Discover the South west of France between Lot-et-Garonne and Dordogne. These two areas reflect all the values that create the region atmosphere offering its visitors a mosaic of preserved landscapes with an amazing diversity. Start your cycling holidays from « Agen », a friendly and lively town renowned for its canal bridge, the second longest in France and its famous prunes. Cycle through medieval “bastide” town and fortified castles, pretty villages such as « Monpazier », « la Roque Gageac » and « Sarlat », classified “most beautiful villages of France”. Ride on gentle rolling hills and fertile valleys through wild wood and pine forest. Authentic and convivial, these areas are ideal for green tourist lovers. The gastronomy and local food are part of their identity; don’t miss a taste of
the typical dishes of the region (black truffles, mushrooms, foie gras, duck confit…) renowned worldwide. You will be welcome every night in 3 or 4-stars hotels or charming guest houses.
Day 1: Welcome to « Agen »
Arrive at your 3-star hotel in Agen, where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you. This beautiful city, capital of the prune, is half way between « Bordeaux » and « Toulouse » and offers a few interesting locations. « Agen », is a rich city with 2000 years of history, which reveals its heritage throughout medieval streets and elegant boulevards from 19th Century :The Museum of Beaux-Arts (fine arts) shows five Goya paintings (including the self-portrait), among other Spanish works of the 18th and 19th centuries. Its vibrant city center, offers shops and services. Farmers’ markets are a howcase of local products: foie gras, fruit and vegetables, and of course, prunes! Overnight: 3 star-hotel, Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 2: Around the Lot Valley : ~ 45 Km
Your cycling tour in South West France takes you from « Agen », pretty city of the Prune to the medieval bastide of Villeneuve-sur-Lot » though beautiful countryside roads. Take the time to visit the “Foie Gras museum” and discover all the secrets of its fabrication! Many farms open their doors in the area. Then the itinerary takes you to « Penne d’Agenais», one of the most beautiful villages of France. « Villeneuve-sur-Lot » is a charming bastide in Lot-et-Garonne which was built on the two banks of the river “Lot” between 1251 and 1264, by a feudal treaty between “Alphonse de Poitiers”, representing the king of France and the powerful Benedictine Abbey of Eysses. Listed among the largest and powerful bastide of the south west, «Villeneuve-sur-Lot » has a rich heritage to be discovered: the main square and its “couverts”, the towers of Pujols and Paris, half-timbered houses from XVIIth and XVIIIth centuries, The Cieutat bridge…
Overnight: 4 star-hotel, Included Meals: dinner and Breakfast
Day 3 : Lot Valley and Dordogne : ~ 50 Km
This cycling day pursues its itinerary towards « Monflanquin », bastide classified most beautiful village of France. Cycle through woods and forest and reach the fortress of “Gavaudun”, border line between the Perigord and the Lot Valley area. Take the time to visit it and head towards « Biron » where a fortified castle awaits you. Enjoy a pleasant end of the itinerary in a Perigord landscape: forest of chestnut, oak, stone walls with earth tones and discover the remarkable medieval bastide of « Monpazier », another village classified most beautiful village of France. The bastide of « Monpazier » is the best preserved bastide of the Perigord with its 32 monuments classified. It is considered as the most beautiful and as the bastide “model” among the 300 bastides of the South West. It was built in 1284, under the reign of King Edward 1er of England. It is an authentic jewel of medieval architecture classified Grand National site since 1991. Overnight: 3 star-hotel, Included Meals: dinner and Breakfast
Day 4 : Bastides towns of Périgord : ~ 45 Km
Your cycling holiday takes you this time on the « Route des Bastides ». From « Monpazier » discover the thirteenth century English bastides and remarkable religious monuments. Take the time to admire the “cloister of Cadouin” a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will end your cycling day in the Black Perigord, the most famous and tourist area of the Dordogne. The name « Périgord Noir » refers to the high density of green oaks whose foliage is dense, dark and persistent. It is the oldest appellation. With the Perigord “green, white and purple” it is one of the four entities of this tourist area. It is known for its castles, prehistoric sites, medieval villages and its landscapes. Overnight: 3 star-hotel or charming guest house, Included Meals: dinner and Breakfast
Day 5: Châteaux and most beautiful villages of France: ~ 50 Km
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Black Perigord and discover the most beautiful castles of the Valley. « Les Milandes », « Castelnaud » or « Beynac » open their doors! Cycle alongside the Dordogne and enjoy the beautiful medieval villages of France. Located at the foot of a cliff, the « Roque Gageac » will amaze you. Then you cycle in the direction of the gastronomic capital of the Black Perigord where you can enjoy a regional cuisine, foie gras, truffles, duck… « Sarlat » is one of the jewels of the Black Perigord which preserved the footprints of its history. Classified city of art and history, it was built during the ninth century around a large Benedictine abbey. The riches of its architectural heritage make its excellent reputation. Its narrow streets, its vaulted passage, its cathedral and its mansions of the fifteenth and sixteenth century will surprise you. The medieval city is also renowned for its largest number of classified and listed historical monuments in the world. Overnight: 3 star-hotel, Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast
This secure route allows you to travel the Dordogne, in complete freedom and tranquility, at its pace from April to October.
How to get to Agen?
By train : The Agen station in the heart of the city of Agen will allow you to travel via Bordeaux, Toulouse or Paris.
By car: The A62 highways connecting Agen with the regional capitals Bordeaux and Toulouse (Agen exit n ° 7)
By plane : The airline CHALAIR offers two round trips Agen – Paris Orly West from Monday to Friday and a round trip on Sunday evening.
Departure information from Sarlat:
Several possibilities are available to you. You can take the train to Sarlat, a bus, a taxis to bring you to the airport of Agen or Bordeaux Merignac or you can leave Sarlat by car.
Options
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