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©Cyclo Ramshorn 300dpi 018.jpg 1920px|Romann Ramshorn

CYCLING PATHS IN THE DORDOGNE VALLEY

Fun and freedom for the whole family

Cycling in the Dordogne Valley is a delightful way to explore this captivating part of France, with Voies Vertes cycling paths offering a memorable experience in a safe and beautiful environment.

Voies Vertes or Greenway bike paths, 100% car-free

Cycling on the Voies Vertes of the Dordogne Valley offers a safe and scenic adventure suitable for the entire family. The region boasts a network of well-maintained cycling paths that gently weave through charming towns and the picturesque countryside. These secure routes ensure that cyclists of all ages and abilities can enjoy their ride without the worry of traffic, making it a stress-free experience for parents and extra safe fun for kids.

As you pedal along, you’ll be treated to the stunning landscapes for which the Dordogne Valley is renowned. The paths often skirt rivers, meander through lush forests, and offer panoramic views of historic castles and medieval villages, ensuring your journey is as stunning as it is invigorating.

Best way to travel

Along the way, village bakeries, little restaurants and quaint cafés provide perfect pit-stops where you can rest and soak up the local atmosphere.

For those without their own gear, bike hire shops are located everywhere. They offer a range of options, including kid bikes and electric bikes, which are a perfect choice for those who might appreciate a little assistance on the hilly stretches.

Cycling is not only a joy but also an eco-friendly way to explore. It produces zero emissions, reducing your carbon footprint and helps to preserve the pristine natural beauty of the Dordogne Valley for future generations.

La Vézère à Vélo cycling path

The Vézère Valley Greenway begins in Limeuil and is set to extend all the way to Montignac-Lascaux. The initial stretches opened in 2023 and offer a serene journey along the banks of the Vézère River. Starting from the quays of Le Bugue, you can enjoy the views of the river before heading under railway bridges to take the road leading to Les Eyzies.

From summer 2024, this cycling path will connect four charming villagesLes Eyzies, Le Bugue, Limeuil, and Saint-Chamassy—over a 22 km trail in an almost completely car-free environment.

Click here for more information on this route.

The greenway between Sarlat and Cazoulès

A charming cycle route that follows the old railway line from Sarlat to Cazoulès, which is conveniently located just 3 km from Souillac.

This mostly shady path is perfect for the whole family to enjoy cycling, walking or rollerblading. All motorized vehicles are forbidden.

The route looks flat but has in fact a slight incline most of the way. This means it’s easy to cycle from Sarlat, but the return trip will require a bit more effort. Nothing challenging, but it’s wise to consider this when planning a trip with younger family members.

On the way plan a pit-stop at La Gare Robert Doisneau and have a look at some of the pictures of the famous photographer who spent many holidays in the Dordogne Valley.

Click here for the map of the cycling route

Vallée de l’Isle cycling path to Périgueux

Almost 100 km long, it links Notre Dame de Sanilhac to Périgueux city centre.

On foot, by bike or on rollerblades, you can contemplate the River Isle as it meanders through the valley, admire the view from the footbridges spanning the river, and stop off at one of the many rest areas. You’ll discover magnificent landscapes and historic sites as well as the possibility of sampling the famous Périgord gastronomy along the way.

The route alternates between sections of dedicated greenways and shared-use roads.

Click here to find out more.

Véloroute Voie Verte V91 near Bergerac

A 40km greenway that stretches from Prigonrieux to Mauzac, this path is largely shaded and runs alongside the banks of the Dordogne River, providing a cool and relaxed cycling environment.

A small portion of the route merges with very quiet roads, encountering minimal car traffic.

As you journey along, enjoy the added scenic bonus of the Lalinde canal, stretching from the Tuilières locks to Mauzac. This path offers a harmonious blend of both natural beauty and history.

Find out more about the route here.

Flow Vélo from Sarlat to the Ocean

This delighful and bucolic 400 km cycle route, known as Flow Vélo®, stretches from Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne to Ile d’Aix in the Charente-Maritime. It winds through the serene Périgord Limousin Regional Nature Park and continues to Angoulême, before making its picturesque journey towards the Ile d’Aix in the estuary.

Opening for the summer in 2024, the first section covers 38.80 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda to Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare. As you traverse the pastoral landscapes of the Périgord region, you’ll experience roads less traveled and enjoy quaint villages that offer delightful stopping points.

While the route is predominantly shared with very light traffic, it’s important to note that some sections may encounter heavier traffic. This blend of quiet stretches and busier roads requires some vigilance but does not detract from the overall peaceful and scenic nature of the journey.

Find out here about the cycling route.

The Corrèze Greenway: A 17 km route through Brive

Exploring the city of Brive has never been easier.

The voie verte cycling path along the Corrèze River offers a scenic route through Brive-la-Gaillarde. This picturesque path along the riverbanks provides a unique way to experience the town, whether for leisure or exercise. Families and sports enthusiasts alike can enjoy this protected route, traveling east to west and back.

For the more adventurous, the journey can begin near Aubazine and extend to the confluence with the Vézère at Saint Pantaléon de Larche, covering a total distance of 17 km.

Click here to get all the info you need.

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