Cycle Périgord beautiful sights, a must see

Arrival in Souillac

Souillac is the ideal departure point to discover the Périgord: a perfect mix between rivers and incredible heritage building sites: indestructible bridges span the Dordogne down the city, Sainte-Marie’s abbey, ancient Benedictine abbey, crowned by byzantine style cupolas, takes pride of place in the middle of the city. A city full of amazing structures to enlighten the senses of days passed.

Souillac – Rocamadour | 21km or 28km

This first bike stage leads you to Rocamadour, Marian sanctuary welcomes you to one of the greatest pilgrimages in Europe. To reach the village, ride along the Dordogne, then the Ouysse valley arriving in Rocamadour with a breathtaking view over the village, built on the side of the cliff, it is in three parts: the village, the sanctuary and the castle.

Rocamadour – Gourdon | 33km

Leave Rocamadour through the heights and cross the peaceful and the well preserved Regional Nature Reserve of the Causses de Quercy. The hilly landscapes on the Black Périgord will enthral you. Before reaching the medieval city of Gourdon and its quaint ochre houses, stop over the beautiful Notre-Dames des Neiges’ chapel and its coloured frescoes, a sight not to be missed.

Gourdon – Sarlat | 46km

The small country roads will lead you to Domme, perched above the Dordogne river. Follow the road along the river all around you are numerous castles witness of a belligerent past between the lords of the region: Castelnaud and Beynac are only examples. At the end of the day arrive in Sarlat-laCanéda, Black Périgord's capital city. Take a walk in the lively streets and sit on the terrace to taste a typical Périgord dinner.

Sarlat – Souillac | 31km

Reach the quiet Dordogne river through the old railway transformed as a Green path. All along the way, you will cross numerous ochre coloured villages, and the medieval castles will keep watch on you from the heights of the hills, as an example: Fénelon castle covered with ‘Lauzes’ the typical stone of the region. Departure at the end of the stage.