Dordogne Cycling Holidays
The Dordogne is a region full of character and history, perfect to explore by bike with Happy Cycling Holidays. Cycle along peaceful rivers, past medieval villages, castles and rolling countryside where time seems to stand still. Quiet roads, green valleys and local markets make every ride feel authentic and relaxed. Our cycling holidays in the Dordogne combine scenic routes, comfortable accommodation and the quality and care you expect from Happy Cycling Holidays. Like to discover other parts of France? Discover more of our cycling holidays in France.
1 holidays found
Bordeaux Grand Cru
- Pauillac, Margaux, Bourg, Virsac, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
- Cycling past world-famous wineries
- Wine castles and wine tastings
excl. additional costs
Dordogne is perfect for cyclists who want quiet nature, heritage and a truly slow pace of travel
A cycling holiday in Dordogne is ideal for travellers who want to escape busy regions and experience France at its most natural and historic. This is a destination where cycling blends into green valleys, forests and rivers, rather than cities or major wine routes. Dordogne suits leisure cyclists, couples and e-bike travellers who value tranquillity, local food and cultural depth over variety or long distances.
Why do cyclists choose Dordogne instead of more famous regions?
Dordogne attracts cyclists who are deliberately looking for calm. The region is known for its low population density, preserved landscapes and strong connection to nature. Routes often run through forests, along rivers and past farmland, creating a feeling of space that is increasingly rare in Europe.
According to the Dordogne Tourism Board, over one third of the region is covered by woodland, which explains the shaded routes and cooler cycling conditions compared to southern wine regions. This makes Dordogne especially appealing during warmer months.
What makes cycling here feel different from other river regions?
Unlike wide, open river landscapes such as the Loire or Bordeaux area, Dordogne’s rivers flow through narrow valleys with limestone cliffs, forests and medieval settlements. Cycling here feels enclosed and intimate, with frequent changes in light, terrain and scenery.
The France Vélo Tourisme network highlights Dordogne as a region where cycling routes closely follow rivers such as the Dordogne and Vézère, using quiet secondary roads rather than large-scale cycle highways. This results in a slower, more immersive riding experience.
Which places do you cycle through in Dordogne?
On the Dordogne Cycling Holidays offered by Happy Cycling Holidays, you cycle through the vineyards and countryside of the Bordeaux and Dordogne region, connecting a series of well-known wine towns and charming local centres that sit amid gentle rolling landscapes.
You begin cycling in Pauillac in the Haut-Médoc wine area, home to some of the region’s most revered wine estates, and continue through the world-famous village of Margaux, known for its elegant châteaux and prestigious vineyards. Further stages lead you along peaceful paths to Bourg-sur-Gironde and nearby Virsac, set by the Gironde estuary, before making your way to Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage village celebrated for its medieval centre and extensive wine culture. Finally, the route brings you into Bordeaux, a historic city with impressive architecture, lively squares and riverside quays where many cyclists enjoy exploring on foot.
These towns and villages are not just overnight stops but scenic and cultural highlights that enrich your cycling experience through the Bordeaux/Dordogne area.
How demanding is cycling in Dordogne?
Cycling in Dordogne is easy to moderate. Routes follow river valleys and forest roads, with occasional short climbs to reach villages or viewpoints.
Dordogne is especially suitable for:
- travellers who enjoy quiet, traffic-free roads
- couples seeking relaxed daily stages
- e-bike travellers who want comfort on short climbs
- cyclists interested in nature and history