La flow Vélo with DolceVia

Step 1 — From Sarlat to Terrasson-Lavilledieu

🟢 Introduction

Welcome to la Flow Vélo, one of the most beautiful cycle routes in France! This first 39 km stage takes you from Sarlat, the radiant capital of the Périgord Noir, to Terrasson-Lavilledieu through a setting of greenery and authenticity. From the very first pedal strokes, you'll feel that this adventure will be extraordinary.

🌿 On the road

The route follows the valleys of the Chironde and Coly rivers, where a succession of charming, typical villages invite you to take a break. In season, local markets and traditional inns are overflowing with regional specialties — foie gras, walnuts, truffles — that would be a shame to miss. Let yourself be carried along peaceful roads, lined with bucolic landscapes that seem to have come straight out of a painting.

🏛️ Upon arrival

Terrasson-Lavilledieu has a wonderful cultural surprise in store for you. Start with the unmissable Lascaux IV, a true gem of world prehistoric art, before strolling through the narrow streets of the old town, dotted with artisan craft shops. The Jardins de l'Imaginaire offer a poetic interlude, while the Bovetti Chocolate Museum will delight food lovers. To top it all off, a gabarre (traditional flat-bottomed boat) ride on the Vézère river is a must in the late afternoon.

For a quiet night, leave your panniers at La Petite Maison de Charme, an intimate and warm accommodation that reflects the spirit of Périgord.

© Getty - (Photo by Michel LE COZ/Gamma-Rapho) via Getty Image © Expédia

Stage 2 — From Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare to Excideuil

🟢 Introduction

The second stage of la Flow Vélo takes you on a 49 km journey between Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare and Excideuil, through a landscape where castles, forests, and valleys vie for the spotlight. A generous route, perfect for lovers of nature and heritage.

🌳 On the road

Right from the start, the Château de Peyraux appears, nestled in a setting of rare green elegance. Further on, the Elle valley at Villac surrounds you with majestic forests inhabited by mouflons—an unexpected and memorable encounter. Red sandstone buildings dot the path, bearing witness to a local architecture deeply rooted in its region.

Don't miss Saint-Robert, labeled one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, where medieval alleys and a Romanesque church invite you to a contemplative break with an artisanal pastry. You will then cross the land of the AOC Noix du Périgord (Périgord Walnuts PDO): a stop at a local farm to taste the famous Canard Gras (fattened duck) is an absolute must.

🏰 At the arrival

Hautefort crowns the stage with its majestic castle overlooking the surrounding countryside. Its fascinating Museum of the History of Medicine, with its 6,500 artifacts, immerses you in centuries of medical practices. Then, Excideuil welcomes you for a well-deserved evening in a gentle and preserved atmosphere.

Drop off your bags at the Maison Cosy d'Excideuil, a typical and welcoming lodging for a rejuvenating night.

🔗 Bike rental

You don't have your bike yet to ride la Flow Vélo? DolceVia offers a turnkey solution: discover our bike rental service and set off with peace of mind, free from logistical constraints.

Step 3 — From Excideuil to Nontron

🟢 Introduction

Head for the Périgord Vert! This third stage of 51 km on la Flow Vélo connects Excideuil to Nontron through hilly landscapes of wild beauty. Between medieval towns, peaceful rivers, and generous nature, this day combines effort and wonder.

🌿 On the road

Before you leave, take the time to wander through the ocher-colored streets of Excideuil and discover its 11th-century castle, with its unique double square keep. If you're passing through on a Thursday, the colorful market is a must-see.

Leaving the town, the road plunges into the nature of Périgord Vert, with climbs and descents that reveal sublime panoramas of the valleys and rivers. In Corgnac-sur-l'Isle, take a refreshing break by the river—in summer, dragonflies dance on the water in an almost surreal scene. Thiviers then welcomes you with its medieval village and local shops; a discovery booklet is available at the Tourist Office.

🏰 At the arrival

Before reaching Nontron, a detour through Saint-Jean-de-Côle—a small, picturesque medieval town—is a must for lovers of authenticity. In Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière, the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park highlights a remarkably rich protected fauna.

Nontron, the capital of cutlery and a city of arts and crafts, concludes the stage with character. Stroll through its picturesque streets, push open the doors of local artisans' workshops, and let yourself be surprised by this city with a strong identity. The Hôtel de Nontron offers an authentic and relaxing setting for a night true to the spirit of Périgord.

Step 4 — From Nontron to Angoulême

🟢 Introduction

This is a 58 km stage that crosses the borders between Dordogne and Charente, between Nontron and Angoulême. On la Flow Vélo, this route combines medieval history, bounteous nature, and industrial heritage with rare generosity.

🌿 On the road

From Nontron, the route follows la Flow Vélo® through Dordogne and Charente. In Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-St-Robert, a 12th-century chapel, a remnant of an old Benedictine priory, is worth a quiet pause. Continue towards Souffrignac for a gourmet stop at Jardins du Bandiat, an organic farm where homemade spreads, syrups, and jams delight cyclists.

Then take the Coulée d'Oc greenway, built on an old railway line—an ideal, flat, and wooded section all the way to Marthon. Between Marthon and Angoulême, the Bandiat valley reveals its tranquility, before a vast forest between Les Grandes Étouilles and Touvre. In Ruelle-sur-Touvre, the Montalembert foundry, which once manufactured cannons for the royal navy, bears witness to a fascinating industrial past.

🎨 Upon arrival

Angoulême, a City of Art and History and the world capital of comic books, welcomes you with flair. Stroll along the Chais Magelis, dive into the world of the Museum of the 9th Art, and admire the superb panorama from the ramparts—a view that alone is worth the trip.

To end this day full of discoveries, the Relais Napoléon offers you authentic and relaxing accommodation in a setting steeped in history.

Step 5 — From Angoulême to Cognac

🟢 Introduction

Between chocolate, vineyards, and Charentais heritage, this stage of la Flow Vélo from Angoulême to Cognac is a true invitation to the pleasures of the senses. The route follows the serene Charente river, winding through elegant villages and enchanting vineyard landscapes.

🍫 On the road

From Angoulême, head to the village of Trois-Palis where the famous Letuffe chocolate factory awaits, renowned for its Marguerite d'Angoulême — a treat not to be missed under any circumstances. In Saint-Simeux, the old eel fisheries and the watermill offer a picturesque and unusual stop.

In Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, a break is a must at the Bain des Dames, a developed sandy beach ideal for cooling off. The village, with its mix of neoclassical architecture and private mansions, transports you to another era. The second part of the journey takes you to the heart of the Cognac vineyard: after crossing the Île de la Fuie, you will arrive in Jarnac, the birthplace of François Mitterrand, where a moving museum is dedicated to him.

🥃 On arrival

Cognac concludes the stage with all the prestige it deserves. Admire the facades blackened by the action of a fungus that feeds on alcohol vapors — the famous "angels' share" — before exploring the old quarter around the Château des Valois. A visit to a major trading house is a must to understand the secrets of making this exceptional spirit.

For an overnight stay in this historic setting, the Logis des Tourelles welcomes you with charm and authenticity.

Stage 6 — From Cognac to Saint-Savinien

🟢 Introduction

This sixth stage of La Flow Vélo between Cognac and Saint-Savinien is a journey back in time, amidst Gallo-Roman remains, open-air art, and Charentais villages of incomparable gentleness. The Charente river remains your faithful companion throughout the entire route.

🚴 On the road

From Cognac, the route follows the Charente river through bucolic landscapes that invite you to slow down. The chain ferries of Rouffiac and Chaniers offer a unique, almost timeless experience before reaching Saintes. This city with 2,000 years of history is full of remarkable Gallo-Roman remains: allow yourself to wander through its narrow streets to savor all its richness.

🎨 Upon arrival

Heading towards Saint-Savinien, a stop at Port-d'Envaux reveals beautiful shipowners' houses, before you discover the Lapidiales, a unique open-air art space, and the majestic Château de Panloy. Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente concludes the stage with grace: this small town of character, one of the most picturesque in the region, deserves a full evening of exploration.

For a restful night in a charming and welcoming setting, settle in at Le Petit Bonheur—an address that reflects the village's gentle and authentic character.

Step 7 — From Saint-Savinien to Rochefort

🟢 Introduction

The second-to-last stage of La Flow Vélo, this route between Saint-Savinien and Rochefort combines river heritage, wild nature, and maritime history with a rare elegance. A day of cycling that feels like a slow-motion adventure movie.

🌿 On the road

Saint-Savinien, labeled a Petite Cité de Caractère (Small Town of Character), is worth lingering in before you set off: its flower-lined quays, its artisan galleries—sculptors, painters, cutlers, woodturners—and its port, active since the 13th century, create a living and inspiring picture.

Back on the road, you'll cross the Charente river and stop over on the Île de la Grenouillette, perfect for a relaxing break at the miniature port—you can even take a boat trip before getting back in the saddle. The picturesque little roads happily wind through fields, villages, and hamlets. Don't miss the Romanesque church of Saint-Vivien in Geay, with its unique Saintonge-style apse.

🏙️ Upon arrival

Halfway, Tonnay-Charente rewards you with a spectacular 19th-century suspension bridge, before Rochefort, a Town of Art and History, finally opens its gates. The majestic Corderie Royale (Royal Ropeworks), a testament to several centuries of maritime history, is an essential stop to understand the soul of this exceptional city.

For a night in this refined setting, L'Esprit du 8 welcomes you in a warm and elegant atmosphere—the ideal rest before the grand finale.

Stage 8 — From Rochefort to Île d'Aix

🟢 Introduction

Here is the grand finale of la Flow Vélo! This final stage from Rochefort to the Île d'Aix is a fitting conclusion to the most beautiful cycling adventures: royal heritage, mysterious marshes, the sea on the horizon, and a preserved island as the ultimate reward.

🌿 On the route

Rochefort, a Town of Art and History, generously opens up to you before your departure. The Corderie Royale (Royal Ropeworks), the city's emblem under Louis XIV, deserves one last careful visit. You will then pass by the famous Transporter Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin, before immersing yourself in the marshes of the Charente estuary—a landscape of absolute serenity.

In Fouras, a charming coastal village, the south beach and Fort Vauban offer an unforgettable panoramic break. Upon reaching the Pointe de la Fumée, the silhouette of Île d'Aix finally appears on the horizon. Take the boat: the island adventure begins.

🏝️ On arrival

The Île d'Aix, preserved from cars and the rush of time, is the perfect conclusion for cyclists who have completed la Flow Vélo from end to end. Explore its flowery lanes, Napoleonic fortifications, and wild beaches at a pace finally free from all constraints.

For your last night, the charming guesthouse Chez Paulette et Lucienne offers a haven of absolute tranquility—an intimate and authentic address to extend the island's magic until the next morning.

✨ Want to go further?

Did you love the la Flow Vélo adventure? Let these magnificent routes inspire you to extend your journey:

👉 La Vélidéale — Follow the Loire to the Atlantic through a landscape of castles and gentle valleys.

👉 La ViaRhôna — Travel from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean along the Rhône, between the Alps and Provence.

👉 Paris - Bordeaux by bike — Cross France from its heart to the Atlantic coast for an epic adventure.