The Dordogne (8/10)
Southwest France
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On the other side of France from Provence is another world in terms of cycling. The Dordogne area (between Sarlat and Bergerac) replaces Provence's agricultural landscape with woods and rushing rivers. Instead of farming villages, the region is dotted with massive medieval castles.
This is also one of the cultural centers of the world, home to the famous cave paintings of Lascaux and other renowned prehistoric sites such as Font de Gaume. The gastronomy changes too. Instead of olive oil, fresh picked fruit and vegetables, and lamb, the cuisine of the Dordogne features duck, goose, wild boar and game. While there are fewer actual wineries in the area, the world's finest wines are all available at the many well-stocked wine boutiques and tasting rooms. |
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Route Variety 8/10
This region offers an excellent variety of safe, scenic routes. You can meander alongside the Dordogne River stopping only to admire the Castle of Beynac that looms overhead. To the north, the river bank rises sharply up an escarpment which will allow the group to give their legs a good workout. To the south the countryside is more flat. |
Hills: 7/10
There are no massive climbs in the Dordogne area and so if Peak Bagging is your thing, this might not be the ideal choice. Instead the routes are more rolling with a few sharp not too long uphills up the river escarpments. |
Cycling Safety 9/10
Off season there is relatively little motorized traffic in this region at all. You have a greater chance of hitting a donkey than a car or truck. In peak season however there is a lot of tourist traffic in this popular area. |
Non-cycling Interest: 8/10
Medieval castles, charming fortified villages, scenic routes, delicious food and wine, hiking, canoeing, artisans, open air markets, prehistoric cave visits, excellent – the Dordogne isn't one of Hosted Villas' most popular tourism destinations for nothing. |
Weather and Seasons 7/10
The Achilles heel of the southwest region might be that the season is shorter and the weather less reliable. Cyclists should probably consider June and September as the ideal months. The summer months, though, while too hot in Provence, are ideal for cycling here. |
