Bike Across France

Name: Ciclismo Classico
Address: 30 Marathon Street, Arlington, MA, 02474, US
Telephone: 1-800-866-7314
Price range: $$$

Serene cycling through unspoiled southwestern France

The National Geographic Traveler award-winning addition to our “Bike Across” collection.

Destination

France

Activity

Biking

Level

Intermediate

Duration

9 days / 8 nights

You're an avid cyclist and France is on your Bike Bucket list but you can't decide where to go! Try the regions of France: Nouvelle Aquitaine and Occitanie.

Create your own private tour! To learn more, call 1-800-866-7314.

From $6,945 PP 9 days / 8 nights

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You're an avid cyclist and France is on your Bike Bucket list but you can't decide where to go! Try the regions of France: Nouvelle Aquitaine and Occitanie.

It’s time to discover a new world! Nouvelle Aquitaine and Occitanie in the southwest rival the best of Italy for its storied history, castles, lush green scenery, stone villages, excellent wines, ancient art, prehistoric sites, generous people, and hearty provincial cuisine. Explore it with us on this deliciously offbeat itinerary.

On this bike across journey, we cycle along country lanes and discover that every trail reveals a fantastic scene from traditional France: timeless villages of golden stone, hilltop castles shining like visions from a medieval tale, and towering oak forests where a knight on a white horse might not look out of place. The full cultural immersion in this corner of France is facilitated by the amazing enchanting towns visited and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, like Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux area and Albi and Carcassonne. The medieval town of Sarlat located in a region called Perigord Noir, is also another treasure we will explore.

Tour Essence

Explore four UNESCO World Heritage sites
Venture off the beaten path through the idyllic rural landscapes of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie
Experience the cultural variety of Gironde, Dordogne, Lot, Tarn-et-Garonne, Tarn, and Aude
Savor world-class wines from four renowned wine regions: Bordeaux, Bergerac, Cahors, and Gaillac.
Learn about the prehistoric sites of Grotte de Font-de-Gaume and Medieval Castelnaud Castle in Dordogne
Stroll through the legendary fortified town of Carcassonne and visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi.
Stay in charming hotels, majestic castles, and classic heritage properties
If it is market day, feel like a local in Sarlat
Take in the breathtaking scenery on a canoe ride along the Dordogne

What to Expect

Terrain

Rolling with a few climbs

Start Location

Saint-Emilion

End Location

Carcassonne

Mileage

Average Daily: 40/45 miles Total: 275/305 miles

Elevation

Average Daily: 3,000/3,300 ft Total: 21,200/22,800 ft

Recognition

Winner of "National Geographic Traveler Magazine Tours of a Lifetime" in 2013.

Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.

What’s Included

Service of professional guides throughout the program
2 wine tastings
Cycling clinics and one-on-one coaching
4 walking guided visits: prehistoric decorated cave, Castelnaud Castle, Albi historical center and Cathedral , and historical town of Carcassonne
Canoe ride along the Dordogne River
One group shuttle at the end of the tour

What’s Included

Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
Two water bottles
Saddle bag with repair kit
Optional: Map holder on handlebar

Pedal Options:

Flat pedals
Half-toe pedals (without straps)

What’s Not Included

Helmet
Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
Optional: your own saddle

All accommodations
All breakfasts
2 lunches
6 dinners

From wine tastings to a scenic canoe ride on the Dordogne River, each activity on this tour is thoughtfully designed to peel back the layers of history while celebrating the gastronomy and lifestyle of southwest France. You’ll experience it all from the unique vantage point of a bike saddle, fully immersed in nature as you find the perfect rhythm to take it all in. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through one of Europe’s most unforgettable regions.

Allez, allez les cyclistes!

Itinerary

Download Itinerary

Start Location

Saint-Emilion

Fly Into

Paris, France

End Location

Carcassonne

Fly Out Of

Paris, France

Download Itinerary

STYLED MAP

Day1

Saint-Emilion Warm-Up Ride

Welcome to France! Today, we meet in our hotel lobby at 12:30 PM for introductions and a light lunch, followed by a picturesque ride through the countryside, farmlands, and vineyards. Our route takes us through quaint villages offering panoramic views of the local terrain and ambiance. As we ride, we explore the Ancient Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion, an outstanding example of a historic vineyard landscape. Tonight, before dinner, we enjoy a personalized tour of the historic estate and private tastings of Clos des Jacobins’ acclaimed wines.

Meals Provided

Lunch, Dinner

Average Mileage

10 miles

Elevation Gain

500 ft

Riding Terrain

Flat and rolling

Meals Provided

Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations

Clos des Jacobins

Located at the foot of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, Clos des Jacobins is a prestigious Grand Cru Classé estate that combines a boutique 4-star hotel with a working winery. Surrounded by lush vineyards, this elegant property offers a refined and intimate experience in the heart of Bordeaux’s wine country.

Luxury Level4-star

Day2

Bergerac Area

After breakfast, our ride unfolds along famous vineyards and quiet landscapes, ending near Bergerac, a gem known for its well-preserved historic homes and churches. lunch on your own in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a riverside town that once flourished as a center of wine trade, exporting casks of wine to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The region’s wines, with their distinct character and rich heritage, rival those of nearby Bordeaux. One standout is Pécharmant, named from the local Occitan dialect, meaning “pleasant hill.”

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

45 miles

Elevation Gain

2,300 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling with a few climbs

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Château Les Merles

The 4-star boutique hotel is situated near Bergerac amidst vineyards and forests, providing stunning views of the scenic Dordogne Valley. The hotel boasts a contemporary and stylish design and spacious rooms. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, a tennis court, and a nine-hole golf course. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, rated by Gault Millau, serves modern and creative cuisine using regional products and produce from its garden.

Luxury Level4-star

Day3

Sarlat

Today, our journey leads us into the heart of the Périgord Noir, a region celebrated for its walnut groves, truffles, and breathtaking landscapes dotted with majestic castles. We ride through the stunning Vézère Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its 147 prehistoric sites and 25 decorated caves, offering a fascinating glimpse into early human history. We stop for lunch on your own in Les Eyzies, a picturesque village with plenty of inviting options to choose from. Our day concludes in Sarlat-la-Canéda, the enchanting capital of Périgord Noir and one of France’s best-preserved medieval towns. This evening, we gather for a memorable dinner in town.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

45/62 miles

Elevation Gain

3,000/4,000 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling with some 1-2 mile climbs—more climbs and descents on extra loop

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Plaza Madeleine Hotel & Spa

The elegant 4-star Plaza Madeleine enjoys a prime location at the entrance of Sarlat’s medieval center, placing you steps away from its renowned monuments, lively markets, charming shops, and vibrant street performances. This stylish hotel features a heated outdoor pool, a sun terrace with lounge chairs, and a wellness area complete with a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi

Luxury Level4-star

Day4

Dordogne River Canoe Ride

We take a break from cycling to enjoy a serene canoe ride along the Dordogne River, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2012. This peaceful journey highlights the region’s natural splendor and deep commitment to environmental preservation. As we paddle along a stretch of the river’s 130-mile course, we drift past majestic clifftop castles and storybook villages, including the breathtaking La Roque-Gageac, nestled between the riverbank and towering limestone cliffs. We pause for a picnic before walking uphill to explore the impressive Castelnaud Castle, a medieval fortress with commanding views of the valley. A local guide shares the castle’s storied past, offering insights that bring history vividly to life. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax before dinner on your own.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations

Plaza Madeleine Hotel & Spa

Luxury Level4-star

Day5

Château de Mercuès

If it’s market day, be sure to take a stroll through town and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle. Today’s ride leads us through the Quercy region, a place celebrated for its natural beauty, traditional architecture, and timeless charm. Often called “the land of fairytales,” Quercy remains largely undiscovered, with picturesque villages, stone farmhouses, and rolling agricultural landscapes. We regroup in Domme, a hilltop village that offers panoramic views of the Dordogne River. Our journey concludes near Cahors at the magnificent Château de Mercuès, one of only five medieval castles in France transformed into a luxury hotel. Here, we’ll enjoy a tasting of the region’s bold Cahors wine, followed by a memorable dinner at the château’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

45/60 miles

Elevation Gain

4,100/4,700 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling with a few 2-3 mile climbs—more climbs and descents on extra loop

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Château de Mercuès

The 4-star Château de Mercuès is a Relais & Châteaux wine-estate hotel steeped in history and charm. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Lot Valley and Cahors vineyards, the castle offers breathtaking views from every corner. Wander through grand halls, discover a hidden chapel tucked inside one of the towers, explore the 21,500-square-foot underground wine cellar, or unwind by the outdoor swimming pool.

Luxury Level4-star

Day6

Albi

We begin the day with a 1-hour shuttle to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, where our ride begins. The route winds through farmlands, and pastures, crossing the scenic Gorges de l’Aveyron and offering peaceful views of rural southern France. We stop for lunch in the hilltop medieval village of Cordes-sur-Ciel. Afterward, we continue our ride across a gently rolling plateau on quiet backroads. Our destination is Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Cathar stronghold, known for its rich history and red-brick beauty. Highlights include the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, one of France’s most important collections of the artist’s work, and the Pont Vieux, a 1,000-year-old bridge still in use. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Average Mileage

45 miles

Elevation Gain

4,000 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling with a few climbs between 2 and 3 miles

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Hotel Alchimy

The family-run, 4-star design hotel—set in an Art Deco building on a quiet street beside the old town—offers chic rooms and suites paired with friendly, unobtrusive service. The brasserie is hip and quirky, while the bar’s deconstructed cocktails are truly something special.

Luxury Level4-star

Day7

Puylaurens

We begin the morning with a guided tour of Albi, including a visit to its magnificent cathedral and choir, a stunning example of Southern Gothic architecture. After the tour, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace—choose to visit the renowned Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, wander through the narrow medieval alleys, or capture photos of the picturesque views over the River Tarn, framed by Albi’s iconic stone-and-wood houses. Enjoy a lunch on your own in town, before we begin our ride to Puylaurens, following a scenic route that winds through diverse landscapes—from dense forests and dramatic granite cliffs to peaceful pastures within the Haut-Languedoc Regional Park. It’s a tranquil and varied ride through one of southern France’s most pristine natural settings.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

35 miles

Elevation Gain

3,400 ft

Riding Terrain

Rolling with some 2-mile climb

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Cap de Castel

Cap de Castel is a charming 3-star boutique hotel offering breathtaking views of the Lauragais countryside. Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century building, it features elegant rooms, a panoramic outdoor pool, and a renowned on-site restaurant serving regional cuisine. With its peaceful atmosphere, historic charm, and warm hospitality, it’s an ideal retreat for those seeking authenticity and relaxation in the heart of Occitanie.

Luxury Level3-star

Day8

Carcassonne

Today’s ride takes us from the hilltop town of Puylaurens to the legendary walled city of Carcassonne, traversing the Montagne Noire (Black Mountain)—a rugged and scenic corner of the Haut-Languedoc region. The route offers a mix of rolling hills, forested climbs, and sweeping descents, with stunning views across the Occitanie countryside. As we ascend into the Black Mountain, we pass through dense chestnut and oak forests, tranquil villages, and quiet rural roads. After the climb, a thrilling descent leads us toward Carcassonne, where the dramatic medieval citadel comes into view—its turreted towers and fortified walls rising above the Aude River. Carcassonne, one of France’s most iconic destinations, is a charming town with a rich and layered history. Originally fortified by the Romans and later founded as a Visigothic stronghold in the 5th century, the town’s crown jewel is its spectacular medieval fortress, meticulously restored in 1853 by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. In 1997, it earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognized for its exceptional preservation and historical significance. While in Carcassonne, you can relax in the beautiful hotel or join a guided tour through the ancient part of town with a local guide. Tonight, we have a farewell dinner in the Cité.

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Average Mileage

50 miles

Elevation Gain

3,900 ft

Riding Terrain

One 6-mile gradual climb and long descent

Meals Provided

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations

Hotel de la Cité

Nestled within the ramparts of medieval Carcassonne, the 5-star Hôtel de la Cité is a Neo-Gothic masterpiece built on the site of a former episcopal palace. Adjoining the Saint-Nazaire Basilica, the hotel offers enchanting views over the lower town, with gardens, ancient walls, and timeworn stonework that echo the city’s rich past, as well as an outdoor pool.

Luxury Level5-star

Day9

Au Revoir!

It’s time to say au revoir! After breakfast, at 9 am, we offer a 5-minute group shuttle to the Carcassonne train station to make your connections or to extend your stay in the area.

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Meals Provided

Breakfast

Accommodations

Bike Across France

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Bike Across France

Serene cycling through unspoiled southwestern France

Download a Detailed Itinerary

Destination

Activity

Level

Duration

Tour Essence

What to Expect

Terrain

Start Location

End Location

Mileage

Elevation

Recognition

What's Included

What’s Included

What’s Not Included

La Classica Ribelle

Bianchi C-Sport 2.5

E-Road Bikes

E-Hybrid Bikes

Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo Tandem

Itinerary

Start Location

Fly Into

End Location

Fly Out Of

Saint-Emilion Warm-Up Ride

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Bergerac Area

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Sarlat

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Dordogne River Canoe Ride

Meals Provided

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Château de Mercuès

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

Riding Terrain

Meals Provided

Accommodations

Albi

Meals Provided

Average Mileage

Elevation Gain

A lush and lovely lake to lake journey