Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Allow at least 3hrs for this intermediate circular route
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
Starting in the dizzying heights of L'Hospitalet at the top of Rocamadour this route will bring you down to the banks for the L'Alzoou river before you pass over to the larger L'Ouysse river, which you then follow on to Lacave. from there you will turn away from the Dordogne river and head back towards Rocamadour.
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Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Dordogne
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Town bike hire
As an avid cyclist living permanently in the Dordogne, the owner of this company has over 15 years of cycling experience in the region. This extensive knowledge places him in the perfect position to advise customers on routes that suit their preferences and to select the best bikes for exploring the Dordogne.
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Mountain bike hire
With a base at the very beginning of the Voie Verte in Sarlat, this company provides mountain bikes, electric bikes, and children's bikes for hire, as well as guided tours for groups.
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Road bike hire
Cycle hire located in the Pรฉrigord Noir region of the Dordogne, in the village of Coux-et-Bigaroque.
What to see
Moulin de Cougnaguet - this fortified mill sits on the river L'Ouysse. It originates from the 14th-century and was classified as a Historic Monument in 1925. Worked as a mill until the early 1960s, it is an interesting place to visit and to stop off for a picnic.
Grottes de Lacave - Accessed by a small electric train this cave are worth stopping for. There is also a brasserie across the road from the cave so could be the perfect lunch stop at this halfway point.
Mayrinhac le Francal - this is a pleasant small town where you can enjoy a quick break, a walk around and a visit to the church.
Sights in Dordogne
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Grotte des Merveilles, Rocamadour
Formed in the Middle Jurasic period as much as 150 million years ago this cave offers the chance to see nature at her best. Rock formations, calcified pillars and cave paintings are amongst the sites to be seen here.
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La Cite Religieuse
Overlooking the Alzou canyon, the medieval village of Rocamadour is perched on a cliff. The religious city at the heart of Rocamadour consists of seven chapels is reached by climbing the 216 steps of the Grand Escalier.ย
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Ramparts of Chateau de Rocamadour, Rocamadour
Sitting high on top of the town of Rocamadour is the Chateau de Rocamadour, originally built in the 14th-century to protect the sanctuaries and pilgrimage sites.
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Le Rocher des Aigles Ecoparc, Rocamadour
Nestled in the heart of the Quercy region at the very top of the town of Rocamadour this park allows you the chance to meet some wonderful birds.
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Grottes de Lacave, Lacave
Accessed today by a small electric train, these caves were discovered in 1902 by Armand Vire and at the time required a descent of over 60 metres.ย
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Gouffre de Padirac, Padirac
The most famous cave in Europe the Gouffre de Padirac is also considered to be one of the most important and interesting geological sites in France.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Dordogne
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Hostellerie de Plaisance Restaurant, Saint Emilion
This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cรฉdric Bรฉchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.
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La Chartreuse du Bignac Restaurant, St Nexans
The dining rooms allow for views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Drinks can also be enjoyed in the small library or among the chestnut trees.
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La Metairie Restaurant, Mauzac
Set in the hotel's 19th Century building, the dining room has wonderful stone walls and comforting, traditional table settings. Weather permitting, you may be able to relish your meal outside on the flowery terrace overlooking the lush garden or even down by the pool.
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Logis de la Cadene Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Founded in 1848, this restaurant is one of the oldest in the town of Saint-รmilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. French creative cuisine is served in its terrace and three dining rooms, accompanied by wines from the region.
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L'Esplanade Restaurant, Domme
Perched on a cliff, the Hรดtel l'Esplanade has aย great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.ย
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Les Merles Restaurant, Mouleydier
The restaurant boasts an innovative menu with a focus on fine local fare and seemless service. The very word Les Merles stands for honesty and delightfulness, which is reflected throughout the dining experience.
What to do
Things To Do in Dordogne
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Le Petit Train de Domme, Domme
A trip on a petit train is the perfect way to see this small bastide town and to learn a little more about the long history of the bastide town.
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Le Chemin de Fer Touristique du Haut-Quercy
Also known as the Truffle train, it will take you on a journey of 8 miles (13 Km) round trip, more than 80 meters (260 feet) high cliff, giving a wonderful panorama of the Dordogne Valley.
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Rocamadour Aventure, Rocamadour
Aerial adventures including treetop ladders, zip lines, cave routes and rocks faces to climb. This adventure park offers a mix of everything to keep the whole family entertained.
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Prehisto Parc
This park recreates life in prehistoric times.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, Bergerac
A delightful trip along the river that runs through the heart of Bergerac on a traditional wooden barge.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac
Travel along the valley of the five chateaux on traditional barges and discover some of the most beautiful sites.
Directions
Leaving L'Hospitalet you pass along the road marked 'Au Fond de la Cote' which leads you to the main street through the city of Rocamadour via the Porte du Figuier.
As you leave the city, the road tilts downward and you make your way towards the L'Alzou river. Following the path along the river you will enjoy some lush forest and greenery. The road then brings you to Croix du Crouzol and here you take the route to the left that follows onto the banks of the L'Ouyesse river. Staying close to the river on the smaller of the roads you continue your journey towards Moulin de Caoulet and then on to Moulin de Cougnaguet.
The path is straightforward from here and continues along the river, passing another moulin on the opposite bank and the small villages of Bourgnou and Verdoire. Eventually, you will reach Lacave, home to the Grottes de Lacave.
Passing along the cliffsides as you leave Lacave, you turn off the main road at the cemetery and enter into dense forest that offers some welcome respite from the sun. When you come to a T-junction take the left road and travel up and towards the end of the runway of the small airport. Skirting the airport you then follow the road to the town of Mayrinhac le Francal.
Passing through the town you make your way south towards the town of Les Alix and eventually back to L'Hospitalet and Rocamadour.