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.
Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Allow at least 3hrs for this intermediate circular route
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
Bike hire and delivery service in the heart of the Dordogne region
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
Cycle hire in Sarlat-la-Canéda to explore the Dordogne’s heritage and cuisine
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 delivery service along the Dordogne River
Cycle hire located in the Périgord 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
Prehistoric cave with examples of rock formations & cave paintings
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
The many pilgrimage sites of Le Sanctuaire de Rocamadour
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.
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Ramparts of Chateau de Rocamadour, Rocamadour
Remains of 14th-century fort intended to protect la Cite Religieuse
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
Bird park with eagles, vultures, owls & many more winged species
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
Huge underground galleries and lakes
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.
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Gouffre de Padirac, Padirac
Legendary caves & an incredible subterranean boat ride
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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La Chartreuse du Bignac Restaurant, St Nexans
Gourmet restaurant with indoor & terrace dining located in an rural 17th century building
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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Hostellerie de Plaisance Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Michelin starred gourmet restaurant overlooking Saint-Emilion
This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.
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Le Pont de l'Ouysse Restaurant, Lacave
Restaurant of Le Pont de l'Ouysse Hotel
Michelin star restaurant with 14 immaculate rooms in the Lacave region.
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l'Hostellerie des Ducs Restaurant, Duras
Inviting family run restaurant
The hotel restaurant is run by the Blanchet family. A stylish establishment, with a beautiful open fire during winter months and a wonderful shaded terrace to relax in the warmth of spring and summer.
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Les Belles Perdrix de Troplong Mondot Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Gourmet restaurant in a château among the vineyards
This restaurant is located in the Château Troplong Mondot, a large estate on the top of a hill with a winery that produces a 1er Grand Cru Classé. They serve traditional French cuisine with creative contemporary touches.
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Eleonore Restaurant, Monpazier
'Haute cuisine' in an intimate, inviting location
Part of the successful Edward 1er Hotel, the restaurant has a lot to live up to. Welcoming and professional staff greet you into the small 28 seat dining room and you are sure to be delighted by the experience and attention to detail from start to finish.
What to do
Things To Do in Dordogne
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Durandal Vs Excalibur Equestrian Show, Rocamadour
Historical drama told with amazing equestrian acrobatics
An hour long horse show and theatre production that is based on the rivalry between the English and the French with lively, action-packed fun.
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Prehisto Parc
Life-size recreation of prehistoric life
This park recreates life in prehistoric times.
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Bergerac Wine Tours, Eymet
Wine tasting in the Bergerac wine area of the Dordogne
A full day tour for those interested in wine, the terroir, the makers and other local products of the Dordogne region.
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Montgolfiere et Chateaux, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Hot air balloon flights above the beautiful Dordogne & Perigord
Shortly before sunset, or at dawn, following the preparation of the flight you can take off with Lionel, a professional balloonist and paraglider who has been working as a guide in Dordogne for more than 15 years.
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Le Petit Train de Bergerac
Guided sightseeing of Bergerac in the little train
Discover the historic town of Bergerac during this 30-35 minute tour of the towns most famous sights and features.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac
48 person traditional boat trip with commentary
This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.
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.





















