Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure from Bordeaux to Sarlat, through the heart of Southwest France. This journey beautifully combines nature, culture and the French art de vivre, following a route designed for all lovers of cycling and discovery. As you cycle, you’ll cross prestigious vineyards, medieval villages, fortified bastides and river valleys rich with history, all within an ideal environment for cycling travel.
From elegant Bordeaux, capital of wine and heritage, to the golden streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda, jewel of the Périgord Noir, each stage reveals new emotions and discoveries. You’ll follow greenways and scenic backroads, weaving through forests, rivers and sunlit vineyards.
This is a true immersion into the French art de vivre, where every stop invites you to taste the local products : Bordeaux wines, foie gras, truffles, walnuts and duck confit. All within a landscape where history and nature meet at every turn. Between the Garonne River and the cliffs of the Vézère Valley, this cycling journey from Bordeaux to Sarlat is more than just a route. It’s a human, sensory and cultural experience, to be savored one pedal stroke at a time.
Welcome to Bordeaux, the starting point of your cycling journey. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your detailed roadbook and travel documents to explore the region at your own pace. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux blends classical elegance with modern vitality. Once the Roman city of « Burdigala », today it shines through its grand architecture, lively quays and refined way of life.
With over 200 km of cycling paths, the city is a paradise for cyclists. Stroll along the Garonne River, admire the 18th-century façades, the Place de la Bourse and the Water Mirror, one of the most photographed spots in France. Don’t miss La Cité du Vin, a contemporary landmark dedicated to the world of wine, or explore the Chartrons district, once home to Bordeaux’s wine merchants, now a trendy neighborhood filled with cafés, galleries and boutiques.
Bordeaux perfectly sets the tone for your trip. This is a city where culture, gastronomy and elegance meet before you head out into the open countryside.
Your true cycling adventure begins today. After leaving Bordeaux’s historic center, you’ll pedal along the Garonne quays and cross the iconic Pont de Pierre. You will then join the Roger Lapébie greenway, a 50-kilometer path that links Bordeaux to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne.
This route, one of the most beautiful greenways in France, winds peacefully through the Entre-Deux-Mers region: forests, vineyards and charming bastide villages such as Créon, perfect for a coffee break on the central square. The trail is smooth, well-maintained and accessible to all levels, offering a scenic, safe and enjoyable ride.
As you approach Saint-Émilion, the gentle slopes reveal the landscape of one of the world’s most renowned vineyards. The medieval village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, greets you with cobblestone streets, underground cellars and breathtaking panoramic views.
End your day with a wine tasting, a stroll to the church tower or a relaxing glass of red on a sunny terrace. It is the perfect mix of effort, pleasure and discovery.
After breakfast among the vines of Saint-Émilion, you’ll set off through a landscape shaped by centuries of winemaking. Rolling hills, stone villages and quiet lanes guide you toward Castillon-la-Bataille, site of the last battle of the Hundred Years’ War in 1453.
Following the Dordogne River, you’ll reach Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, one of the oldest bastides in the Gironde, founded in 1255. Its timber-framed houses, shaded arcades and cobbled streets exude medieval charm.
If your visit falls on a Saturday, don’t miss its famous weekly market, among the most beautiful in France : a feast of colors, aromas and local flavors. This stage marks the transition from Bordeaux’s vineyards to the Périgord countryside, where history, authenticity and art de vivre blend beautifully.
Today’s cycling stage takes you along peaceful backroads lined with forests, fields and vineyards. The route leads to Monbazillac, a hilltop village renowned for its golden sweet wine and magnificent Renaissance château overlooking the Dordogne Valley.
Continue on to Bergerac, a charming town of art and history set on the riverbanks. Its old quarter is full of character, with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and sunny squares. Take a stroll through the Place Pélissière, enjoy a glass of Bergerac wine, and indulge in the flavors of the region : foie gras, truffles, duck confit and fine local wines. This is the essence of cycling in Dordogne: elegance, authenticity and gastronomy.
You’ll leave Bergerac following the Lalinde Canal, a peaceful greenway shaded by trees and dotted with locks and old mills. It is a relaxing and scenic route for cycling. Pass through Lalinde, the first English bastide built in Périgord in the 13th century. Then continue you route along the Dordogne River toward the Vézère Valley.
Here begins your journey into the Périgord Noir, one of France’s most iconic regions for culture and cycling. Your destination, Les Eyzies, is known as the world capital of prehistory. It is the home to the Cro-Magnon discovery and numerous prehistoric sites listed by UNESCO. Enjoy the quiet charm of the village nestled beneath dramatic cliffs, and feel the weight of history surrounding you.
Your final cycling day is a journey through time. As you follow the Vézère Valley, every turn reveals prehistoric caves, rock shelters and cliffs carved by millennia.
You can opt for the shorter route directly to Sarlat-la-Canéda. You can also take the longer scenic route through Lascaux, the most famous prehistoric site in the world. The extraordinary replica, Lascaux IV, offers an emotional experience. It is a masterpiece of Paleolithic art, over 17,000 years old.
Arriving in Sarlat, the capital of the Périgord Noir, you’ll be enchanted by its perfectly preserved medieval core. Stroll through the winding alleys, admire the cathedral and historic mansions. You can also visit the covered market for a sensory experience of Périgord’s gastronomy. Taste foie gras, truffles, walnuts, duck, and local wines. This final day perfectly captures the spirit of cycling in France : freedom, culture, and the joy of taking your time.
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Sarlat and this unforgettable adventure. You leave with the best memories : vineyards, valleys, bastides and prehistoric wonders and the lasting pleasure of having discovered France by bike, at your own pace.
This option features a curated selection of charming 3-star hotels and lovely guesthouses, perfect for cyclists looking for a warm, welcoming place to unwind after a day on the road.
These are authentic, friendly accommodations that truly understand the needs of bike travelers, offering a pleasant setting, reliable comfort, and a genuine sense of hospitality.
The goal is to combine comfort, simplicity, and character.
* Photos for illustration purposes only
(based on double occupancy)
Daily arrival in 2026
Options
By train
Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station is served by numerous high-speed TGV trains. From Paris, the journey takes approximately 2 hours. The station is located close to the city center, with easy access by tram or taxi.
By air
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport is located about 30 minutes from the city center. It handles regular domestic and international flights. Shuttle services (bus or tram) connect the airport to the train station and downtown.
By car
Bordeaux is connected to major highways (A10 from Paris, A62 from Toulouse, A63 from the Basque Country). Several parking facilities are available near the city center, as well as park-and-ride lots (P+R) with easy access to public transportation.
Return travel from Sarlat is not arranged by us. Each guest is therefore free to organize their departure according to their own schedule and preferences.
If you would like recommendations for arranging your return or extending your stay in the Dordogne, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll be happy to assist.
On the first or second day of your stay, we will deliver your rental bikes directly to your hotel. Each bike is carefully fitted to your height and comes fully equipped with:
For this trip, you can choose from the following rental options:
If you prefer to bring your own bike, that is absolutely fine. A discount will be applied to your booking.
So you can fully enjoy your journey without worrying about your belongings, we arrange luggage transfers at each stage of your trip:
Each rental bike comes equipped with a rear pannier, perfect for carrying your daily essentials. If you plan to arrive at your next accommodation before 5:00 PM, we recommend packing a change of clothes or an extra outfit in your rear bag.
To support you throughout your journey, we provide a dedicated GPS app. It allows you to follow each stage of your cycling itinerary independently, right from your smartphone.
Before departure, you’ll receive a link to download the app and access your routes. Once on site, simply open the day’s ride and let it guide you. Your map, turn-by-turn directions, and points of interest appear in real time.
In addition to the GPS app, you will receive a printed roadbook upon arrival, including maps, practical tips, and sightseeing information. An essential companion to slip into your panniers!
