Along the Dordogne

A Fine Nose for the Joyful Life

The Dordogne is perhaps the most quintessentially French part of France. It's a region where the French have elevated the art of enjoying life to new heights. La Joie de Vivre is simply everywhere – even on your cycling tours. Just take a look at the area east of Bordeaux. Majestic wine estates crown every ridge. Plenty of chances to tuck a bottle into your pannier – perfect for the evening. Along the way, you’ll pass medieval towns, sometimes dozing along the winding Dordogne River. Take Bergerac, for instance, with its old town that has barely changed since the Middle Ages. In its ancient half-timbered houses, you'll find charming boutiques and cozy restaurants.

Intimate Towns

But first, explore Bordeaux – often called the little sister of Paris. Not exactly small, but definitely refined. Sip a café crème on the intimate Place du Parlement and soak up the atmosphere under the trees at Esplanade des Quinconces. Then off you go, into the saddle, heading for equally intimate Saint-Émilion – atmospheric, medieval, and with winding streets scented by bold reds, hinting at what this town is all about: wine! Bergerac comes next, famous for Cyrano and his generous nose. Monbazillac and its château also have a fine nose for ambiance. The same goes for the towns still ahead, like Lalinde, Les Eyzies, and the medieval gem of Sarlat. Luckily, this joyful way of life still stretches out before you for several more days.