Road bike hire
Cycle hire located in the Périgord Noir region of the Dordogne, in the village of Coux-et-Bigaroque.
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.
Cycle hire located in the Périgord Noir region of the Dordogne, in the village of Coux-et-Bigaroque.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This restaurant in the old guard rooms of the Château du Viguier Royal, makes this old mansion-house kitchen alive again. The chef, Daniel Authié, creates cooking art which mixes contemporary and traditional flavours. The sommelier and head waiter, Bernard Badia, offers helpful advice on the food characteristics and complementary wines.
Set inside a 106-hectare estate Castle, the restaurant setting alone is worth a visit, but with beautiful stone walls, painted wooden beams and decorated in traditional fashion, it is very much worth taking a step inside.
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.
With their very own garden, the restaurant has access to the freshest fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs. This is reflected in the menu, which makes the most of the regions famous culinary delights, including foie gras and of course Perigords black diamond, the truffle. You will easily settle into the cosy, contemporary restaurant or get to enjoy your surroundings while dining out on the terrace.
A delightful trip along the river that runs through the heart of Bergerac on a traditional wooden barge.
In the heart of the 'Purple Perigord' you can share and enjoy the passion of owner Jean-Pierre who has been part of competitive karting since the late 1980's.
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Discover the historic town of Bergerac during this 30-35 minute tour of the towns most famous sights and features.
This is a great outing for a family as you will have the chance to see these magnificent wild boar in a natural environment where they forage and feed in the forests of oak and chestnut trees.
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.