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Dordogne & Bordeaux Biking
Dordogne River Valley & a Taste of Bordeaux
Embark on a cycling journey through two of France’s most alluring regions. In the lush Dordogne, pedal through a mystical landscape, where ancient castles mingle with precariously perched villages, and farmers - seemingly unaffected by the modern age - tend to their crops. Behold 20,000-year-old cave paintings, still brilliant in color, reminding you that this region is considered the "cradle of humankind." Make your way to the world-famous Bordeaux wine region, where the simplicity of fertile vineyards, bucolic medieval villages and Romanesque churches is juxtaposed with the elegant façades and lavish interiors of châteaux-turned-hotels. Bike leisurely from one domaine to the next and savor outstanding wines of the local terroir. Throughout the week, Michelin-starred dining and plush accommodations will have you raising a glass to the good life.
- A perfect duo of the Dordogne's colorful history and Bordeaux's renowned viticulture
- Prehistoric cave paintings at Font-de-Gaume
- Private wine tastings with local experts
- Pedal by world-famous Bordeaux Grand Cru vineyards
- St-Émilion, whose history dates back to the 2nd century
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Tremolat
Meet in Périgueux 
Bike into the Dordogne past cozy villages, shaded forests, walnut groves and tobacco fields Pedal along the gentle Dordogne River Valley floor before tackling hills en route to Les Eyzies, the "Capital of Prehistory" A tour of the Grotte de Font-de-Gaume introduces you to France’s finest collection of polychrome cave paintings dating back 20,000 years.
Days 3-4 Monestier
Spin from the lush forested Dordogne River Valley to the rolling vineyard-dotted landscape near Bergerac On the way, feast on a Périgordian lunch prepared by our friend Monique while savoring views from her hilltop garden 
Indulge in a glass of Monbazillac’s distinctive sweet white wine during an exclusive tour and tasting at the 16th-century château Bike undulating terrain past centuries-old churches, scenic countryside and inviting hamlets.
Days 5-6 st-emilion
Explore Gallo-Roman ruins in Montcaret Pedal into the heart of the Bordeaux wine region to the medieval village of St-Émilion, a World Heritage site Join an expert oenologist at the local wine school, Vignobles & Châteaux, for a private tasting and praise the region’s clay terroir over a glass of St-Émilion’s justly coveted red Spin among world-famous vineyards Enjoy a walking tour along St-Émilion's cobblestone streets Cap off your trip with a visit to a premier Grand Cru château for a tour and formal dégustation.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Dordogne & Bordeaux Biking
LAP OF LUXURY: Premiere Inns
Le Vieux Logis
Trémolat (2 nights) An enchanting Relais & Châteaux-member manor house with idyllic gardens, stylishly decorated guest rooms and an inviting swimming pool.
Château des Vigiers
Monestier (2 nights) Known locally as "little Versailles," this spectacular hotel, built in the 16th century, is beautifully decorated with antiques and even has its own vineyard and 27-hole golf course.
Hostellerie de Plaisance
St-Emilion (1 night) Perched above the Dordogne Valley and St-Émilion’s celebrated vineyards, this enchanting Relais & Châteaux property offers well-appointed rooms and Michelin-starred cuisine.
Dordogne & Bordeaux Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 24 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 43, 52 miles
- 800 - 2460 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 40, 51 miles
- 1240 - 1680 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 31, 45 miles
- 560 - 1440 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 33, 44 miles
- 800 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 25 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain