This 4-day bike trip is designed to be a short, accessible, and affordable adventure through relatively flat regions, making it ideal for travelers of all ages and fitness levels, including retirees. Each day covers a manageable distance of around 50 km, allowing plenty of time to explore charming towns, enjoy scenic landscapes, and relax along the way. The trip is budget-friendly, with a range of affordable accommodation and meal options available. To make it even more convenient, travelers can easily return to their starting point by train or ferry, adding flexibility to the itinerary while minimizing travel time and effort at the end of the journey.

A 4-day bike trip along the Dordogne River Valley, focusing on cycling approximately 50 km per day, is a wonderful way to explore the beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and charming villages. Here’s a detailed itinerary that includes highlights, places of interest, affordable lunch stops, suggested 3-4 star hotels, and price ranges in AUD:

Day 1: Bergerac to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande

  • Distance: ~50 km
  • Route Highlights:
    • Bergerac: Start in the picturesque town of Bergerac, famous for its vineyards and its historical old town.
    • Vineyards: Cycle through the vineyards of the Bergerac region, with opportunities for wine tasting (optional).
    • L’Isle River: Cross the scenic L’Isle River.
    • Sainte-Foy-la-Grande: Finish your first day in the medieval town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, known for its beautiful town square and old buildings.
  • Places of Interest:
    • Bergerac Old Town: Wander around the cobblestone streets and discover the Maison des Vins.
    • Château de Monbazillac: A short detour for wine lovers.
    • Sainte-Foy-la-Grande: Stroll around the market square and visit the 13th-century church.
  • Lunch Stop:
    • Le Saint-Jacques (Bergerac) – Affordable bistro with local French cuisine. (~$25–35 AUD for lunch).
    • La Belle Époque (Sainte-Foy-la-Grande) – A quaint spot offering delicious French sandwiches and salads. (~$20–30 AUD).
  • Accommodation:
    • Hotel de France (Sainte-Foy-la-Grande): A charming 3-star hotel in the heart of the town. (~$140–170 AUD per night for a double room).
    • Les Glycines (Bergerac): A well-rated hotel with modern amenities, located near the river. (~$160–200 AUD per night).

Day 2: Sainte-Foy-la-Grande to Issigeac

  • Distance: ~50 km
  • Route Highlights:
    • Villages of Dordogne: Cycle through charming villages like Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave and Sigoulès.
    • Countryside Views: Enjoy rolling hills and fields filled with sunflowers (in season).
    • Issigeac: Finish in Issigeac, a medieval village famous for its narrow lanes and lovely square.
  • Places of Interest:
    • Issigeac Market Square: Known for its beautiful stone buildings and traditional market.
    • Château de Bridoire: A short detour if you wish to explore a castle.
  • Lunch Stop:
    • Le Relais de la Forge (Issigeac) – Traditional French cuisine with a beautiful terrace. (~$25–35 AUD).
    • L’Auberge des Vins (Sigoulès) – A cozy spot for regional specialties like duck and foie gras. (~$25–35 AUD).
  • Accommodation:
    • Château de Bridoire: A lovely 3-star chateau offering rooms and a peaceful garden. (~$150–180 AUD per night).
    • Le Vieux Logis (Trémolat): A picturesque hotel with great views, perfect for a relaxing evening. (~$170–200 AUD per night).

Day 3: Issigeac to Beynac-et-Cazenac

  • Distance: ~50 km
  • Route Highlights:
    • Vineyard Cycle: Ride through the beautiful vineyards near the Dordogne River, making your way toward Beynac-et-Cazenac.
    • Beynac-et-Cazenac: This medieval village is perched on a hilltop above the Dordogne River and offers panoramic views.
  • Places of Interest:
    • Beynac Castle: One of the best-preserved castles in the region, with stunning views of the valley.
    • La Roque-Gageac: A picturesque village along the river, often considered one of the most beautiful in France.
  • Lunch Stop:
    • Le Pont de L’Ouysse (Vitrac): A charming riverside restaurant with French specialties. (~$30–40 AUD).
    • La Petite Tonnelle (Beynac-et-Cazenac): A small bistro offering traditional dishes. (~$20–30 AUD).
  • Accommodation:
    • Château de Marzac (Beynac-et-Cazenac): A 3-star hotel with beautiful views of the Dordogne River. (~$180–220 AUD per night).
    • Le Relais des Platanes (Vitrac): A small and comfortable hotel located near the river. (~$140–180 AUD per night).

Day 4: Beynac-et-Cazenac to Sarlat-la-Canéda

  • Distance: ~50 km
  • Route Highlights:
    • Dordogne River Views: Cycle along the river towards Sarlat-la-Canéda, passing through gorgeous cliffs and lush forests.
    • Sarlat-la-Canéda: The final destination for your bike trip, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and bustling market.
  • Places of Interest:
    • Sarlat Old Town: Explore the winding streets filled with artisan shops and cafes.
    • La Dordogne River: Consider taking a boat ride to see the river from a different perspective.
  • Lunch Stop:
    • Le Présidial (Sarlat-la-Canéda): A cozy spot for a final French meal, offering local specialties. (~$30–40 AUD).
    • La Petite Auberge (Sarlat-la-Canéda): A charming bistro offering traditional dishes. (~$25–35 AUD).
  • Train/Ferry Back:
    • Sarlat to Bergerac Train: From Sarlat, take a train back to Bergerac (about 1 hour 30 minutes, ~€12–18, which is approximately $20–30 AUD).
    • Alternatively, you can use a ferry if you prefer a scenic route along the Dordogne River.

General Tips:

  • Bike Rental: Expect to pay about $30–50 AUD per day for bike rental, with options for guided tours or self-guided rentals available.
  • Weather: The Dordogne is best enjoyed during spring or autumn (April to June, September to October), with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
  • Packing Tip: Bring appropriate gear for cycling and some basic repairs like a puncture kit, as some stretches are in more rural areas.

This itinerary ensures a balance of cycling, sightseeing, relaxation, and food, with each day offering a variety of experiences while sticking to the 50 km/day goal.

Pricing Summary for Dordogne River Valley Bike Trip (4 Days)

The total cost for a 4-day bike trip in the Dordogne River Valley can vary depending on your preferences for bike rental, accommodation, meals, and transport.

  • Bike Rental: Standard bike rental for 4 days typically costs between $100 and $150 AUD. If you prefer an electric bike, rental prices are higher, generally ranging from $150 to $200 AUD for the same period.
  • Accommodation: Mid-range 3-star hotels in the region usually charge around $100 to $150 AUD per night. For 4 nights, you can expect to pay between $400 and $600 AUD.
  • Meals: For meals, you can expect to spend about $35 to $50 AUD per day, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Over the 4 days, this will total approximately $140 to $200 AUD.
  • Transport: The cost of returning by train or ferry to the bike hire location is generally between $30 and $50 AUD, depending on the specific route and transport options available.

Overall, the total cost for the trip ranges from approximately $730 to $1,050 AUD, depending on your choices for bike rental, accommodation, and meals. This range offers a flexible and budget-friendly option for a 4-day adventure in the beautiful Dordogne River Valley.