south-west-cycling-through-the-heart-of-perigord

Self-guided

Cycling

lvl. 3
Hotel 3 star
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3VB
6 days from 930 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • Explore the art and history of Sarlat and Rocamadour, "Little Versailles".

  • Cycle through the Lot and Périgord, discovering hilltop villages and châteaux.

  • Savor the gastronomy of Périgord and the renowned wines of Cahors.

  • Enjoy scenic routes along greenways, country roads, and charming accommodations.

Departing from Sarlat, this cycle tour takes you to the heart of the wonders of Périgord and the Lot, combining architectural and historical heritage, enchanting landscapes and gastronomy. From Sarlat, the route winds its way through the green hills and forests of the Périgord Noir, before reaching the mineral plateaux of the Causses du Quercy, home to Rocamadour, the cliff-hanging medieval village that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leaving Rocamadour, you continue southwards, where a new chapter in your journey begins with the discovery of the wines of Cahors, the birthplace of the Malbec grape variety, where a stopover to savour a glass of good local wine is a must. Characterful villages such as La Roque Gageac and Gourdon then follow until you reach the gates of Sarlat, a magnificent city that rounds off this journey in style, with its medieval streets and warm atmosphere, perfect for a final gourmet stopover.

Your travel options

Hotel 3 star april to october

Hotel 3 star april to october

With your own bike From 930 €* Book / Enquire Devis
Bike rental From 1120 €* Book / Enquire Devis
e-bike From 1320 €* Book / Enquire Devis

* Minimum price for the current season, subject to availability based on 4 participants. (Price incl. VAT)

Read the forum rules

To check out as well...

Itinerary

Level 3: 4 to 6 hours of riding per day (40 to 70 kilometers) on hilly roads or paths; a maximum of 800 meters of vertical gain. Hills up to 1 kilometer long and/or long distances on flat terrain (up to 70 kilometers). Accessible to anyone who regularly rides a bike on hilly terrain.

Cycling : another way to enjoy the trails and back roads. For beginners and experts, a bike allows you to explore a wide variety of places and landscapes in one trip and at your own pace. Our selection of self-guided bike tours also offers the possibility of using an electric bike to make them easier and more accessible to as many people as possible.
Duration : 6 days
Luggage transfers : With luggage transfer
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : april to october

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome to Sarlat, into the Périgord-Noir

Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.
When you arrive in Sarlat, you are immediately immersed in the soul of Périgord, with its cobbled streets and medieval facades gilded by time. The historic centre comes alive with colourful markets brimming with local specialities, from foie gras to black truffles. At every corner, the 15th and 16th century mansions, with their lauze roofs, seem to whisper tales of bygone days. The scent of gourmet shops perfumes the air, luring you into a maze of narrow passages and shady arcades. In the evening, Sarlat lights up with warm lanterns, and the atmosphere becomes almost magical on certain summer evenings, with occasional street musicians adding a spellbinding touch. The Place de la Liberté, the heart of the town, becomes a meeting place where locals and travellers mingle around the fountain. Sarlat is much more than just a town: it's a journey through time, an unforgettable experience at the heart of the Perigord's heritage and gastronomy. Check into your hotel for your first night in Périgord.
Day 2

From Sarlat to the beautiful village of Rocamadour

Distance : 52 km (32 mi) - Ascent : 600 m (1,968 ft). Descent : 500 m (1,640 ft). 4,5 hrs of cycling.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Departing from Sarlat, your cycle tour takes you through the rolling green landscapes of the Périgord, with their succession of forests, fields and typical little villages. The first part of your itinerary is exclusively on the "voie verte", ideal for warming up and enjoying your first rides in the Périgord countryside. The route winds its way through the hills, offering splendid views of the Dordogne and its meanders. Gradually, the relief becomes more pronounced and you discover the first of the region's emblematic hilltop villages, such as Belcastel, a small hamlet with its castle clinging to the cliffs. Further on, you climb back up to the Quercy plateaux, where the southern vegetation and low stone walls change as you approach Rocamadour. At the bend in the road, the sanctuary finally comes into view, perched on the side of a cliff, as if suspended between heaven and earth. On reaching this sacred village, with its steep streets and mystical atmosphere, you will feel an incredible sense of achievement and wonder. Check into your hotel near the village.
Day 3

From Rocamadour to Cahors

Distance : 67 km (41 mi) - Ascent : 950 m (3,116 ft). Descent : 1050 m (3,445 ft). 5,5 hrs of cycling.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
After a morning to enjoy Rocamadour, you leave this suspended village and pedal along a cycle route known as "La Vagabonde", no doubt due to the sense of freedom and escape its route provides, through the majestic landscapes of the Lot for this stage. The winding route takes you through the causses, where the white limestone and low stone walls contrast with the greenery of the fields and oak forests. You'll pass through some charming hamlets, inviting you to take a gourmet break and discover some of the local specialities. Further along, you follow the Lot valley, where the views open out onto hills and vineyards bathed in light. You arrive in Cahors, famous for its wines and Malbec grape variety, and cross the famous Pont Valentré, an imposing fortified bridge and symbol of the town. You finish your tour of the historic centre of Cahors, with its medieval streets and lively terraces, with a glass of wine from the surrounding vineyards to round off a day full of discoveries.
Day 4

From Cahors to Gourdon

Distance : 59 km (36.6 mi) - Ascent : 900 m (2,950 ft). Descent : 800 m (2,625 ft). 5 hrs of cycling.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
After breakfast, you hop on your bikes for one last look at the medieval jewel that is Cahors, before setting off on the day's hilly roads. The ride takes you along the peaceful river Lot, lined with vineyards and fields of bright sunflowers. You'll pass through picturesque villages like Espère and Crayssac, where the flower-filled lanes and stone houses exude a timeless charm. The route becomes steeper as you approach the Braunhie forest, offering superb views of the surrounding hills. Halfway along the route, we stop off at Saint-Germain-du-Bel-Air for a picnic of local produce. As we set off again, small, wooded and shady roads lead us to the gates of Gourdon. The arrival in this medieval village is a delight, with its lauze roofs and imposing church dominating the landscape. You end your day wandering through the cobbled streets of Gourdon, savouring the serene, authentic atmosphere of this pearl of the Lot.
Day 5

From Gourdon to Sarlat

Distance : 26 to 55 km (16 to 34 mi) - Ascent : 300 m to 550 m (984 ft to 1,805 ft). Descent : 400 m to 700 m (1,312 ft to2,296 ft). 2 hrs to 4,5 hrs of cycling.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
This final leg takes you back to the Périgord countryside, following a hilly route full of discoveries. You leave Gourdon via secret lanes, leading directly into the surrounding countryside populated by cows and horses. The road winds its way between hills and valleys, lined with lush green fields and small hamlets with pale stone houses. Depending on the route you choose, you'll discover the magnificent villages of Castelnaud, dominated by its imposing medieval castle, and La Roque Gageac, one of the most beautiful villages in France, nestling at the foot of high limestone cliffs. You gradually make your way up towards the Périgord Noir, with its wooded landscapes and winding roads that lead you gently towards Sarlat. Arriving in this medieval town is always a magical moment, with its cobbled streets, gilded facades and bustling local shops. Sarlat once again offers you a warm welcome to round off this cycling loop between Périgord and the Lot.
Day 6

Bye-bye Périgord!

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Your trip officially ends after breakfast.

If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, it's essential to book your accommodation in advance. We can arrange one or more extra nights at one of our partner hotels. Just ask!

The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from april to october 2026

Hotel 3 star
Price per person		With your own bikeBike rentale-bike
Low seasonPeak seasonLow seasonPeak seasonLow seasonPeak season
2 people 1 double room940 €990 €1170 €1220 €1370 €1430 €
3 people 1 room with 3 beds930 €980 €1140 €1190 €1340 €1400 €
4 people 2 double rooms930 €980 €1120 €1170 €1320 €1380 €
5 people 1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds920 €970 €1110 €1160 €1310 €1370 €
6 people 3 double rooms920 €970 €1110 €1160 €1310 €1370 €
  • Low season : From 15 April 2026 to 31 May 2026, from 01 September 2026 to 15 October 2026
  • Peak season : From 01 June 2026 to 31 August 2026

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:

  • Accommodations as described.
  • Breakfast for days 2 through 6.
  • Transportation of your bags every night.
  • According to the chosen option: rental of a trekking bike; electric trekking bike; otherwise, you use your own bike.
  • The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2-to-4-person group.
  • Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).
  • 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office.

The price does not include:

  • Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
  • Lunches and dinners.
  • For reservations made less than 15 days before the start, all additional fees for priority processing.
  • Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Other expenses

  • Tickets to any visit, monument, museums or activities during the tour.
  • Drinks and tips.

Currencies

France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 

Access

Access

Getting to the departure point:

All of our self-guided tours are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the most flexibility.

This trip starts and ends in Sarlat-la-Canéda, in the Dordogne department. The easiest way to reach this village is to fly to the international airport of Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

How can I reach Sarlat-la-Canéda from Paris airport (CDG) ?
The fastest option is to take a TGV (high-speed train) from the airport (Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station). You can take a direct train to Bordeaux Saint-Jean (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours and between €30 to €150).
Then, from Bordeaux Saint-Jean, you can take a TER (regional train) to Sarlat (direct train, around 2.5 hours and around €40).
The price ranges depending on the time and class of the tickets.

There is also a possibility to fly directly to Bordeaux airport (BOD):
Take the Lianes 1+ line from the airport to the train station, then take a TER (regional train) to Sarlat (direct train, around 2.5 hours and around €40).

To plan your journey, do not hesitate to check the official website of the French rail company (SNCF Connect) or feel free to ask us!

Meeting times:
As the first day is a non-bike day, you will arrive at your leisure depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available mid-afternoon depending on your accommodation. Please let us know if you are arriving late.

During your trip

Travel documents

You will receive the following documents for this trip:
  • The Mont Blanc Experience roadbook with a step-by-step description of each day.
  • GPX tracks for each day.
  • The list of accommodations for your tour and the contact details of the service provider for luggage transfers.
  • Useful contacts with telephone numbers in case of emergency.

Transfers

No transfers are required during your stay. You move only by bike.

Lodging

Special attention is given to the selection of accommodations, with priority placed on location, welcome, and the quality of services. Mainly accommodated in 3-star hotels, you will enjoy high-quality comfort.

Please note:

  • Accommodation availability is subject to seasonality. In some cases, we may be able to offer you alternative solutions. Depending on availability, we may also be able to suggest accommodations usually offered on other tours, possibly of a different standard.
  • A swimming pool is not guaranteed every night.
  • If you're traveling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment.

Meals

Breakfasts are included. Generally consisting of pastries (pain au chocolat or croissant), fresh bread, fruit, yogurt and cereals. Some accommodations also offer savory dishes with cheese or ham and eggs. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you book.

We have chosen not to include lunches and dinners to give you more flexibility and freedom during the day :

  • For dinners: some of our accommodations have their own restaurant. If not, there are always restaurants nearby.

  • For lunch: you'll always pass by a village, a market or a bakery. Your roadbook will contain suggestions of places where you can buy supplies.

You should also bear in mind that, as a general rule, shops in small villages are closed on Sundays and Mondays. That's why we suggest you carry a small snack with you at all times.

There are drinking water points along the route where you can fill your water bottles during the day. Be sure to think ahead when it comes to water, and follow the sanitary instructions given.

Luggage transfer

You will carry only what you need for the day. Your bags will be transferred between your accommodations as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 23kg maximum per person and a maximum size of 158 cm (total height + width + length).

Mont Blanc Experience reserves the right to charge an additional fee if your luggage exceeds the specified size or weight limits.

Trails

The routes have been designed by our team. They take in a mix of cycle paths, quiet country roads and a few short segments on busier roads, usually with a narrow cycle lane or shoulder. Your regularly updated travel documents (roadbook and maps or map extracts) ensure that you can complete the program with complete peace of mind.

We also provide you with GPX tracks via our smartphone navigation application. Simply download the routes to your phone for offline use, and you're ready to go.

The "Mon Roadbook" app allows you to centralize all the necessary information for your trip:

  • The identification of service providers operating during your stay
  • GPS guidance on a map background
  • Photos of crossings
  • The various points of interest on the hike: natural or heritage.

This application, included for this trip, must be downloaded before your departure and works offline (without network).
To learn more, feel free to read our article: Mon Roadbook, your digital travel guide.

Itineraries

Our elevation gains are calculated based on altitude differences provided on maps, not by GPS, which, for technical reasons (GPS altitude inaccuracies + statistical dispersion), often give overestimated elevation gains, sometimes by up to 20%.

Bikes

According to the chosen option:
  • With your own bike: bike rental is not included in our services; you use your own bike.
  • Bike provided: you can reserve a VTC bike. We generally work with the Cube Trekking and the Cube Classic models. Of course, if these model are unavailable, we will ensure to offer you a similar model.
    28" wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, 3x8 gears.
  • You can also reserve a trekking electric bike. We work with Scott, Cube and Merida.
    Battery of 500 Wh (range of 120km), hydraulic disc brakes, tyres that auto-repair, S, M, L and XL sizes.
    E-bikes are equipped with a small motor to help with pedaling, allowing the rider to use less effort than with a regular "human-powered" bike to cover the same distance. Every evening, plug your bike into a wall or designated electric socket at your accommodations to recharge your bike. The next day you will enjoy a full battery for your ride.

Your bike will be delivered to you on day two in the morning. A security deposit is required. Remember to provide us with your height when filling out the reservation form. Then, drop off your bike at your hotel on the last day of your tour.

NB:

  • In France, wearing a helmet is mandatory for cyclists under 12 years old.
  • The bike will be equipped with a pump (bikes have auto-repairing tyres. Just re-inflate with the pump), 1 bike lock, a panier (10 L) and a basket (20 L).
  • Of course, if these models are not available, we will ensure to offer you a similar model.

Required before leaving

Formalities

American, Canadian, Australian and British Travellers

Visa Requirements

  • No visa is required for American, Canadian, British or Australian citizens for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area (France, Italy and Switzerland included).

Passport Requirements
Travellers must hold a passport that:

  • is valid upon entry, and
  • remains valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

It is strongly recommended to ensure a minimum of 6 months' validity prior to expiration to avoid potential boarding refusals by airlines.

Asian Travellers - Visa-Exempt Countries

The following nationalities may enter the Schengen Area for tourist stays of up to 90 days without a visa :
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong (HKSAR passport).

Entry conditions for these travellers are identical to those applicable to American or British nationals:

  • no visa required,
  • passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date.

Asian Travellers - Visa-Required Countries

Travellers holding passports from China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and other South and Southeast Asian countries must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa prior to travel, including for stays of less than 30 days.

  • Visa applications must be submitted to the relevant French, Swiss or Italian consular authorities in the traveller's country of residence. Processing times may vary.
  • Passports must be in good, undamaged condition (no tears, stains, staples, clips, or other alterations).
Important Notice:
The information above is provided for guidance only and may change according to decisions made by the French, Italian or Swiss authorities.
Please consult official sources before travelling. 

Health

Routine Vaccinations:
Travellers should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date, according to national guidelines :

  • Tetanus - diphtheria - pertussis (Tdap)
  • Measles - mumps - rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Seasonal influenza
  • COVID-19

These vaccinations are generally recommended for all adults.

Altitude and Physical Effort
Our tours involves sustained daily effort and includes sections at moderate altitude. Travellers are advised to :

  • ensure they are in adequate physical condition,
  • consult a healthcare professional in case of medical conditions potentially affected by altitude or exertion,
  • bring all personal medication required for the entire duration of the trip.

Dentist and general physician:
We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.  

Food and Water Safety
In these area, tap water is safe to drink and hygiene standards are high.
Nonetheless:

  • wash hands regularly,
  • use a clean reusable water bottle,
  • avoid drinking untreated natural water sources without proper filtration or purification.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Gear list

Luggage
All your luggage must be distributed in two bags: a backpack or saddlebag and a travel bag:

1/ Backpack (or saddlebag)
This is the bag or saddlebag (saddle or handelbar) you use every day while cycling, if you choose to take a picnic lunch (see paragraph "Food"). This bag should not be too large (up to 20 litres).
It will contain: a picnic for lunch, snack food, camera, waterproof and extra clothing and sunglasses...

2/ Travel bag
This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It will contain all the belongings you will not use during the day. You will find it at the accommodation in the evening (or sometimes for lunch).

Important: all items carried from one accommodation to another must be in a single bag, which must not exceed 23 kilos and a maximum size of 158 cm (total height + width + length).

Mont Blanc Experience reserves the right to charge an additional fee if your luggage exceeds the specified size or weight limits. 

List of equipment to pack:

For your head:

  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or sweat band
  • A bicycle helmet (mandatory)

For the body :

  • Two cycling jerseys or technical t-shirts (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket and pants
  • Two good quality cycling shorts (avoid triathlon shorts)
  • A pair of warm cycling tights or leg warmers
  • Pants
  • Casual short
  • A pair of biking shoes
  • Sport socks
  • A pair of shoes suitable for the evening
  • Sandals (not compulsory, but nice for warm evenings...)

 Miscellaneous

  • A pair of bike specific gloves
  • A headlamp with batteries
  • A toiletry kit and towel
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or camelbak)
  • A pocket knife
  • A few plastic bags to protect your belonging
  • A swimsuit
  • A needle and thread
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin (Compeed); Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.

Extend your trip

Extend your trip

Extension in Annecy

How about extending your trip with a 3-day stay in Annecy to explore its famous old town and fully enjoy its lake?

Day 1 - Bye-bye Chamonix, hello Annecy
Distance : 6 km (3,7 mi). Around 2 hours of walking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : around 1h15.

After breakfast, check-out from your hotel in Chamonix and private transfer to Annecy.
After a "guided" walking tour of the old town using our MonRoadbook app, check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city, relax by the lake or swim at one of the nearby beaches.

Day 2 - Biking day around the lake
Distance : 39 km (24 mi) - Ascent : 300 m (985 ft). Descent : 300 m (985 ft)
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

A full day dedicated to discovering Lake Annecy by bike, following a cycle path that runs along the shoreline and through some of the region's most iconic villages and landscapes.Throughout the ride, ever-changing views unfold, from turquoise waters and surrounding mountains to hilltop castles. Stops in Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and other villages offer opportunities for gourmet breaks, cultural visits or swimming, depending on your wishes.An accessible route at a relaxed pace, ideal for fully enjoigne the lake's peaceful atmosphere. 

Day 3 - Local Food Tour and Cruise on the Lake
3 to 3,5 hours of tasting - 1,5 hours de cruise.
Included meals : breakfast, lunch. Meals not included : dinner.

A last day in Annecy combining local flavors with the beauty of the lake. Start the morning with a guided food tour through the old town, tasting regional specialties such as cheeses, charcuterie, and pastries while strolling along canals and historic streets. Along the way, discover stories about the city's heritage and culinary traditions.
In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise on the lake. Glide past lakeside villages, turquoise waters, and surrounding mountains at a relaxed pace. The cruise offers a quiet moment to take in the scenery, snap some photos, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.End of our services at the end of the day.

And if you want to experience Annecy differently, let us suggest some must-do hikes in the area.

Price per person  2 persons  3 persons 4 persons 
  5 persons and more
3 days extension 

830 €  

760 € 730 € On request


The price includes:
— Private morning transfer between Chamonix and Annecy.
— Accommodations in a 3* hotel (for 2 nights)
— Meals : breakfasts in Annecy- The E-bike rental for all the day in Annecy on day 2.
— The Food Tour Experience in Annecy on day 3(morning).
— The 1.5-hour cruise ticket on Lake Annecy on day 3 (afternoon).
— In case of emergency, a 24/7 telephone service in English.

The price does not include:
— Transportation after the tour
— Any single room needed (requested or for a group with an odd number of people).
— Dinners and lunches (except on day 3 with the Food Tour Experience)
— Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
— Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Other expenses:
— Lunches (except on day 3 with the Food Tour) and dinners in Annecy.
— Tickets to visit monuments or museums.
— Drinks and tips.