Bordeaux & Dordogne Bike Tour
Périgord Chateaux & Caves to Saint-Émilion's Grand Cru
Bike through a landscape shaped by time and taste. The Dordogne’s emerald valleys and storybook villages unfold along quiet riverbanks, while Bordeaux’s vineyards unfurl before grand châteaux and centuries of craft linger in every glass of wine.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Saved
Save
Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Ride through the Dordogne’s lush valleys, limestone cliffs and riverside hamlets en route to Bordeaux’s rolling vineyards
- Sample regional cuisine at restaurants and authentic establishments that showcase local Dordogne and Bordeaux flavors
- Tour the legendary Lascaux II Caves, one of the most significant prehistoric art sites in the world
- Ride into Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, a beautifully preserved riverside village recognized as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France
- Meander the cobblestone streets of Saint-Émilion and browse quaint wine shops for famed local vintages
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Bordeaux Airport & Travel Details
- Ride through the gentle countryside of the Périgord Noir, where verdant hills, walnut groves, and wooded valleys set the stage
- Visit the Lascaux Caves to see hundreds of remarkably preserved Paleolithic paintings
- Explore Vézère Valley with its medieval towns and scenic river landscapes as you take in the cultural and natural beauty of southwestern France
- Stop in Saint-Amand-de-Coly, a postcard-perfect stone village dominated by its striking fortified abbey, and an ideal spot to pause and take in both the deep history and timeless charm of your surroundings
Nights 1-2
Casual Hotel
This charming country manor is set along the Coly River in France’s Dordogne region. Housed in a historic building and surrounded by gardens, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with individually styled rooms, and the hotel's two restaurants feature fresh, local Périgord cuisine. Easy access to nearby villages, markets, and scenic countryside make it an ideal retreat for an authentic French experience. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Visit Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, a historic village set in the curve of the Vezere river, where winding paths lead between stone-roofed houses toward the Romanesque church rising from its center
- Encounter Domme, recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages, dramatically perched high above the valley with sweeping panoramic views across the river and countryside
- Relax during an idyllic picnic lunch with local cheeses and fresh fare at a rustic farm overlooking the gently winding river
Nights 3-4
Casual Hotel
In the heart of the Dordogne’s Périgord Noir, this lovely hotel is situated just outside the medieval town of Sarlat. Nestled in a peaceful park along the Dordogne River, the property combines authentic stone architecture and classic French décor with modern comforts. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Transition from the rolling farmland countryside of the Dordogne to the famed vineyards of the Bordeaux region
- Relax in Saint-Émilion, a beautifully preserved medieval village surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the world’s most renowned wines
- Take a tour of the Monolithic Church of Saint-Émilion, an immense underground church carved directly from limestone rock
- Immerse yourself in Bordeaux’s wine culture with a cellar tour and wine tasting
- Dine at the hotel's bistronomic restaurant, La Maison des Vignes, where the cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and the rich terroir of the region
Night 5
Deluxe Hotel
An immersive wine-country experience awaits on a beautifully restored 19th-century estate, where this stylish château hotel sits amid rolling vineyards between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion. The property blends elegant design with a warm, convivial atmosphere, featuring thoughtfully appointed rooms, a bistronomic restaurant, and an on-site winery. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Bordeaux Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
Biking routes on this trip follow quiet paved country roads through villages, forests, and the rolling countryside of the Dordogne Valley. Terrain ranges from rolling to hilly, with moderate climbs, including ascents to cliff-top villages such as Domme and Beynac. Road surfaces are generally good, with occasional rough pavement and narrow sections through villages. Shoulders are limited on many rural roads, and short cobblestone sections are encountered in some towns.
All breakfasts, all lunches, four dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
