you’ll enter the charming medieval village of Domme, where, at the 16.5km mark, you’ll find the iconic Notre Dame church.
To conclude the route, continue for 16.7km to Roque Gageac, a must-visit town in Périgord Noir. After a brief stroll through the town, approximately 17km away, you’ll encounter the historic Fort de La Roque-Gageac, a 12th-century fortress situated 120m from the Dordogne riverbank, offering a breathtaking 180° panoramic view of the valley.
After a satisfying rest and exploration, cycle 21.5 km back to the start and finish point, the Parc d’Alsace, completing your memorable cycling adventure.
Photo by Gregg Girling | 500px – Château Beynac and the village, taken above the Dordogne River.
Beynac – Castelnaud – Domme – Montfort
Time: 2 hours
Distance: 23.6 kilometers
Uphill: 410 m
Downhill: 454 m
Level: Intermediate to advanced
The cycling route from Beynac to Sarlat-La-Canéda offers a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Dordogne region, steeped in medieval history and natural beauty. Beginning at the foot of Beynac Castle’s towering rock, cyclists follow a trail alongside the tranquil Dordogne River, passing historic castles and fortifications from the Hundred Years’ War era.
Riding through forest tracks and charming villages, cyclists ascend to the panoramic viewpoint of Domme, where breathtaking views of the valley await. The descent from Domme presents a challenging trail with rocky terrain, leading to flat stretches alongside the Dordogne River and onwards to the enchanting Montfort Castle.
As the route progresses, technical ascents and descents test cyclists’ skills in the rustic charm of the Dordogne countryside. Passing by the Church of Cazejac, perched atop a hill, the journey concludes with a scenic return along the road to Beynac, offering captivating vistas of the castle and the meandering Dordogne River below.
Photo by Nicolas Brulet Multedo | 500px – View of the river « La Dordogne » from the castle of Castelnaud-la-chapelle.
Domme – Milande
Time: 1 hr
Distance: 15KM
Uphill: 128m
Downhill: 181m
Level: Intermediate
A longer variant of the above route extends further west along the Dordogne, passing two more châteaux (Fayrac and Milande), but sticking to the southern banks of the river to avoid the busier D703. Near Alles les Mines, the route sharply ascends to the ridge behind Castelnaud, offering an exhilarating descent to Pont de Cause.
This route features quiet roads, stunning scenery alongside the Dordogne, challenging climbs, and thrilling descents. The landscape transitions from walnut groves, maize, and sunflowers on the valley floor to forested climbs and pastures on the plateau above.
However, be prepared for significant climbing, requiring ample endurance. Approach the early climbs with caution, as the ascent from Alles les Mines can be demanding, and there’s a steep 90-meter stretch at a 10% gradient near St Julien on the return leg. The final crawl up the last 100 meters vertically to Domme is also quite challenging. If seeking a less strenuous climb between the Céou Valley and Cenac, consider retracing the route from Pont de Cause back to St Cybranet. Alternatively, for a less demanding option, head towards Castelnaud and then descend through Roque Gageac (although longer, it involves no climbing until the final ascent to Domme).
Photo by Gonzalo Viedma González | 500px – Panoramic view Domme
Domme – Cenac et Sant Julien – Grolejac
Time: 1 hr
Distance: 14.1KM
Uphill: 222m
Downhill: 306m
Level: Moderate
This circuit starting from Domme offers quiet roads, a few challenging inclines to put your legs to the test (the first being the toughest, with a vertical climb of around 120 meters at a gradient of approximately 7%), followed by an exciting descent to Grolejac. The return journey is characterized by a mostly gradual descent, gradually intensifying as it approaches the plateau near the airport.
Much of the ascent occurs through shaded forest areas, providing relief from the sun, while the flat stretches traverse farmland either in the valley (featuring walnut groves, maize, and sunflowers) or on the plateau (comprising grain fields and pastures). This ride serves as an excellent introduction to the region, allowing riders to become acquainted with the surroundings.
It’s worth noting that the return leg does not directly pass through Nabirat; instead, take a right turn shortly after passing an old sawmill on the left.
Photo by Dordogne Périgord Tourisme
Dordogne Bike Tours Providers
Here is a list of reliable providers offering various routes for Dordogne bike tours. You can contact them to book guided tours or rent a bike for a self-guided adventure:
Périgord Velo
Address: Rue Artolsheim, 24200 Carsac-Aillac
Web: https://perigordvelo.com/
Contact: +33 0788097145 | perigordvelo@outlook.fr
Schedule: Open 7 days a week from April to September from 09:30 to 18:30
Aquitaine Bike
Address: 24220 Coux et Bigaroque, France
Web: https://aquitainebike.com/cycling-tours/
Contact: +33 (0) 553.30.35.17 | aquitainebike@gmail.com
Schedule: Open 7 days per week, from 9:00 to 17:00.
Bike Bus – Location de vélos à Castelnaud
Address: Voie Verte 24250 Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Web: https://bike-bus.com/
Contact: +33 05 53 31 10 61 | bikebus@icloud.com
Schedule: July and August: open every day from 9am to 7pm non-stop. | September to June: by reservation only.
Safety Recommendations for Cycling in Dordogne
When cycling in the Dordogne region, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Now that you know some of the most popular cycling routes to explore, here are some recommendations to make your experience more enjoyable:
- Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitting helmet to protect your head in case of falls or accidents.
- Use lights: If cycling in low light conditions or at night, ensure your bike has front and rear lights to improve visibility to other road users.
- Follow traffic rules: Obey traffic signals, signs, and rules of the road. Ride in the same direction as traffic and use hand signals to indicate turns.
- Stay visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when cycling in dimly lit areas or during inclement weather.
- Stay alert: Keep your eyes and ears open for potential hazards such as vehicles, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Avoid distractions like headphones.
- Stay hydrated: Bring enough water to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
- Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with your route beforehand, including any challenging terrain or busy roads. Consider using cycling-specific maps or GPS devices.
- Check your bike: Regularly inspect your bike for any mechanical issues such as tire pressure, brake function, and chain lubrication. Carry a basic repair kit and know-how to use it.
- Be cautious on descents: Exercise caution when descending hills or steep gradients, especially on unfamiliar roads. Control your speed and be prepared for unexpected obstacles.
- Respect nature: When cycling on trails or through rural areas, respect the environment and local wildlife. Leave no trace and avoid disturbing natural habitats.
By following these safety recommendations, you can enjoy cycling in the Dordogne region while minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Final Thoughts on Cycling in Dordogne
Cycling in the Dordogne region offers an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history. If you are looking for other type of activities, we invite you to read our articles on All You Need to Know About Canoeing in Dordogne, Grotte de Domme: A Journey into Earth’s Depths and Top 10 Things To Do in Domme, Dordogne for more information.
Throughout our journey, we’ve discovered the charm of quaint villages and the majesty of medieval castles. From challenging climbs to exhilarating descents, every pedal stroke has been rewarded with stunning vistas and memorable encounters.
So, when planning your next cycling trip, consider Dordogne as your destination and especially La Perle de Domme as the starting point for your adventure on wheels. Dordogne awaits with open arms, ready to enchant and inspire you at every turn.