This culinary cycle tour is loosely based on the 12th century travels and battles of Richard the Lionheart, the courageous Crusader King and leader who fought military campaigns across the Middle East and Europe. The land is dotted with lakes, rivers and ancient honey-colored stone villages as you cycle on virtually traffic-free roads. Attractions include exploring cave paintings, moated castles, Roman churches and flamboyant Renaissance manor houses. The route also offers at least one fairytale chateau to tour each day.
It’s not all cycling as the vibrant summer festivals and daily markets offer up mouth-watering specialties and picnic edibles. Linger a while longer as you wander along the stalls or find a shady spot at a village café for a coffee before moving on down the road.
Lodging is excellent: 3-4 star, town-centre auberges, fine country houses standing in their own grounds, renovated chateaux set among hundreds of landscaped acres and a riverside hotel famous for its gastronomic reputation. Of course this is just to set the stage for the real star – the dining on offer. We have chosen our lodging carefully to accommodate the most discerning palate. The chefs offer regional duck and “foie gras” delicacies from the Perigeaux region, truffle based sauces, famous Limousin beef, fresh Atlantic fish and mouth watering desserts accompanied by wines from the near-by Bordeaux region. With the local Pineau de Charente or kir as an aperitif and Cognac to follow, meals are a gastronomic delight.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at your first night's hotel. Relax on the veranda then have a hearty dinner where your guides will give a briefing.
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Day 2: Leaving your hotel just outside of Limoges, your first day starts with a gentle morning ride through the Haute Vienne countryside. Along the way you’ll stop off at picturesque Rochechouart, with its imposing 12th century cliff-top castle and beautiful lake. There’s also a chance to view the historically important Gallo-Roman baths nearby.
After lunch, the route follows part of the famous 'Grand Randonee' long distance footpaths before taking to the hills of the Haute Charente on quiet country roads. Make sure you pack your swimwear as there’s a welcome rest and cool drinks to be had at a beautiful swimming lake before arriving at your stunning 4 star chateau hotel situated on 850 acres of grounds. Dinner is in the gourmet restaurant of the chateau. Distance: 26miles/42km.
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Day 3: It’s a morning of easy cycling as you head for the bustling market town of Montbron. On the way, stop off at a 12th century Roman church with it's impressive 800 year-old wall frescos. The cool of the interior makes for a refreshing break. The route follows tiny roads and forest tracks through sleepy hamlets before a short climb takes you into town.
After lunch the route follows a quiet river valley towards the historically important town of La Rochefoucauld and its famous chateau. After touring the chateau, you’ll head to your lodging for the night, a lovely auberge where the owners will make you feel right at home. Distance: 33miles/53km.
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Day 4: This will be the longest day of the tour as you follow a gentle river valley. Along the way you’ll be on an old railway line which has been converted into a bike-only cycle path. The shade trees and bird calls make for a nice break from the road. Soon you’ll cross into the Dordogne region. A short climb will take you to a beautiful spot for lunch in a typical Dordogne village.
The afternoon then takes you on quiet country roads through part of the Perigord-Limousin National Park. Look out for buzzards hunting from fence posts and trees. You often get very close as you approach silently on the bike. Deer and even wild boar sometimes dart out of forest clearings ahead of you as well. Soon you’ll arrive at your lodging for the night, a beautiful 3 star on 20 acres with its own private beach. Relax before dinner with an aperitif on the veranda overlooking the lake. Distance: 39miles/64km.
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Day 5: You’ll cycle further into the Dordogne, going by the medieval town of Bourdeilles, a beautiful town sitting on the banks of the River Dronne. With its two castles and range of outdoor cafes, it makes a great place to relax for a couple of hours after a leisurely lunch. Soon the road beckons as you aim for the Venice of the Dordogne, the lovely old town of Brantome, with its ubiquitous groups of avid canoeists negotiating the gentle weirs. Charlemagne formed the original abbey here in 769 in front of troglodyte caves in the cliff-side, which had been inhabited from man's earliest days.
The town is famous for the 7th century abbey created by Charlemagne as well as being the home of the famous contemporary historian and man of letters, Pierre de Bourdeille - better known as 'Brantome'. Your home for the next two days is a 3 star riverside hotel that is known throughout the region for its excellent culinary flair. Distance: 22miles/35km.
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Day 6: You have a choice of activities on your loop day, including exploring the troglodyte caves and abbey, bartering for deals in the lively market, canoeing on the River Dronne or simply relaxing in one of the many outdoor cafes and watching the world go by!
The town has excellent shopping if you’re looking for something for the less fortunate family members still stuck at home. For those who have not had enough time in the saddle, there are interesting loop rides to choose from. You will dine at a wonderful riverside restaurant known for exceptional cuisine.
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Day 7: The river is your companion as we head for yet another stunning chateau, the Chateau de Puyguilhem, a beautifully designed chateau set in woodlands close to the town of Villars. As a side-trip, nearby are impressive limestone caves with amazing stalactites and cave-wall paintings. It’s well worth a visit to cool off, especially on a hot day. Soon you’ll arrive at one of the most beautiful villages in the region, where a lunch can be had at one of the shaded cafes near the Roman church. After lunch, it’s easy cycling on a converted railway line/bike path, which takes you though the enchanting Perigord Vert countryside.
A final climb takes you up to your 3 star country hotel, where another superb gourmet dining experience awaits. The hotel has cascading, gardens that look out over the valley as you dine under a candlelit grape arbor. The deserts are indescribably delicious! Distance: 28miles/45km.
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Day 8: The route will take you by numerous small lakes and rivers as we leave the Dordogne behind and cross over into the Haute Vienne region. The villages seem to change before your very eyes. Pull in for a coffee or cool beer at the exquisite, ancient converted water mill that sits across from the picturesque castle of Montbrun. The owner has an excellent jazz collection that he’s sure to be playing. Too soon, you’ll have to leave to continue to the town and castle where King Richard met his end while besieging the French in 1199.
After a hearty lunch in town, and a tour of the castle we head for yet another chateau in the country. This time, it is also our accommodation for the final night of the tour, a three star private chateau hotel set in its own beautiful grounds. Distance: 28miles/45km.
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Day 9: After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred back to Limoges for your onward journey.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Bike rental: 100 euros /$US130.
Single supplement: 400 euros /$500.
Guided Tour includes:
- 2 trip guides.
- Van support, luggage transfer, route books, and maps.
- 3-4 star lodging, all breakfasts, all lunches except 2, and all dinners except 2.
- Transfers to-from tour start, access to attractions, bicycles available to rent.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Caving
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