Cycling the Dordogne Valley with Sarlat

Overview

Glorious scenery & idyllic villages. Journey through France's beautiful villages. Explore famous Rocamadour and finish in medieval Sarlat. Enjoy the region's rich and rewarding cuisine. Discover the charm and heritage of the Dordogne Valley. Hotels include the Michelin-starred Hotel le Pont de l'Ouysse. 9 nights, 5 dinners, 9 breakfasts, luggage transported, high-quality bicycle, route notes, GPS navigation. Moderate cycling with some longer, steady uphill sections, and longer days. Terrain: Country roads, riverside lanes. Average carbon footprint: 99kg CO₂e per person, excluding travel. Accommodation: One 4-star, four 3-star hotels. Bikes: Prices are based on push bikes as detailed in the FAQs, but e-bikes can be requested. Price: From £1,871pp. Travel: We can arrange flights and connecting transfers (or simply the latter); rail travel from London. Start: Any day except Wednesday or Thursday. Season: 16 April 2026 - 07 October 2026. In an area as bewitching as the Dordogne Valley, it should come as no surprise that so many of its villages have been awarded the much-coveted epithet l 'un des plus beaux villages de France ('one of the most beautiful villages in France'). Like a dot-to-dot puzzle, our cycling holiday links these villages, which are characterised by winding, cobbled streets, and limestone houses with steep tiled roofs and cylindrical towers. There are five in total: Rocamadour, the famous 'hanging' village that has drawn pilgrims for centuries; Autoire, whose cluster of timber-framed houses is located near a series of waterfalls; Loubressac, a fortified hill-top village commanding far-reaching views; immaculately restored Carennac on a cliff next to the river; and Martel, known as 'the town of the seven towers', although only three remain. The market towns of Souillac and Sarlat, your starting and finishing points, though larger, are no less charming, with handsome medieval buildings and a rich history which you can delve into on your final day. These towns and villages are, of course, set against a backdrop of ravishing countryside that is a delight to discover on two wheels. The routes are undulating and, in places, demanding, but there is still time to linger in the villages along the way, and in the evenings you can reward yourself with a delicious dinner - the area's great gastronomic traditions are well represented at our comfortable inns, particularly at the Michelin-starred Hotel le Pont de l'Ouysse where you spend two nights. Arrival in Souillac. Night 1: at La Vieille Auberge (where you spend one night). As your first night 's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of cycling. Choice of routes from Souillac to Hospitalet: 22km or 30km. Souillac to Hospitalet: 30km. Take time to explore medieval Souillac, which boasts a 12th-century abbey church and a curious museum of automata. When you are ready to leave, you head south alongside the Dordogne and cross the river, passing the fine châteaux of Treyne and Belcastel. You rise steadily through the beautiful Ouysse Valley past a good viewpoint, with a chance to visit an old working flour mill, Le Moulin de Caugnaguet on your way. Souillac to Hospitalet via Lacave: 22km. A shorter option climbs through pretty countryside to reach Lacave, before continuing to the _causse_ (limestone plateau) to reach Hospitalet, perhaps stopping en route to visit a _fromagerie_ - a goat's cheese farm. Your destination is the Hotel Le Troubadour in Hospitalet where you spend two nights. Circular route from Hospitalet: 30km. You will probably want to spend your day exploring the nearby village of Rocamadour, justifiably one of the most famous sights in France. Crowned by a castle, this dramatic 'hanging village' has been a centre of pilgrimage for centuries. However, if you want to venture further afield, a most enjoyable circular route leads to the town of Gramat - a perfect place to stop for lunch - before finishing with an exhilarating descent offering magnificent views over Rocamadour. Hospitalet to Loubressac: 29km; shorter option: 25km. This delightful route takes you to the Gouffre de Padirac, a spectacular 'must-see' cave 100 metres underground that is visited by boat and on foot (pay locally). From here, you cycle to the Cirque d'Autoire, a natural amphitheatre with a series of waterfalls. It is worth visiting the idyllic village of the same name before climbing steadily to the fortified hill-top town of Loubressac and your hotel, the Relais de Castelnau. An easier option, missing out Autoire, is also available. Loubressac to Lacave: 37km. From Loubressac you descend into the Dordogne Valley and follow the great river westwards to the superbly preserved medieval village of Carennac. Take time to admire the turreted and brown-tiled houses, ruined priory and Romanesque church before continuing along a picturesque stretch of the valley (first on the south bank, then on the north bank), passing many superb viewpoints. Your destination is Lacave and the stylish Hotel Le Pont de l'Ouysse, set on the riverside beneath the Château de Belcastel. Circular route from Lacave: 34km. Cycle along picturesque lanes north of the Dordogne to the medieval town of Martel, a delightful place to visit and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Lacave's caves, which are full of astonishing stalactites and stalagmites, or to cycle to nearby Meyronne for a self-guided canoe trip - an excellent way to explore the Dordogne. (Pay locally in both cases.) Lacave to Souillac: 27km. Today's route crosses the Dordogne to St Sozy, after which you have a steep, but short, uphill section to reach the plateau, from where there are far-reaching views across the valley. Your efforts are rewarded with easy cycling for the rest of the day as you pass through rural farming communities before a final magnificent descent through a quiet valley to reach Souillac, where you once again spend a night in La Vieille Auberge. Souillac to Sarlat: 32km. You cycle to Sarlat almost entirely along a cycle path converted from a disused railway line, following the north side of the Dordogne gently uphill. Once you reach Sarlat, you no longer require your bike - instead you're free to explore the Old Town and its beautiful, winding cobbled streets on foot (both of our featured hotels are 5 to 10 minutes' walk from the centre). Wandering through this interesting historic town (particularly in the evening when the day trippers have gone) feels like stepping back in time. There is no shortage of places to eat and a wide selection of wines to enjoy, from Bergerac, Cahors and the Bordeaux vineyards. Explore historic Sarlat. Today is yours to explore. Sarlat is the capital of Périgord Noir and the cultural and gastronomic centre of this region. On Saturdays, the town boasts a colourful, bustling market. A slightly smaller one is held on Wednesday mornings. Besides the market, there are plenty of good craft shops, as well as speciality food shops. You may like to wander through the ancient abbey cemetery, or perhaps climb up the bell tower above the covered market (formerly a church) to enjoy panoramic views over the medieval rooftops. Accommodation: The highlight of the week is Hotel le Pont de l'Ouysse. It is very popular, so it is advisable to book well in advance. In Sarlat we work with more than one hotel, as shown below. Both are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation. Wherever you stay in Sarlat, we recommend adding extra nights to give yourselves more time to explore this handsome town. Nights 1 & 7: La Vieille Auberge, Souillac. Meal arrangements: dinner & breakfast. Extra nights recommended: Give yourselves more time to explore remarkable Rocamadour. Nights 2-3: Hotel le Troubadour, Hospitalet de Rocamadour. Set in its own picturesque grounds, the Troubadour offers great countryside views and charmingly decorated rooms with many locally crafted furnishings. From the bedrooms, guests have direct access to the outdoor pool. Numerous dining options are available in the village. Meal arrangements: breakfast only. Night 4: Relais de Castelnau, Loubressac. From the Relais de Castelnau guests can enjoy incredible views that stretch across the valley to the Château of Castelnau. The hotel restaurant offers locally sourced gourmet dishes and culinary gems, including the world renowned Rocamadour cheese. Guests can enjoy a picture-perfect terrace and outdoor pool, while the bedrooms feature a harmonious blend of classic and modern décor. Meal arrangements: dinner & breakfast. Extra nights recommended: This is a great choice for a day of relaxation (and more fine food!). Nights 5-6: Hotel le Pont de l'Ouysse, Lacave. Nestled in the Dordogne Valley and Quercy Natural Regional Park, this high-quality hotel overlooks the River Ouysse beneath Belcastel château. Savour incredible dishes at the hotel's Michelin-star restaurant, which has been run by the same family since 1884. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, terrace, or in the hotel gardens. Meal arrangements: dinner & breakfast. Nights 8-9: Hotel 1 of 2, Hotel le Renoir, Sarlat. This charming medium-sized, family-run hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, is located in the medieval heart of Sarlat. The bedrooms are modern and tastefully furnished. Guests can enjoy exploring the town's beautiful, cobbled streets, and the many nearby restaurants offering superb French cuisine. The hotel breakfast features fresh local produce. Meal arrangements: breakfast only. Nights 8-9: Hotel 2 of 2, Hotel le Compostelle, Sarlat. This modern, family-run hotel, located just five minutes' walk from the historic centre of Sarlat, makes a good base from which to explore the town. There are 23 spacious, bright and air-conditioned rooms. Breakfast can be served in the courtyard in the summer, while the spacious lounges are ideal for relaxing or planning a day out exploring the picturesque streets of Sarlat. Meal arrangements: breakfast only. Options to extend or shorten your stay: City Add-On, Paris City Add-On. Europe’s capital of chic. 2 nights, from £315pp. It's hard to tire of Paris so, if you are travelling via France's capital, stop over for a complete contrast to your walking or cycling holiday. Cycling: Cycling the Dordogne Valley. Beautiful scenery & hill-top châteaux. 7 nights, from £1,311pp. Follow a fascinating route to discover magnificent châteaux and pretty villages including amazing Rocamadour. Prices & travel options. All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page. Prices (£ per person based on 2 sharing). Cycle price: 9 nights: 16 April 2026 - 07 October 2026. Start Friday to Tuesday | End by latest date(s) shown above. Price * : 1 - 28 Sep 2026 From £1871. Final price is subject to change due to the customisable nature of our holidays and is dependent on accommodation availability for the dates selected. We will contact you to confirm the final price. Single supplements are applicable on many of our holidays. Please contact us for full details. Includes accommodation, meals, bike hire, luggage transfers and any other services integral to the holiday as described, plus cycling notes, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below. Electric bikes available: pricing confirmed at time of booking. Book your flights through us and we 'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below. Flight options: RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S): Toulouse, Brive Vallée de la Dordogne, Limoges or Paris CDG. As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London. Travelling from the UK: Select an airport to view flights. Travelling from outside the UK: If you are flying from outside Europe, we recommend flying via Paris CDG. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us. Travelling from outside the UK: We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans. You have two options: 1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel. 2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings. Connecting travel: Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less. Unless otherwise stated, connecting travel by rail or bus tends to be from the city centre station, rather than from its airport, and connections between the two should be paid for locally. Where a price range is given, the price you pay depends on your date of travel. FAQs: If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful. What sort of bike is provided? Our chosen bike rental shop will provide you with a hybrid bike with 24 gears; a waterproof map case on handlebars; panniers/saddlebags; pump; puncture repair kit; and a lock. Electric bikes are available as an upgrade (see price panel), subject to availability, and must be requested at the time of booking. Can I hire a helmet? While we would always recommend that you take your own well-fitting helmet, they can be hired locally for a small fee. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to hire a helmet. Do you provide GPS navigation? Yes, we will provide GPX tracks for this holiday prior to departure so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. (We also provide our tried-and-tested route notes). How does self-guided hotel-to-hotel cycling work? We'll send you route notes 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. On mornings when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation so that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs. For more detailed information, see our cycling holidays in Europe page. Any tips on locking up the bikes? You are responsible for damage to or loss of the rental bike while it is hired to you. Always be careful to lock it up, ideally to an immovable object, and remove all easy-to-steal accessories whenever you leave it unattended. Can I book my flights through Inntravel, and what’s the advantage of doing this? We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we'll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we'll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights > Can you book travel arrangements for customers from outside the UK? We can't book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that's appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK > I’m travelling alone. Is there anything I need to know? Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it's the first time you've booked with us. The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people). How do I make a booking? Once you've decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party's details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can't secure the accommodation for the holiday you've requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we'll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you're making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice. More information about the booking process > Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more > Booking conditions > Do I need travel insurance? Yes, it's something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn't seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill. Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you're covered for medical emergencies - including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday - and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports. When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs. Do I need a visa or anything health-related for France? It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the[correct travel documents, with the correct validity](</information/visa-information>). If you're a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to France, but not a visa (please note, however, that a [new travel authorisation system](</information/visa-information>) is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you'll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate. Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the [Travel Health Pro](<https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries>) website. You **must** make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a [Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)](<https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/>) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires). What else do I need to know about travelling to France? The official language is French. The currency is the Euro. French time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1. How does Brexit affect travel to Europe? For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit [www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein](<https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein>). Where can I find general travel advice? The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, [country-by-country travel advice](<https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice>), as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens. If you live outside the UK, see our [essential travel information](</information/essential-travel-information>) page for a list of relevant websites. Cycling the Dordogne Valley with Sarlat, 9 nights, Hotel-to-hotel cycling, Grade: Moderate.

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Accommodation & Services

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What's Included