Cycling Southwest France

Description

This is an EXCLUSIVE Halcyon Cycling Holidays fully led series of cycling trips in Southwest France, in association with Château de Pécile, in the Lot et Garonne region.

The Lot et Garonne is a region in Southwest France known for cycling, offering a variety of terrains, scenic canals, bastide villages and vineyards and much more besides. It’s a destination for immersive cycling holidays focusing on local gastronomy, history and nature. 

Our cycling routes take you through the very best of Lot et Garonne and its undulating hills or ‘coteaux’ and flat valley floors. Ride to the medieval splendour of Nérac, wander the hilltop beauty of Montpezat, and explore the characterful market village of Prayssas. Enjoy quiet lanes lined with orchards and family farms, plus panoramic viewpoints across the Lot, Masse and Garonne valleys, whose landscapes define the rhythm of the region.

Halcyon Cycling Holidays are pleased to have discovered and work with Château de Pécile. It is a very comfortable ‘basecamp’ for a beautifully curated cycling holiday designed for riders who love gentle adventure, stunning scenery, and authentic southwest-French culture. Each day begins from the château, where quiet gardens, elegant rooms, and warm hospitality set the tone for a relaxed and unique cycling experience.

Château de Pécile is a historic, renovated 18th-century French château in Southwest France, known for hosting exclusive, small-group creative and wellness retreats focused on activities like yoga, painting, and embroidery. Halcyon Cycling Holidays has arranged accommodation for cyclists at this lovely property. It is luxurious home from home  with homemade organic meals and unique historical charm, including original 15th-century elements and a connection to literary figures like Matteo Bandello, who inspired Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. 

Each ride includes the opportunity for a leisurely lunch at carefully chosen local restaurants, where you’ll savour regional dishes, seasonal produce, local specialities, and of course the famous Agen prunes.

Back at Pécile, unwind on the terrace, stroll the grounds, dive in the pool, and enjoy the peace. This is cycling at its most welcoming: relaxed, scenic, delicious, and designed to be about making memories as much as physical exertion. Everyone who is booked on this trip will receive a bespoke itinerary via email about one week before departure explaining every element of your trip. There are some real highlights to this trip, which are described in the itinerary. The owners of the Chateau are your hosts and cycle leaders for the week. They will share their passion for cycling and their love of the region and this truly will be a cycling holiday to remember.

To join this holiday, you can meet us at Bordeaux Airport at the allocated time for the transfer (extra charge see prices) or you can drive straight to the venue. The designated flights for the transfer are easyJet flights on Monday afternoon to Bordeaux from either London Gatwick (flt no EZY 8383/4) or Manchester (flt no EZY 2111/2) airports. If you are arriving by a different flight, you need to make sure you arrive at Bordeaux Airport at the allocated time to meet the transfer. You need to provide this information at time of booking or call us for more information.

Highlights

• Stay in a private 18th century family chateau 
• Explore unspoilt rural south-west France, with its hilltop villages and orchards
• Visit Nerac, birthplace of Henry II King of France
• Stroll around local markets, amongst the organic farmers and artisans
• Enjoy delicious locally sourced food, wine and gastronomic treats   
• Pedal along tranquil country roads with well-maintained surfaces
• Learn anecdotes about the local WW2 Resistance heroes
• Cycle along undulating sections of the 2014 and 2024 Tour de France route
• Hosted and rides led by the owners of Château de Pécile

Itinerary

This is a fully guided and supported 8 day cycling trip. Itinerary as follows:

Day 1 - Monday 10 May 2027

Arrival day at Château de Pécile
If you are travelling on the easyJet designated flight to Bordeaux Airport from either London Gatwick or Manchester, you will be met by your hosts and transferred to the Chateau. You must prebook your transfer at the booking stage. We can only transfer cyclings and bags, not bikes. Further detail is provided in the additional information section. Alternatively, if you are arriving at the airport on another flight, make sure you leave enough time to ensure you catch the transfer. Otherwise, if you drive to the Chateau, your hosts will welcome you on the day. Ample car parking is available.

After settling into your accommodation, an evening meal is included at the Chateau to welcome everyone on the trip.

Day 2 - Tuesday 11 May 2027

Ride to Galapian/Buzet/Xantrailles/Barbaste & Vianne (35 miles/57km, ascent 1771feet/540m)
After breakfast we will assemble in front of the chateau and our hosts will provide more information about the ride. Our ride will take us through fruit orchards, small family farms and the Buzet wine region, we will pass by the imposing Chateaux of Buzet and Xantrailles, we carry on and cross the Roman Bridge and see the fortified mill at Barbaste and enjoy a lunch in Vianne – riverside bastide town built by the English in 13th century. There is lots to see on this ride. Today’s ride is graded as 3, steady.

You will have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this stunning place and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way back. This ride is graded 3, steady.

On day 2, after we get back after our ride, you will have the opportunity to relax by the pool, maybe have a swim, before we sit down as a group to an evening meal at the Chateau.

Day 3 - Wednesday 12 May 2027

Ride to Lacepede/Castelmoron-sur-Lot/Montpezat & Prayssas (38 miles/62km, ascent 2860feet/872m)
After breakfast we will assemble in front of the chateau and our hosts will provide more information about the ride. On the ride today, we drop down into the Lot Valley with its fruit orchards and verdant farmland, ride through the picturesque Montpezat with its intriguing architecture and learn about the Prayssas Resistance history (WWII) at the war memorial. Lunch in Castelmoron at an authentic café-bistro. This ride is graded 3, steady.

On day 3, after we get back after our ride, you will have the opportunity to relax by the pool, maybe have a swim, before we sit down as a group to an evening meal at the Chateau.

Day 4 - Thursday 13 May 2027

Half Day ride to Buzet sur Baise (20miles/32 km)
After breakfast we will assemble in front of the chateau and our hosts will provide more information about the ride. This is a relaxed day with an easygoing ride under the trees along the Canal Lateral with lunch in Buzet sur Baise. Today’s half day ride is graded as 2, easygoing.

On day 4, after we get back from the ride, you will have plenty of time to soak up the sun (hopefully) and relax by the pool or could explore the local area. In the evening, a group meal at the chateau is included.

Day 5 - Friday 14 May 2027

Rest Day and free time to relax, or cycle, or explore the region – it’s up to you
This is a rest day. You have the opportunity to enjoy self-guided cycling, with some suggestions:

1. Latour Marliac in Temple-sur-Lot – remarkable Water Lily Garden;
2. Market Day in Aiguillon with its delightful bakery/café;
3. Lunch available at the Latour Marliac Café, or other local restaurants.

Please note breakfast and an evening meal is included today. 

Day 6 - Saturday 15 May 2027

Ride to Bruch/Calignac/Nerac & Espiens (35 miles/56km, ascent 2421feet/738m)
After breakfast we will assemble in front of the chateau and our hosts will provide more information about the ride. Today’s ride will go through the rolling landscape of the Albret region. We will visit the historic town of Nerac with its Italianate Henri IV chateau and its Saturday market. You will have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way back. The ride is graded 3, steady.

On day 6, after we get back after our ride, you will have the opportunity to relax by the pool, maybe have a swim, before we sit down as a group to an evening meal at the Chateau. 

Day 7 - Sunday 16 May 2027

Ride to Prayssas/Cours/Pujols & Laugnac (41miles/67km, ascent 3077feet/938m)
After breakfast we will assemble in front of the chateau and our hosts will provide more information about the ride. Today we will ride along the picturesque valley de la Masse, with its ancient hamlets and chapels, visit the very pretty hilltop town of Pujols, full of flowers and quaint houses and enjoy the panoramic views of the Garonne Valley on our return. Lunch stop in Pujols. This ride is graded 3, steady.

On day 7, after we get back after our ride, you will have the opportunity to relax by the pool, maybe have a swim, before we sit down as a group to an evening meal at the Chateau.

Day 8 - Monday 17 May 2027

After breakfast, we will all say our goodbyes and departure for home.

Accommodation

Accommodation is based on either a double room ensuite or double/twin room with shared bath/shower room.

The Chateau is sumptuous and stands regal and majestic in the beautiful French countryside. To find out more on what the venue offers and to have a look at the rooms etc, visit chateaudepecile.com

The Cycling

The cycling for the week is grade 2 to 3, easygoing to steady. This trip is suitable for most bike types except mountain bikes. If you are hiring a bike, see additional information section for more details.

Group size: 4-8 people.

Dates & Prices

Dates 10-17 May 2027. Price for a double/twin room with shared bath/shower room £1195. For a double ensuite £1295. There is no sole occupancy supplement on this holiday.

Return transfer from Bordeaux Airport to Chateau, £80.

Bike hire rates on request but rates start at 250 euros for a week’s bike hire and is payable locally.

The price stated is per person.

Additional Info

What’s Included:

• Accommodation is in double with ensuite or shared bathroom, or twin with shared bathroom on a half board basis. Half board includes breakfast, dinner and local wine at dinner only
• Services of a ride leader and host. Please note the ride leader and host has limited bike mechanic experience. There is no allocated bike mechanic on this trip but there is a car assistance service available
• Bespoke and detailed itinerary emailed to you personally a week before travel
• Return transfer from Bordeaux Airport to accommodation if pre-booked
• Local Halcyon Cycling Holidays representation for the duration of the holiday
• Full financial protection (see booking conditions) 
• Use of facilities including swimming pool, billiards, gardens etc

What’s Not Included:

• Bike and helmets 
• Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
• Meals other than breakfast and dinner
• Travel insurance
• Personal clothing and equipment
• Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
• Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
• Other optional activities
• Tips for guides, drivers, support staff
• Transfer costs such as local taxis, minibuses to take you to meals booked at local pubs and restaurants

Transfer Information

You can book a transfer from Bordeaux Airport to the Chateau return. We do not have the space to carry and transfer bikes as part of this transfer service, just cyclists and bags. Otherwise, if you are bringing your own bike, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the Chateau. Bike hire can be arranged locally at an extra charge – prices are on request. It’s important at the time of booking, you arrange and pre-book your bike transfer with us, as there is limited availability and space.

Bike Hire

We work with a local bike hire supplier in Lot et Garonne. We have e-bikes, a small selection of road bikes and hybrid bikes available. Prices and availability on request. On all of our cycling holidays, wearing of a helmet is mandatory.

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