Top 5 of the most beautiful cycling routes around Sarlat

Discovering Sarlat by bike with Slow Village means choosing an experience that's both authentic and respectful of the environment. In the Périgord Noir, every itinerary becomes an invitation to travel more gently: skirting a river, crossing a forest, stopping off at a local market. Far from rushed tourism, cycling offers a new way of living in the area, in harmony with nature.

From our open-air hotel Slow Village Saint-Cybranet, discover five cycling routes around Sarlat, a simple and authentic way to discover the Périgord Noir!

• Le tour des bastides et châteaux: a more challenging trail starting from Domme, offering superb panoramic views over the Dordogne valley.
• The walk along the Dordogne: a flexible itinerary to suit your mood, between cliffs, villages and castles.
• La boucle des villages de caractère: a 20 km route linking La Roque-Gageac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, directly accessible from Slow Village Saint-Cybranet.

The Céou Valley greenway: an ideal family getaway

One of the most beautiful cycling routes around Sarlat, the Vallée du Céou greenway is an invitation to gentle pedaling. The route starts in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, at the foot of its medieval castle, then stretches for almost 25 km along the Céou river.

Surrounded by forests, walnut orchards and charming villages, the route offers a peaceful atmosphere. Relatively flat and safe, it's ideal for families as well as cyclists looking for a contemplative ride in the heart of Périgord Noir.

Slow tip: by staying at Slow Village Saint-Cybranet, you're ideally placed on the very route of the cycle route. Take the opportunity to start your outing directly from your accommodation, without taking the car.

Practical info :

• Official starting point: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (but directly accessible from Saint-Cybranet)
• Distance: approx. 23-25 km (46-50 km round trip)
• Estimated time: 2 hours one way, a day if you make the round trip with stops
• Level: easy, flat, well-marked trail, suitable for families

Ideal for a leisurely stroll, the route passes through tunnels, viaducts and charming Périgord Noir villages. Accessible to all, it allows you to discover the Sarlat countryside in a different, gentler way, to the rhythm of the landscape.

Slow tip: before setting off, take a stroll through the Sarlat market and fill your saddlebag with local produce. Cheeses, walnuts and farmhouse bread are perfect for a gourmet break along the way.

Practical info :

• Departure point: Sarlat-la-Canéda's old railway station (now the Maison du vélo), 14km from our open-air hotel.
• Finish: Cazoulès (Lot border)
• Distance: 29 km (58 km return)
• Estimated time: 3 h for a one-way trip, all day for a round trip with stops
• Difficulty level: easy, secure green trail accessible to families

Tour of bastides and castles: for lovers of panoramic views

For cyclists looking for a slightly more sporty getaway, this bike tour near Sarlat from Domme is a must. The route criss-crosses the hills of Périgord Noir, linking several well-known sites: the fortified village of Domme, the castles of Castelnaud and Beynac, and medieval bastides. While the effort may be more sustained than that of a "voie verte", the reward is in the form of lovely panoramic views over the Dordogne valley.

Slow tip: take a break in Domme. From its belvedere, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of the meandering Dordogne. A perfect moment to slow down and contemplate.

Practical info :

• Departure point: Domme (parking lot at the entrance to the village), 7km from our open-air hotel,
• Distance: about 35 to 40 km
• Estimated time: 3h30 to 4h depending on pace
• Level: intermediate to sporty (some steep climbs)

A walk along the Dordogne: a flexible, contemplative route

This Sarlat bike tour is distinguished by its flexibility: no fixed itinerary, but the possibility of following the Dordogne River as you please. Starting from Sarlat, you can cycle along the valley and discover some of the most beautiful sites in the Périgord Noir: La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud, Beynac and the cliffs along the river.

Accessible to all, this walk can be adapted to suit the time available and your level of fitness.

Slow tip: combine cycling and canoeing for a truly unique day out. In the morning, cycle along the castles, in the afternoon on the water: an original and gentle way to discover the valley in a different way.

Practical info :

• Departure point: flexible (from Sarlat, Domme, La Roque-Gageac or Castelnaud)
• Distance: from 15 to 50 km depending on the route chosen
• Estimated time: 1 h 30 to a full day
• Levels: easy to intermediate, suitable for families and sports enthusiasts alike.

Boucle des villages de caractère: a walk of authentic charm

This cycling tour near Sarlat, accessible from our open-air hotel in Saint-Cybranet, allows you to discover some of the most beautiful villages in the Périgord Noir.

The route forms a 20 km loop linking La Roque-Gageac, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, with its medieval castle overlooking the valley. The route alternates between back roads and picture-postcard landscapes.

An ideal way to immerse yourself in the authenticity of the area without going too far.

Slow tip: take the opportunity to put the bike down in La Roque-Gageac and stroll through its narrow streets. The atmosphere is particularly pleasant in the late afternoon, when the light reflects off the Dordogne.

Practical info :

• Departure point: Saint-Cybranet (directly from Slow Village)
• Distance: about 20 km
• Estimated time: 2 h 30 with stops
• Level: easy to intermediate (a few short but accessible climbs)

By staying at Slow Village Saint-Cybranet, our eco-friendly open-air hotel, you can join some of these bike tours near Sarlat directly from your accommodation, for a total immersion in the heart of the Périgord Noir. Don't wait any longer to book!