Cro Magnon Tour Cycle from Lyon to Bordeaux
Join us on this tour!
5 Reasons to Ride This Tour
DIscover the extraordinary heritage of our prehistoric ancestors
Cycle down the majestic Rhone Valley
Canoe through the spectacular Gorges de l’Ardèche
Stay in the enchanting town of Bergerac
Celebrate the end of our tour in St Emilion and Bordeaux.
The Epic: Cycle from Lyon to Bordeaux
September 4, 2026 - September 4, 2026Our Cro-Magnon tour takes you on a journey into the prehistory joining the dots between the cave art of Cro-Magnon across Southern France
FranceLyon to Saint-Cirq Lapopie
September 4, 2026 - September 16, 2026Saint-Cirq Lapopie to Bordeaux
September 16, 2026 - September 24, 2026Tour Itinerary
Days 1 to 3 - Riding along the Rhone
We start our tour on the Confluence of the Rivers Saône and Rhône in the centre of Lyon. From there, we follow the mighty Rhône that bisects the city, and take advantage of the fantastic ViaRhôna cycle route that runs from Lac Leman to the Sea. By doing so, we avoid the city traffic and get a chance to marvel at the majesty of the Rhône itself, which is undoubtedly one of Europe’s great rivers.I t also provides a gentle start to our tour.
Days 4 to 7 - The Ardeche
After a couple of days, we leave the banks of the Rhône to head into the Ardèche region, named after its river. With amazing gorge riding and expansive views, it’s easy to see why prehistoric man chose to make his home here. The Chauvet Cave, with its stunning prehistoric art, stands as a testament to this. The region’s rugged beauty and historical significance make it a perfect blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage.
Across the Cevennes
From the Ardèche, we head into the Cévennes National Park, where we encounter the first proper undulations of the tour. The stunning landscapes, famously captured by Robert Louis Stevenson’s journey with his donkey, offer a picturesque backdrop. Highlights include the amazing Millau Viaduct, an architectural marvel, and the charming town of Rodez, known for its beautiful cathedral and vibrant atmosphere. This leg of the journey blends natural beauty with cultural and historical richness, making it truly memorable.
Into the Dordogne
Next up is the Dordogne, via the stunning village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. We stay in Sarlat for a night before heading to Les Eyzies, the capital of prehistory. Our itinerary includes visits to the remarkable Pech Merle and Lascaux caves, showcasing extraordinary cave paintings. This part of the tour offers the most tangible link to prehistory, immersing us in the rich heritage and timeless beauty of the region, making it a highlight of our journey.
Wine Country
The culinary aspect of the tour perfectly complements the prehistoric context, with the final leg offering some of the most memorable highlights. We cycle through the picturesque vineyards of Saint-Émilion, renowned for its exquisite wines, and savour the sweet Monbazillac wines. Our journey concludes in the wine mecca of Bordeaux, where we indulge in the region’s finest offerings. This blend of historical exploration and culinary delight ensures a richly rewarding experience, celebrating both the ancient and the epicurean.
Ride Data: Daily Distances and Elevation
Additional Tour Details
Accommodation
Bed Time
We carefully select the places where we stay based on their personality and the hospitality of our hosts.
We look to strike a balance between centrally located abodes in the towns we visit and the tranquillity that nature offers when we are in the French countryside.
Hôtel-Spa le Saint-Cirq
Facing the village of Saint Cirq Lapopie which is on the list of France’s ‘most beautiful villages’ this hotel is a perfect base for a 2-night stay. Immersed in nature but within easy walking distance of the village, the wonderful spa facilities are the icing on the cake.
Hotel Montaigne, Sarlat
Perfectly situated to explore the medieval heart of the enchanting town of Sarlat this recently renovated hotel is a great spot for our stay in the heart of the Dordogne. With our tour set up so we can visit the iconic Wednesday market, we are delighted to have this hotel on the itinerary.
Aux Ducs de Sienne, Saint Emilion
This boutique hotel is inspired by Tuscan charm and is situated in the heart of the quaint village of Montagne. Its gastronomic restaurant and proximity to Saint Emilion make this the perfect destination to begin the celebrations for the end of our tour.
Hotel Les 3 Barbus, Générargues
Hotel Les 3 Barbus in Générargues offers a unique and inviting retreat. Combining comfort and character, it’s a charming destination with a welcoming ambience, promising a memorable and relaxing stay.
Hôtel & Spa Les Glycines, les Eyzies
Les Glycines is a charming hotel in Les Eyzies, France. Nestled in picturesque surroundings, it offers comfortable accommodations, gourmet dining, and a relaxing atmosphere for a memorable stay.
Dining
Dinner Time
We choose our restaurants because they are exceptional and unique.
Ride & Seek Picnics
We pride ourselves on providing the best picnics. These are always in spectacular locations, be it at a historical site or a breathtaking view. The produce will always be local, fresh and exceptional.
Inclusions, Bikes, and Gear
What's Included
- Accommodation in our carefully selected hotels
- Meals – hotel breakfasts, snacks en route and pre/post-ride nutrition, lunches including the famed Ride and Seek picnics, multi course group dinners with a focus on the local cuisine.*NB we include occasional independent lunches & dinners to break up the week
- Ride and Seek jersey
- Garmin 1030 use with all routes preloaded
- Ride and Seek water bottle
- Kit laundry service once a week
- Passionate, experienced and knowledgeable guides always on hand to help
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bike hire
- Pre & post tour accommodation
Travel Essentials
Stage 1 - Lyon to Saint-Cirq Lapopie
TOUR START
Friday 4th September – 2026
WHERE
Le Royal Hotel, Lyon
MEETING TIME
18:00
GETTING THERE
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is the airport hub for the tour. The drive from the airport to our hotel is 35 minutes.
Lyon is a also an important train hub and the Lyon Perrache train station is close to our hotel.
NOTE
The tour will begin with a brief tour presentation followed by a welcome dinner.
Tour Finish - Stage 1
Wednesday 16th September – 2026 – after breakfast
WHERE
Hotel Le Saint Cirq, Saint-Cirq Lapopie
GETTING AWAY
Toulouse Blagnac Airport is the most convenient exit airport and is a 90 minute drive from the hotel.
NOTE
Stage 2 Saint-Cirq Lapopie to Bordeaux
TOUR START
Wednesday 16th September – 2026
WHERE
Hotel Le Saint Cirq, Saint-Cirq Lapopie
MEETING TIME
13:00
GETTING THERE
Toulouse Blagnac Airport is the most convenient airport for joining the tour and is a 90 minute drive from the hotel.
We offer a shuttle at 11am from Toulouse Airport.
NOTE
The tour will begin with an introduction to the tour over a welcome lunch with one of the guides, followed by a warm-up ride.
Tour Finish - Stage 2
Thursday 24th September – 2026 – after breakfast
WHERE
Hotel La Zoologie, Bordeaux
GETTING AWAY
Bordeaux Airport is the closest airport and is a 20 minute drive from the hotel.
Alternatively, Bordeaux train station is a 10 minute walk (2 minute drive) from the hotel and is well connected to all of France.
History
Discover the extraordinary heritage of our prehistoric ancestors in southern France
Our Cro-Magnon tour takes us on a journey into our prehistoric past as we delve into the life of Cro-Magnon man. From Lyon to Bordeaux, we join the dots between a series of remarkable caves that bear testament to the sophistication of those who lived before us. With no borders to cross and a 2.5 cup grading, this is one of our most accessible tours.
Experience a sensory journey that takes us on the road less travelled through some of the most remote and beautiful regions in France. From Lyon and the Rhone Valley to the Cevennes region, we head to the Dordogne, which is arguably the capital of prehistoric art, before riding through St Emillion to Bordeaux.
Pricing, Deposit, and Payment Terms
Paying for your tour
To reserve your tour we require a deposit of Euro 500 per person (or the equivalent in £, US$ or AU$ if you wish to pay in local currency in the UK, US or Australia).
The balance of your payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If reserving your trip within 90 days of departure, full payment is required. The final invoice will include any applicable single supplements and bike hire costs.
Payment can be made by bank transfer or by debit/credit card (card fees apply).
Cancellation Policy
We recommend that you have trip insurance in place before the 90-day cut off to cover for any unforeseen eventualities. If you must cancel your reservation and would like a refund, the fees for doing so are as follows:
Days Prior to Departure Cancellation Fee
90+ Admin fee – 150 euros
61-90 25% of trip price
31-60 50% of trip price
0-30 100% of trip price
Deposit Transfer (credit note)
Alternatively, you can choose to move your deposit to any other tour on the schedule (subject to availability) with no penalty up until 90 days before departure. Deposit credit notes will be valid for 24 months from the issue date.
Click here for our full terms and conditions.
Straight Talk: Know Before You Go
This is straight talk
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