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Miles of scenic and spectacular biking in the Dordogne...medieval fortresses and prehistoric caves in France's rural Southwest. Between the world famous wine regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux lies the Dordogne River Valley. The Dordogne River bursts out of the volcanic rocks of the Massif Central, runs through the granite platforms of the Limousin, and crisscrosses the fertile plains. During the Middle Ages, this tranquil region passed back and forth between the French and the English, who built nearly a thousand fortresses along the river. We bike the same paths as pilgrims and soldiers of centuries past, sleep in medieval castles and dine on the rich flavors of the southwest, including foie gras, truffles and wild game.
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• Grand panoramas, quiet villages and fine cuisine
• Cycling past the Châteaux and cliff-top villages
• Exploring the heart of Sarlat-la-Canéda
• Foie gras with a fine glass of Monbazillac
• Original pre-historic cave paintings at Font de Gaume
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Day 1 Montignac
Our journey back in time starts with a visit to Lascaux II, an extraordinary replica of the original Lascaux caves and 17,000 year-old paintings. This "Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art" offers an amazing oppportunity to admire bison, horses adn enigmatic symbols painted in overlapping movement.
• One night at Hotel de la Roseraie, set in the heart of the medieval village of Montignac.
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Day 2 & 3 The Vézère River and Les Eyzies
We set out along the Vézère River Valley. The quaint village of St. Léon-sur Vézère beckons for a quick stop before we our ride to Les Eyzies and a visit to Font de Gaume. Here we admire original color paintings done some 14,000 years ago. The next day, we pedal on to the Valley of the Castles, where we can trade our bikes for canoes and enjoy a lazy ride down the river. This section of the Dordogne has the largest concentration of castles that you will probably ever encounter. The fortresses include the 13th c. Beynac, 15th c. Les Milandes, and the 13th c. Castelnaud. A visit to the honey-hued town of Domme to admire its splendid panorama, from Beynac to the west and Montfort to the east.
• Two nights at Domaine de Rochebois, an opulent 4 star property in the heart of Perigord Noir.
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Day 4, 5 & 6 Sarlat & La Treyne
We follow the old rail route to Souillac and the imposing Chateau de la Treyne, a chateau hotel perched on the banks of the Dordogne. Our last day together begins with an optional sunrise balloon ride above the village of Rocamadou, built into the side of dramatic cliffs. Back on the ground, we cycle to Rocamadou, an important pilgrimage stop in the Middle Ages. Climb the 223 steps to pay homage or enjoy a fascinating tour of a 15th c. flour mill, the Moulin de Cougnaguet.
• Two nights at Château de la Treyne, an impressive Relais & Chateaux property.
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"I can honestly say it was the trip of a lifetime."
Anne Lowell Single
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Dates: May 26-31, Jun 30-Jul 5, Jul 28-Aug 2, Sep 15-20, May 25-30, 2009, Jun 22-27, 2009, Jul 27-Aug 1, 2009
Length: 6 days/5 nights
Level: 1 B
Daily Mileage: 15-35 miles on gently rolling to rolling terrain. Some hills and climbs.
Cost: $3780
Single Supplement: $800
Meals: All breakfasts, all dinners but 1; picnic lunch
Hotels: 4 star castles & estates
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