This 9-day self-guided cycling holiday takes you from Bordeaux’s bustling streets to the tranquil beauty of the Dordogne Valley. Pedal through lush vineyards, medieval towns like Saint-Émilion, and ancient villages clinging to cliffs, such as Rocamadour. Visit the world-famous Lascaux Caves or take a peaceful ride along the Dordogne River. With each day, you’ll immerse yourself in history, culture, and unforgettable scenery. Whether it’s cycling, wine, history, or adventure you seek, this journey offers it all, at your own pace and in your own style.
Today is all about arriving in Bordeaux. In the afternoon, settle into the accommodation that the guiding company arranged for you. Spend the rest of your day at your leisure and get some rest for tomorrow, as that’s when you’ll start cycling!
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
This day will take you through Entre-Deux-Mers, a beautiful subregion and appellation of the Bordeaux wine region, located between two rivers, the Garonne and the Dordogne, hence the name, which means “between two rivers”. Discover the Entre-Deux-Mers area by riding the beautiful cycling path “Roger Lapébie”. Take your time exploring the region and end your day in Saint-Émilion.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 50 km / 31 mi
Elevation: +260 m / +853 ft
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
On Day 3, you’ll pedal through the iconic vineyards of Saint-Émilion, surrounded by historic châteaux and breathtaking views. Follow the Dordogne River’s gentle curves, soaking in its tranquil beauty. End your ride in the bastide town of Sainte-Foy-La-Grande, where cobbled streets and a lively market square invite you to explore even more.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 41 km / 25.5 mi
Elevation: +70 m / +230 ft
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
Cycle through the gentle landscapes of Monbazillac, home to sweet dessert wines and stunning vineyard views. Later on, you’ll arrive in Bergerac, a city steeped in art and history, where cobbled streets and vibrant squares offer a taste of Dordogne’s rich culture. Explore its museums, lively markets, and perhaps a statue of Cyrano de Bergerac himself.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 37 km / 23 mi
Elevation: +200 m / +656 ft
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
Venture into the Black Perigord, with its forested hills, tranquil riverbanks, and charming hamlets nestled in the valley. Your journey culminates in Les Eyzies, the world capital of prehistory, where limestone cliffs shelter ancient caves, and museums bring early human history vividly to life.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 63 km / 39 mi
Elevation: +380 m / +1,247 ft
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
Ride towards Sarlat, with an optional detour to the legendary Lascaux Caves to marvel at its prehistoric art, preserved for millennia. End your day in Sarlat, a medieval gem brimming with history and character, where narrow lanes and golden-stone buildings create a postcard-perfect atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 25-47 km / 15.5-29.2 mi
Elevation: +400-650 m / +1,312-2,132 ft
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
On Day 7, you’ll ride to Souillac along a tranquil cycle path, tracing an old railway beside the Dordogne Valley’s stunning scenery. The route offers peaceful pedaling with opportunities to stop and soak in the riverside views.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 30 km / 18.6 mi
Elevation: +200 m / +656 ft
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
This picturesque loop takes you past Lacave, where riverside views and quaint charm make a perfect stop. Continue to Rocamadour, a sacred hilltop city famed for its dramatic cliffs, religious history, and breathtaking views. Wander its pilgrimage routes, and marvel at the architecture clinging to the rock face.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 42 km / 26 mi
Elevation: +640 m / +2,100 ft
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
After your final breakfast, it’s time to pack up and depart back home filled with new experiences and memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
This self-guided Bordeaux cycling wine tour is rated easy to moderate—you can find day-by-day distances in the itinerary. Additionally, your guides offer e-bike rental, which will make the tour even easier!
As this is a self-guided adventure, you can move at your own pace and stop whenever you want. This is not a race, it’s all about taking in the gorgeous views and enjoying the journey!
For more bike adventures in France, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Please note that your luggage may still be on its way by the time you reach your accommodation—it’s best to take spare clothes with you each day in your bike pannier.
Indeed you can! Skip the hassle of bringing your own bike with you and simply rent one with your guides. You can choose between three types of bikes, add your preferred one(s) upon checkout:
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as a travel book (containing routes, maps, and tourist information) and a GPS app for a smartphone.
Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as support, accommodation, and luggage transfers. They also offer bike rentals to make your journey go as smoothly as possible.
One of the best things about these self-guided Bordeaux to Souillac cycling holidays is that your luggage will be transferred for you—you travel light and enjoy the day’s cycling!
Every morning, you’ll leave your luggage at the reception desk of your accommodation before departure. After a day of cycling, you’ll get to your accommodation and either pick it up at the reception desk or it will have already been delivered to your room. Please note that if you arrive a bit earlier on some days, your luggage may not already be there.
Keep your luggage to one suitcase/travel bag (maximum 23 kg / 50.7 lbs) and one carry-on.
Group sizes and pricing
Biking in France can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has cyclists under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Bordeaux to Souillac cycling holiday is Bordeaux. To get there, most people fly into Bordeaux Airport (BOD). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Bordeaux.
Day 1 is all about arrival (no cycling), so feel free to arrive whenever suits you, but we always recommend arriving on time so you can have a stroll around the town and rest before your adventure begins.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!