HOLIDAY DETAILS
The Dordogne: The area now known as the Dordogne includes the old departments of Perigord and Quercy - now named the Dordogne and Lot after the two main rivers that disect the region. The Perigord region to the north is an outstandingly picturesque area of France, and probably represents many people's idea of what 'rural' France should be like. Gentle rivers slowly meander through fields of maize and corn, and woods of walnut and oak, past tiny villages of golden limestone, and clifftop castles. To the south the dryer Quercy region is more sparsely populated. Here the River Lot has cut a deep valley through a vast, bare limestone plateau (the causses), and settlements are further apart. However between them the two regions have some outstanding examples of rural arcitecture. There is an official list of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France' and the area has the highest number of listed villages anywhere in the country. In addition caves in the limestone plateau were inhabited by early man, who left more evidence of their habitation, most notably in the form of cave paintings, than anywhere else in Europe.
The Tour: This is a Fully Supported Cycling Holiday with a leader, and support vehicle to carry all the luggage and provide any necessary assistance. The holiday is designed to show you the delights of the region, and the route is rather winding at times to include as many of the attractive villages and 'sights' as possible.
Some of the route is along river valleys where the terrain is mostly gently undulating with a few minor hills along the way. However there are some longer, steeper climbs where the route takes you away from the river onto the surrounding plateau, or up to some of the villages on the side of the valleys. Most of the route follows minor roads, and traffic is generally light. However you do pass through several towns where traffic is heavier, and the route does take you through some popular tourist villages, particularly in the Dordogne Valley, and roads around these can be a little busier for a while.
Accommodation & Food: Accommodation is in small family run hotels, offering clean and comfortable rooms. Single people travelling alone will be booked into a twin bedded room with another single member of the same sex – unless you have paid the single room price for the holiday. We book rooms with ensuite facilities where available, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Breakfast is provided at the accommodation, most hotels also have a restaurant attached for an evening meal, or there is at least one other restaurant nearby. There are some excellent restaurants in the area, with Perigord truffles the local delicacy.
Start/Finish: The holiday starts and finishes at Lalinde in the Dordogne Valley. Flights are available to the nearby airport at
Bergerac from several regional airports in the UK. Alternatively there are good train connections from/to Paris (with Eurostar connection from
London) to the railway station at Lalinde. Transport will be provided from Bergerac airport to/from Lalinde. Note: The cost of travel to/from Bergerac is
not included in the price of the holiday.
You may book the flight yourself (or make your own alternative arrangements), or if you wish us to make the booking for you
we can do so (an additional fee is payable).A separate form will be sent to you.
Cycle Transport: If required we offer a cycle transport service to take your bicycle from your home in the UK to the start of the holiday, and return it to your home at the end of the trip (additional fee payable).
Documents: You require a passport to visit France. Nationals of some other countries also require a visa. Non EU passport holders should check with the nearest French Embassy. You are also required to have travel insurance for the duration of the holiday. If you do not purchase insurance from us you will be required to provide evidence of a suitable alternative policy.
Bikes: All types of cycle are suitable for the trip. The most important thing is that the bike functions properly and that you are comfortable riding it. However you should make sure that your bike has suitable gears as there are some moderately steep hills along the way. If you are riding a mountain bike then you should fit it with narrow 'slick' tyres. You should also make sure that you are able to carry some spare food and clothing with you on the bike.
Weather: The weather here is generally very pleasant, with warm sunny days and temperatures in the mid 20’s. June is usually mostly dry, but, as always, you should take a rainjacket in case you are unlucky. |