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Day 2: Souillac to Sarlat (33km/19mi or 39km/22mi)
The easier of today’s choices takes you west along the Dordogne Valley, with the possibility of a lunch stop at the fabulous Château de Fenelon - there’s a fine collection of armour, arms and objets d’art dating from C15 to C18. The longer route is more challenging, taking you across the river via Carlux, and on through lovely wooded countryside to the little village of Ste Nathalène. Either way, you’ll arrive at our *** hotel which is set in 3 acres of pine woods overlooking the Sarlat Valley.

Day 3: At Sarlat
This was the old regional capital. The Vieux Quartier is an astonishingly beautiful jumble of widely varying architectural styles, and virtually all pre-17C. Stop for a drink in the Place de la Liberté or visit the beautifully laid out 17C Bishop’s Gardens. There’s a lively market on a Wednesday and Saturday. You could also cycle to Domme or La Roque-Gageac - we provide you with route notes.

Day 4: Sarlat to Les Eyzies (28km/12mi or 42km/23mi)
You have a choice of routes again today. You either head west cross country through the rich green rolling countryside of the Périgord Nord to the village of Meyrals (traditional Périgourdine houses), or head down to the Dordogne taking in Beynac with its impressive fortified castle. Then along the banks of the river to lively St Cyprien – good lunch stop. Your final stretch takes you up through wooded glades and past the Roc de Cazelle troglodyte cave village and on to the prehistoric capital, Les Eyzies. Our hotel here is set in lovely tranquil gardens and has a private swimming pool.

Day 5: At Les Eyzies 
The steep limestone cliffs surrounding the village are honeycombed with shelters and caves where prehistoric man once lived and practised magic. Our circular cycling route takes you through the magnificent Vézère Gorges and back via the Abri du Cap Blanc where you’ll find the only remaining frieze of prehistoric sculptures in the world open to the public.

Day 6: Les Eyzies to Montignac (26km/15mi)
A fabulous freewheel down to the Vézère river and on to visit La Roque St Christophe – the oldest and largest cave site in western Europe – and the pretty village of St Léon with its charming C12 church and lovely riverside picnic spots. An easy afternoon cycle to Montignac where Isabelle and Vincent Nourisson offer a warm welcome, wonderful food, lovely pool and walled rose garden. A true hidden gem!

Day 7: At Montignac
Explore the pretty mediaeval village, perhaps wandering up to the ruined château, before heading off to the nearby Lascaux caves, ranked as the number one prehistoric site in Europe. Discovered in 1940 by four children looking for their dog, the caves offer an amazing collection of paintings and are well worth a visit. Back at the hotel, the gardens, shaded verandas, swimming pool and sun terrace are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the summer sun.

Day 8: Montignac/Souillac 39km/22mi
Starting out, you head first via the tiny farming village of St-Amand-de-Coly (impressive abbey) and on through wooded glades to Salignac. From here, we’d recommend a short detour to the Manoir d’Eyrignac whose impressive C18 gardens are rated the best in France. Then lovely flat cycling through open country passing chestnut groves, maize fields and masses of sunflowers, perhaps stopping off at charming St Geniès with it’s C14 chapel. Roll through traditional Perigord villages such as Eyvignes and Eybènes (church and manor worth a stop), before heading down into the Borrèze valley. Back in Souillac, there’s time to visit the Vieille Prune Distillery!

Day 9: Leave Souillac
Leave Souillac after breakfast.