Overview
Conservation Education Program
Yes, it is happening. Greg and Diane are leading a bike trip through the Dordogne River Valley the first week of October. The Dordogne region is known both for beauty and the history of this curvaceous limestone river valley.
From prehistoric time to the present, man has left his mark here. Pre-historic man left samples of his first artwork on the eroded limestone cliffs and caves of this region. Richard the Lion Hearted built many a castle here during the tumultuous Middle Ages, when England often held reign in this fertile river valley.
The food is excellent the ride is moderate and the wine comes from Bordeaux, the Dordognes' western neighbor... it's all good!
Sample Itinerary:
B = Bed and Breakfast, D = Dinner
Rendezvous : Sarlat La-Caneda (D) Visit Sarlat, historic City of Art. Take time to visit the famous markets of this medieval town situated along the banks of the Dordogne River, overlooked by the Chateaux of Veyrignac and Fenelon. Rendezvous Point, we will spend the night in Sarlat.
Day 01 : Sarlat – St Cyprien (B) - Start your trip cycling along La Beune River heading west to Les Combarelles and Fonte de Gaume, here are some of the most beautiful examples of cave art, still open to the general public. Night in St. Cyprien. Cycling Distance: 13 miles / 21 kilometers
Day 02 : St Cyprien, Gageac to Domme (B) Enjoy the lovely, sinuous Dordogne River while riding to La Roque Gageac, an ancient river harbor carved into the cliff. We will loop west on the Dordogne to discover the perched town of Beynac and stop to visit Castelnaud, midevil castle-fortress. Spend the night in Domme. Cycling Distance: 13 miles / 21 km
Day 03 : Domme - Payrac (B) - Domme is classified as a “Plus Beaux” or prettiest villages of France, spend the morning taking this charming town in. Visit the famous Domme Castle where the Nights of Templar were held prison by then French King Phillip the Fair in 1307. Ride and pend the night in Payrac. Cycling Distance: 17 miles / 27.5 km
Day 04 : Payrac - Rocamadour (B) Stay the night in cliff perched Rocamadour, named for the famous Christian Occident Pilgrim. Cycling Distance: 20.5 miles / 33 km
Day 05 : Rocamadour Loop (B) - Ride in the hillside forests of the The Causse du Quercy and see the Chateau du Repaire. Cycling Distance: 20.2 miles / 33 km
Day 06 : Rocamadour – Le Roc (B) Stop at the Grotte des Merveilles to see beautiful paintings of prehistoric mans on the cave walls. Cycling Distance: 20 miles / 33 km
Day 07: Le Roc – Sarlat (B) After breakfast ride to Sarlat on Market Day, tour concludes upon check-out.
Cycling Distance: 16 miles / 26 km
Travel and Transportation
Please write for details.
Bicycles
Participants may bring their own bicycles or rent bicycles for a supplemental fee. Bicycles can be rented from the departure area, planning assistance can be provided by Village Tours. Cyclists are responsible for displacing their own bicycles. Cyclists must carry personal belongings in panniers on their bicycles. Distances between stops will range between 18 to 36 miles. Local emergency support will be a phone call away.
Program Fees
per person, double occupancy.
Single supplement $350.
Registration: $1650.
All trips are subject to registration of the minimum number of participants. Typically, this is six registrations. For trips that are cancelled because they do not meet the minimum number of participants, the reservation fee will be refunded.
Fee includes:
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6 Nights Accommodations (bed and breakfast, hostel, or family run hotel) -
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
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2 French translators,
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Educational programs, presented by Village Habitat Design
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Educational materials
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Travel and destination information to assist you in your planning
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Certificate of completion
Does not include:
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Air transportation -
Meals other than noted above
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Bike rental
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All other land transportation
Village Tours is a program inspired by two generations of experience in introducing French sustainable planning concepts to small groups of interested in sustainable development.
For more information please do not hesitate to contact Diane Burgoon at 404-992-4399 dBurgoon@VillageHabitat.com
