La flow Vélo with DolceVia

🚲 Discover the Black Périgord by bike on a first stage of 39 km along the FlowVélo, between Sarlat and Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare. Immerse yourself in a region rich in history and gastronomy, on peaceful roads lined with bucolic landscapes.
🌿 Explore this route with DolceVia for an unforgettable experience!
💧 Leaving Sarlat, the capital of the Black Périgord, follow the valleys of the Chironde and the Coly, where charming typical villages will invite you to take relaxing breaks. In season, enjoy local specialties at markets or in traditional inns.
🏛️ Upon your arrival, extend your adventure by visiting Lascaux IV, a true gem of prehistoric art. Also discover the ancient town of Terrasson-Lavilledieu with its artisan shops, the Gardens of the Imaginary, the Bovetti Chocolate Museum, or take a boat ride on the Vézère.
🧳 For a peaceful night, settle in at the Petite Maison de Charme!
© Expedia

🚲 Explore the enchanting landscapes of Lardin to Excideuil by bike – 49 km of nature and heritage 🌳

🌿 Embark on a cycling journey through the Dordogne, where every pedal stroke immerses you in bucolic scenery. Pass by the Château de Peyraux, a gem nestled in a green setting, then head towards the valley of l'Elle in Villac, surrounded by majestic forests, where you might spot mouflons and red sandstone constructions.

🏰 Along the way, stop at Saint-Robert, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, and wander through its medieval streets. Discover its Romanesque church and relax in a local café to enjoy a handmade pastry.

🌰 Continue your adventure by crossing the land of the AOC Noix du Périgord, famous for its local products. Don’t miss a gourmet stop at a local farm for a tasting of Périgord products, including the Canard Gras.

🏰 In Hautefort, you will discover a majestic castle overlooking the surrounding countryside, as well as a fascinating Museum of the History of Medicine. You are at the heart of history, with an impressive collection of 6,500 objects!

🏞️ Your adventure will then lead you to Excideuil, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break after a day full of discoveries.

🧳 Upon your arrival, drop off your bags at the Cozy House in Excideuil!

© La Flow Vélo

🚲 In the morning, set off on an adventure to the charming medieval town of Excideuil (20 km), where history unfolds at every corner. Stroll through its ochre alleys and discover its castle, dating back to the 11th century, with its unique double square keep. Don't miss the colorful market if you're there on a Thursday!

🌳 Leaving Excideuil, immerse yourself in the nature of the Périgord Vert with ups and downs that offer sublime views of the valleys and rivers. Take a refreshing break in Corgnac-sur-l'Isle, where you can relax by the river and watch the dragonflies in summer.

🏰 Upon arriving in Thiviers, enjoy its medieval town, once fortified, and its local shops. Discover the history of the town with a booklet available at the Tourist Office before hitting the road again.

🚲 Continue your adventure (30 km) towards Nontron. Along the way, take a detour to Saint-Jean-de-Côle, a picturesque small medieval town worth a visit. In Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière, observe the protected wildlife highlighted by the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park.

🌳 Upon arriving in Nontron, a town known for its craftsmanship, wander through its picturesque streets and discover the work of local artisans.

🧳 In Nontron, end this beautiful day and drop off your bags at the Hôtel de Nontron for a well-deserved night in this authentic setting of the Périgord.

© Pascal Beltrami

🚲 In the morning, leave Nontron, the capital of cutlery, and follow the Flow Vélo® through Dordogne and Charente. In Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-St-Robert, dive into history by visiting the 12th-century chapel of an ancient Benedictine priory.

🌳 Continue your journey towards Souffrignac and enjoy a gourmet break at "Les Jardins du Bandiat," an organic farm where you can taste local products such as spreads, syrups, soups, and jams.

🚴‍♂️ Take the greenway la Coulée d'Oc, set up on an old railway line, and follow it to Marthon.

🏰 From Marthon to Angoulême, cross the Bandiat valley and discover a peaceful village before venturing into a vast forest between Grandes Étouilles and Touvre. In Ruelle-sur-Touvre, don't miss the Montalembert foundry, which manufactured cannons for the royal navy.

🎨 In Angoulême, explore the City of Art and History, the capital of comics. Stroll along the Chais Magelis and visit the 9th Art Museum while enjoying the stunning panorama from the ramparts.

🧳 In Angoulême, end this day full of discoveries and enjoy a well-deserved break at Relais Napoléon, an authentic accommodation for a restful night.

© Paris, I bid you farewell.

🍫 From Angoulême, start your day heading towards the village of Trois-Palis. Don't miss the famous Letuffe chocolate shop, renowned for its Marguerite d'Angoulême. You will continue your journey to Saint-Simeux, where you can admire the old eel fishing sites and the watermill.
🏖️ Continue towards Châteauneuf-sur-Charente and enjoy a break at the Bain des Dames, a pleasant sandy beach. The village, with its neoclassical architecture and private mansions, will offer you a trip back in time.
🍇 The second part of the day takes you to the Cognac vineyard. After crossing the island of La Fuie, a remnant of islets accessible by footbridge, you will arrive in Jarnac, the birthplace of François Mitterrand, who has a museum dedicated to him there.
🥃 Finally, end your adventure in Cognac, a city world-renowned for its exceptional spirit. Admire the facades blackened by the action of a fungus fed by alcohol vapors and discover the old district around the Château des Valois.
🧳 In Cognac, relax and drop off your bags at Logis des Tourelles for a well-deserved night in this historic setting.
© Destination Cognac

🚴‍♂️ Start from Cognac, a town known for its spirit, and follow the Charente through bucolic landscapes. Cross tributaries and enjoy the chain ferries at Rouffiac and Chaniers to refresh yourself before continuing your journey. You will reach Saintes, a city with 2,000 years of history, rich in Gallo-Roman remains, perfect for a stroll through its alleys.
🎨 Continue your route towards Saint-Savinien, a charming picturesque village. Take a break at Port-d'Envaux to discover its shipowners' houses, then visit the outdoor art space, the Lapidiales, and the Château de Panloy. End your day in Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente, a small town of character among the most picturesque.
🛏️ Upon your arrival in Saint-Savinien, rest and drop off your bags at Petit Bonheur for a restful night in a charming and welcoming setting.
© City and Arts and Crafts

🚴‍♂️ Start from Saint-Savinien, a charming village where the flower-lined quays of the river port and the narrow streets of the old district will enchant you. This village, labeled "Petite Cité de Caractère," is renowned for its peaceful environment, its active port since the 13th century, and its status as a "village of artists." Take the time to visit the galleries and workshops of local artisans, from sculptors to painters, including knife makers and woodturners.
🌿 As you resume your journey, you will cross the Charente and pass by the island of Grenouillette, perfect for a relaxing break at the miniature port. A boat ride awaits you before you hop back on your bike and take small picturesque roads winding through fields, villages, and hamlets. Don’t miss the Romanesque church of Saint-Vivien in Geay, with its unique apse in the Saintonge style.
🏙️ Halfway through, you will arrive in Tonnay-Charente, where you can admire the spectacular 19th-century suspension bridge before continuing your route towards Rochefort, a city of Art and History. Explore the majestic Corderie Royale, a testament to the city’s maritime history.
🛏️ Upon your arrival in Rochefort, drop off your bags and relax at L'Esprit du 8, a hotel with a refined setting for a well-deserved night in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
© Guide Charente Maritime

🚴‍♂️ Start your last day in Rochefort, a City of Art and History, where the legacy of its past as an arsenal town under Louis XIV is ever-present. Your route takes you to the Corderie Royale, the city's emblem. You will then continue to the Transbordeur Bridge, a marvel of engineering built in 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin, before immersing yourself in the marshes of the Charente estuary. 🌿 After crossing Fouras, a charming coastal village, enjoy the southern beach and admire Fort Vauban before crossing the Fouras peninsula. Upon arriving at Pointe de la Fumée, the view of Île d'Aix opens up before you. Then take the boat for an unforgettable island adventure. 🛏️ Upon your arrival on Île d'Aix, rest in a charming setting at the cozy Maisonnette Chez Paulette and Lucienne. This haven of tranquility will allow you to fully enjoy your last night on this preserved island. © Nouvelle Aquitaine Tourisme ✨ Did you enjoy the FlowVélo adventure? Discover these beautiful routes as well: La Vélidéale to follow the Loire to the Atlantic, La ViaRhôna to travel from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, or Paris - Bordeaux by bike to cross France to the Atlantic coast!