Dordogne & Bordeaux Family Biking
Dordogne River Valley & a Taste of Bordeaux
See history come to life on this Backroads family adventure from the mystical Dordogne to the celebrated Bordeaux region. Pedal tranquil lanes of the lush river valley past ancient castles and walnut groves, and through some of France’s most beautiful villages. Marvel at 20,000-year-old cave paintings, and enjoy a private river cruise aboard an antique trading boat. Then ride into wine country amid verdant vineyards, medieval hamlets and Romanesque churches. Throughout the trip, adults bike longer routes and savor the pleasures of the vine—even attending a private wine school—while kids delight in special regional activities from caving to papermaking. Spend nights at the finest hotels and relish in delicacies such as crêpes, foie gras and Bergerac vintages. Join Backroads to experience southwest France with the perfect blend of culture, history and activity for the whole family.
- Spelunk in a prehistoric cavern
- Bike exceptional routes past impressive castles and beautiful villages
- Cool Cro Magnon cave art at Font-de-Gaume
- Private wine class led by an expert oenologist
- Step back in time at the World Heritage site of St-Émilion
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Vitrac
Meet in Brive-la-Gaillarde 
Bike into the heart of the Dordogne, past fairy-tale villages, impressive castles and serene farms along the winding Dordogne River Pedal to the walled hilltop town of Domme, a medieval masterpiece filled with honey-hued cottages and tiny gardens Hop aboard a medieval-style barge for a scenic river cruise Kids don helmets and headlamps for an exhilarating spelunking adventure Amid the atmospheric glow of gas lamps, stroll through Sarlat, containing more medieval, Renaissance and 17th-century buildings than any other town in France.
Day 3 Tremolat
Spin past some of the most beautiful villages in France, including La Roque-Gageac, perched high on a rocky cliff above the Dordogne River Bike to Les Eyzies, the "Capital of Prehistory" On a tour of the Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, marvel at France's finest collection of original Cro Magnon cave paintings, which date back 20,000 years Youngsters get a taste of rural life in 1900 and participate in crafts and trades practiced a century ago.
Days 4-6 Monestier
Spin from the lush forested Dordogne River Valley to the rolling vineyard-dotted landscape around Bergerac En route, feast on a Périgordian lunch prepared by our friend Monique while savoring views from her hilltop garden The younger set visits a 500-year-old mill to learn about the age-old craft of papermaking Indulge in a glass of Monbazillac's distinctive sweet white wine during an exclusive visit to the 16th-century château In fortified medieval St-Émilion, a World Heritage site, adults join an expert oenologist for a private wine class while kids explore the market and get a taste of macaroon-making Cap off your trip with a tour and dégustation at a premier Grand Cru château.
- 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.
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Dordogne & Bordeaux Family Biking
COUNTRYSIDE SPLENDOR: Premiere Inns
Domaine de Rochebois
Vitrac (2 nights) A luxurious member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, with a dazzling swimming pool, formal gardens and unsurpassed views of the Dordogne River Valley.
Le Vieux Logis
Trémolat (1 night) An enchanting Relais & Châteaux-member manor house with idyllic gardens, stylishly decorated guest rooms and an inviting swimming pool.
Chateau des Vigiers
Monestier (2 nights) Known locally as "little Versailles," this spectacular 16th-century hotel is beautifully decorated with antiques, and even has its own vineyard and 27-hole golf course.
Dordogne & Bordeaux Family 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 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
- 20 miles
- 460 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 26, 34 miles
- 1000 - 1600 feet elevation gain
- River Cruise 2 hours
- Caving (kids)
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 23, 38, 55 miles
- 900 - 2460 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 23, 51 miles
- 1240 - 1680 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 15, 31, 45 miles
- 560 - 1440 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Wine class (adults)
- Market visit (kids)