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Upper Quercy's Gems

Prendre des pauses pour profiter des vues magnifiques pendant ce voyage à vélo 4
Take a break after some kilometers of cycling to admire the view Some of our long loops take riders to the upper part of the region offering stunning landscapes Enjoy cycling in Dordogne's nature Some of our bike tours take riders to the Chateau de Castelnau
Prendre des pauses pour profiter des vues magnifiques pendant ce voyage à vélo

Upper Quercy's Gems

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 945 euros
  • DAY7 nights / 8 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

Like Périgord, Quercy is a historic province of France — today, the region belongs to multiple "départements". Quercy’s defining features are the causses, or limestone plateaus, formed by centuries of wear and tear from the local rivers. Some of these causses are topped by chateaux or fortresses, while towns and villages have been built into the cliffside. Others have been left in their natural state, a sight no less beautiful to behold. What’s more, these causses provide the perfect nursery for one of the region’s culinary claims to fame: la truffe noire, or black truffles

This itinerary has been designed to allow your complete immersion in the sumptuous pleasures of Quercy, including some of its most magnificent villages: Saint-CéréBeaulieu-sur-DordogneRocamadourPadirac, and more. The cycling itinerary will get you moving for an ‘active’ vacation, while the sights, sounds, scents and, of course, the tastes will transport you to a state of pure bliss. The only way you could improve this vacation is to make it longer…

You may even decide to complete this tour with a few days of biking in the Bordeaux area...

 

 For travel and cycling tips to Dordogne, visit our "Travel and cycling tips" section.

 

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Souillac

 

Located on the Dordogne River, the pretty city of Souillac is an ideal starting point whether you arrive by train or by car. Our local expert will greet you and prep you for the journey ahead. If you arrive early, you may choose to explore the charming downtown, but you will make a full circle with this itinerary, so don’t fret if you arrive later!
Just make sure you’re on time for dinner, because the food here is beyond compare.

D2Souillac — Gluges 28 km/17 miles

 

After breakfast, let the Dordogne River be your guide! Your surroundings are sure to draw out your inner history buff and nature-loving self! Some of the notable landmarks along your route are the Lacave grottos and the castles of Treyne and Belcastel. The alluring villages along the river are sure to capture your heart as well. 

Gluges is one such village tucked against a causse — you’ll enjoy a real getaway from the real world with your overnight in this tiny hamlet!

D3Gluges — Saint-Céré 27 km/17 miles

 

The Dordogne will again show you the way, this time towards Saint-Céré. So many places are worth a visit, even if just for a moment: the lovely village of Carennac (one of France’s prettiest — an official title!), the castles of Castelnau and Montal, the grottos of Presque, and the majestic towers of Saint-Laurent-Les-Tours.

You’ll find yourself in Saint-Céré, a town that may well inspire you to draft a fairy tale.

D4Rest day in Saint-Céré optional loop available to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

 

Today could be the perfect mid-week biking break you need, and you should take full advantage of it to wander through Saint-Céré at your whim. You may also use this day to ride a short loop including Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, a waterfront dream world of a town.

You’ll remain in Saint-Céré for the night.

D5Saint-Céré — Rocamadour 41 km/25 miles

After leaving the valley, Autoire and Loubressac await your discovery. These two villages belong to a selective club with their respective titles as "One of France's Prettiest Villages." Then it's on to the Padirac Cave for a journey to the center of the earth — make sure you bring a raincoat for your descent to the underground river! Rocamadour and its exceptional site will top off this memorable day.

D6Rest day in Rocamadour optional loop available to Gramat

 

Photogenic Rocamadour is the quintessential Quercy town, built up high into the nooks of the causse and down to the river below. It’s an ideal town to explore on foot — if you don’t mind the occasional climb — so we urge you to spend some downtime here.
If you’re itching to ride, we have a short loop option to Gramat and its causse.

D7Rocamadour — Souillac 27 km/17 miles

 

Our suggested way back to Souillac will take you through the Ouisse Valley, past the Cougnaguet Mill, before reaching Calès. There you simply must stop to admire the perfect viewpoint over the causses and reflect upon your week in Quercy!
When you’re ready to move on, Souillac will greet you.

D8Departure from Souillac

 

After breakfast, depart Souillac at the time of your choice.

Booking & Prices

  • Price details
  • 6 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night in a 2-star hotel

  • 945 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 310 euros
  • 995 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 340 euros
  • 1,045 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 350 euros

These prices include:

  • 6 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night in a 2-star hotel
  • Daily breakfast
  • 5 dinners (drinks are not included)
  • Meeting with our local representative
  • Luggage transfers
  • Transfers from Souillac train station to your first hotel on Day 1 and from your last hotel to Souillac train station on Day 8
  • Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
  • GPX tracks
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
  • All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 125 euros per bike. E-bikes are available at the rate of 235 euros per bike. Gravel bikes are available at the rate of 160 euros per bike. 

Suggested Cycling Trips