France by Bike: Southern France 8-Days 7-Nights

Experience the vast countryside of Southern France. Bike along rivers, limestone walls, historical towns and enjoy some great French dining along the way!

Includes:

  • 7 nights accommodations in traditional, country hotels
  • Daily full breakfast
  • Luggage transfers (Luggage limited to 1 medium or 2 small bags to be transported between hotels. Excess baggage can be left at first hotel.)
  • Local contact for questions and emergenicies
  • Bicyle rental
  • Detailed route notes and maps (one set per room)
  • Access to client only area
  • See Route Map Below

    Day 1: Soulliac

    Your journey by bike through Southern France begins in the quaint old town of Souillac. Arrive and enjoy free time to explore the old quarter of town which dates back to the 11th century. Relax, get over jet-lag and enjoy the included dinner before the first day of riding tomorrow.

    Day 2: Souillac to Sarlat Distance: 19 miles

    Your bikes will be waiting for you in the morning after you enjoy a great French breakfast. Cycle on the local roads toward the Chateau de Fenelon. Stop for sightseeing and continue to the old town of Sarlat. Check in, relax and stroll the city streets and shops. Dinner is included.

    Day 3: Sarlat Distance: 20 miles

    This day is a free day or take the optional cycle ride to the town of Domme. There you will see the famous cliffs of the Dordogne. Return in the afternoon. Free time to relax. Dinner is on your own tonight to find your own quaint restaurant in town.

    Day 4: Sarlat to Les Eyzies Distance: 30 miles

    Wake to the fresh smell of baking French breads. Enjoy breakfast at leisure. Grab your bike and cycle through the vast countryside to the Chateau at Beynac. Stop for sightseeing and then continue to the 12th century town of Castelnaud. A leisurly stroll of the shops and sights then on to Cyperien and then through the Vezere Valley to Les Eyzies your base for the night. Check in, relax from the long ride, you can unpack because you will be staying in this town for two nights. Dinner tonight is included.

    Day 5: Les Eyzies

    Explore Les Eyzies and see the caves, Museum and art galleries. Later we will ride out of town to for a tour of the countryside. Return in the afternoon. Dinner is on your own.

    Day 6: Les Eyzies to Montignac Distance: 20 miles

    After breakfast you will cycle through the Vezere Valley toward Montignac. Stop for a visit of the shops and monuments in La Roque St. Christophe. Onward to St. Leon sur Vezere and then to Montignac where you will stay. Check in, relax and enjoy the included French dinner in the evening.

    Day 7: Montignac to Souillac Distance: 27 miles

    Wake to the French countryside, enjoy your breakfast and prepare for the ride back to Souillac. Travel through the town of St. Genies and the 18th century gardens of Eyrignac. When you arrive back a your hotels, return bikes and relax. A farewell dinner will be this evening.

    Day 8: Souillac (End of Tour)

    How fast a great tour goes. Wake for a lovely French breakfast and the memories of a wonderful trip. Tour ends after breakfast in Souillac. We can arrange for transport, car or other arrangements for your next destination.

    2009 Prices & Dates:

    Price: Double: $1804 per person Single: $2378
    Self Guided Dates: Daily departures April - October
    Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights
    Meeting Point: Hotel in Souillac
    Ending Point: Hotel in Souillac
    Arrival/Departure Information: Souillac is easily reached by train from Paris in about 4.5 hours.
    Ask about our point to point rail tickets.
    Daily Distances: 20-30 miles per day
    Terrain: Easy to moderate; often flat with some steep climbs.
    Bicycle Equipment: Giant 21 Speed Bicycle with key lock, water bottle with holder, front map-holder, side bags, mud guards, and repair kit with spare tube, pump. Helmets are available if requested in advance. Toe clips are available if requested in advance. Gel seats available upon request. Passengers can bring their own seats and pedals. Front lights, rear lights and toe clips are available upon request. We need cyclists height and inseam for correct bicycle size.
    Rating: Accommodations are in comfortable 2 and 3 star country inns.
    Recommended for independent travelers.

    • Final Payment is due 90 days prior to departure
    • $300 per person deposit is due upon confirmation.





    1=Souillac
    2=Sarlat
    3=Les Eyzies
    4=Montignac
    5=Souillac