We’ll meet you in Souillac, in the heart of fairy tale-inspiring Dordogne, and transport you to your accommodations. Easy to explore on foot, you’ll find that Souillac is a quintessential Dordognais town with its mix of stone and half-timbered houses.

With extra time available, you can peek into the ancient abbey and/or pop into small, locally run businesses.

Follow the Dordogne River through the countryside. The trees provide ample shade for a ride along the banks, and the castles of Montfort and Fenelon provide an extra dose of fairytale magic.

Your destination is Sarlat, one of the largest medieval centers in Europe. It may look like a movie set, but it’s the real deal! Enjoy accommodations filled with unmistakably French character.

The Dordogne River calmly snakes its way around villages built into the cliffs, acting as a mirror for the blue skies and buildings above. In this valley you’ll discover some of France’s most beautiful villages (they’ve truly been awarded that title!): Beynac, La Roque Gageac, and Domme.

At the end of the day, take a journey back in time… to the French capital of prehistory, Les Eyzies.

Rise early this morning and you may get a glimpse at the Font-de-Gaume cave paintings (still open to the public) or a reproduction of the Lascaux paintings. The National Museum of Prehistory and other archaeological sites may also be visited if you wish.

Once you’re on your bike, you’ll follow the Vezere River to the beautiful village of Limeuil. Stop for a lunch break before following the Dordogne to Bergerac, one of the country’s ancient trading ports. The variety of Renaissance buildings and excellent wines found here will utterly satisfy the soul.

Continue along the trail formed by the Dordogne Valley and you’ll again be transported back in time with visits to the walled city, or bastide, of Sainte Foy La Grande Bastide. Further along, you’ll encounter the town where the Hundred Year’s War was won, Castillon-le-Bataille.

Last but hardly least, you’ll find yourself in Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Words cannot do justice to Saint-Emilion, but after tasting the renowned wines, you might find yourself eloquently toasting its wonders.

Vineyards, vineyards, everywhere you look, for miles on end — there’s no mistaking it, you’re in Bordeaux’s wine-producing territory! In fact, you’re “between two seas” in the Entre-Deux-Mers vineyard region, where Bordeaux’s biggest names can be found.

Your quiet cycling route passes by these esteemed domains and brings you right into the heart of the city of Bordeaux, your final destination. The cyclist-friendly city boasts a well-connected bike path that will allow you to see the major places of interest from the seat of your bike!

Although the cycling portion of your journey is over after breakfast, you’re certainly welcome to stay in Bordeaux longer!