Cycle The Dordogne - Testimonials - guests’ comments about their Cycle The Dordogne holiday

Our Visitors' Book
Here is what some of our guests have said about their stay with us. We do hope that when you return home you will add your comments, too.

Jo-anne & Kevin
Toronto (July 2011)

Cliff organized a fantastic 8 day cycling trip in early July through the Dordogne for us and our 2 teenagers. He was so helpful & patient with my many e-mails while doing the planning and he customized a perfect trip. I was concerned about busy roads in July but Cliff knows the area so well that it was never an issue. The scenery was gorgeous, the accommodations were great, the food at the included dinners was incredible, and the bikes were so good that we actually bought a couple of them when we got back home! I would definitely recommend Cliff to anyone thinking of cycling in the area.

Liz
Wollongong, Australia (September, 2011)

We had a wonderful trip designed for six people, for the Dordogne and all the sights on the way. The Pre-historic art and museums were an unexpected bonus. Cliff's maps were excellent and each person had a copy so we could easily change leader for the day. Cliff was also there to support us when we needed it. He organised a very enjoyable tour with the knowledge of a local and within the timeframe we requested. He also gave us good bikes which we needed for the hills.

Andre & Deborah
Marietta, Georgia, USA (October 2011)

We had a truly marvelous and memorable time. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary and this turned into a second honeymoon for us. Cliff was stellar in working out our bike tour, despite our shifts and changing dates. He and Annie know this region like only people who live in and love it would. So, not only does that turn into excellent routes which include incredible sites, vistas, caves, rivers, etc. It also ensures they have solid working relationships with a great variety of peoples/establishments where sleeping and dining becomes an additional pleasure to the daily wonders of the tour. Every detail was attended to, leaving us free to simply pedal, eat & drink to our hearts' content. We can't thank them enough. And we're already talking about the next tour...

Kerry and Clint
Melbourne,australia (October 2011)

Just returned from a great few weeks in France, with our cycling trip a highlight. We had our two children with us, who were less enthusiastic about distance and hills, but they enjoyed themselves very much. The various alternative routes meant we could do some extra ring without the children so everyone was happy. We particularly loved Cliff' s ability to customize our tour to our precise dates and accommodation requests. It couldn't have been better. We'll be back.

Margaret & John
Dublin, Eire. (Sept 2011)

Hi Cliff, We just came back from France on Saturday after our 4 wonderful days of cycling. Thank you so much for organising everything for us - we were blessed with the weather for sure. We were also very pleased with our achievement - 200K over 4 days. And the food - amazing! The bikes were great too and I have now found out what a friend gear 1:1 is! We will definitely be back to you next year. Many thanks Margaret and John

Susan Arnold
Roswell, Georgia,USA (September, 2011)

We can’t say enough about our recent Dordogne region cycling vacation. Cliff’s attention to detail and intimate knowledge of the area, roads, accommodations and restaurants ensured a flawless itinerary. Only an experienced cyclist familiar with the roads could have mapped out such incredible routes. The bicycles were comfortable, well maintained and equipped with top-of-the-line panniers. Cliff took the time to familiarize us with the routes and equipment and install the clips we brought from home on Day 1. Cliff customized our itinerary to meet our accommodation specifications (which almost always exceeded our expectations) and requests to visit specific sites. We enjoyed a number of the optional side trips and were rewarded each time with breathtaking views and authentic sites. His directions were easy to follow and the tips very helpful. We particularly enjoyed the restaurant recommendations! In short, his superior customer service ensured our trip was most enjoyable. We highly recommend booking your cycling vacation with Cliff!

Doug & Chandra
Sarnia,Ontario,Canada (Sept 2011)

Hi Cliff We just arrived back in Canada yesterday. Anyway, our bike trip was great. Truly terrific. I don't think we could have chosen a better time of year, either...comfortable weather, low traffic, smaller volume of tourists, etc. We were thrilled with the routes (and associated information), accommodations, sights, meals, and bikes. You are certainly right....who knows about the future....maybe we'll need to see the Lot area of France! Thanks for everything. We have already, and will certainly continue to sing your praises. Douglas

Carl and Sharon Astor
Connecticut, USA (July, 2011)

We could not have been more pleased with our trip. Cliff's routes were on excellent roads, passing beautiful sites, and the lengths were well-paced. Accommodations were wonderful. The expression that Dordogne is the "kitchen of France" was true and we loved all our meals in the hotels that Cliff booked. We also saw two caves with prehistoric drawings that awed and amazed us. We suggest making this a part of any trip to Dordogne. The caves are a unique experience to this region. We have done many cycling trips and this ranks with the best of them. Thank you Cliff for everything!

Kate
NSW, Australia (June / July 2011)

A wonderful cyling trip designed specifically for our groups need. We had a lovely relaxing time exploring the Dordogne and the Lot Valleys. Cliff made it all so easy for us with lovely places to stay. excellent directions and plenty of variety. I particularly liked the flexibility we had for each day with opportunities to see various sights and take some side routes along the way. I'm looking forward to another trip as there's so much to see in this part of France. Thanks Cliff

Tony
Maitland, Australia (June/July 2011)

We are just back from a brilliant family cycling holiday through the Dordogne and Lot with Cliff. This is a spectacular part of France to explore by bicycle and we were delighted with the personalised itinerary that took in many a quiet back-country road along with the must see highlights. We had great accommodation, excellent bikes and wonderful support along the way. This was a real treat for our 3 families. Thanks Cliff.

suzy r
Minnesota, USA. (June 2011)

I've done numerous cycle holidays in Europe, through Loire Valley Travel, Radreissen, Easy Riders, Baumeller, etc., but this was by far the best organized trip I've ever had! Directions, accomodations, food, scenery, sights, all were wonderful. There's just no substitute for having someone local making the arrangements. I'd definitely do another trip with Cycle the Dordogne!

Mark & Yvonne
Sydney, Australia (June 2011)

What an amazing holiday! Cliff created an itinerary for us that gave us everything we wanted from the trip and so much more. We appreciate Cliff's expert knowledge of the Dordogne and Lot areas and his recommendations for short side trips were all well worth doing. We saw so much. This is truly an amazing holiday destination with such a variety of sights to see and experiences to have. We particularly enjoyed the caves and the prehistoric rock art (the oldest, publicly accessible art in the world) The restaurants that Cliff booked and the hotels we stayed at were superlative. Cliff's route descriptions and directions were flawless and easy to use. The bikes were excellent (new) and despite not being 'professional' cyclists, found the route very manageable. We particularly appreciated Cliff's willingness to provide us with the holiday of our dreams and his knowledge and professionalism are second to none. Cycling is the perfect way to see the countryside, the beautiful villages and work off some calories (the reward being some of the best meals we've ever had). Thank-you Cliff.

Jacqui & Leon Clement
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (June 2011)

Just a quick note to let you know that we had a fantastic time on our cycle trip. Everything went to plan: the weather was perfect (not that anyone controls that), the accomodation and dining were excellent and the riding itself was the perfect way to explore the region. We particularly enjoyed the ride from La Roque to Les Eyzies. Thanks for your help in creating a really memorable holiday. It was a pleasure to meet you also. All the best for the rest of the summer. Sounds like you'll be busy!

Maggie & Ken
St. Catharines, ON, Canada (June 2011)

We cycled the Dordogne two years ago and loved it so much we returned to try the Lot area this year. It was well worth the return trip. The route was well thought out with so much to see from fortified cities and chateaux, to quaint villages. The gorgeous scenery and vistas of the Lot River region were breathtaking. The B&Bs were first rate, all our hosts gracious, the cuisine wonderful and of course the marvelous wines of the Cahors region enhanced the whole experience. Thanks once again Cliff.

Craig, Kylie & Hayden
Sydney, Australia. (July 2011)

Hi Cliff, Thanks for organizing a great few days in the Dordogne for us. We had a fabulous time in a beautiful part of the world. The bikes ran perfectly and your luggage transfers were seamless. All the hotels were first rate, but I'd make a special mention of the hotel in Sarlat, which gave us friendly service, a nice big room, and exceptional dinner and breakfast. We loved it - both the town and the hotel. We all really enjoyed the tour of the Font de Gaume, a unique experience and well worth the effort getting tickets.

Alison
Whistler, BC, Canada (June 2011)

I cycled the Dordogne with my parents and boyfriend for 8 days from the end of May through the first week of June. The weather was great and the trip was more than I could have hoped for. The days of cycling offered a good variety of rides, and all provided a great selection of scenery. The hotels we stayed in were very cool, mostly older fashioned, but with modern features including wireless internet and a tv. Planned meals were more traditional french cusine which was surprisingly good and other tasty restaurants were easy to find on nights on our own. Thanks for a great trip!

George & Diane
Cape Town, SA. (May 2011)

Diane and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the Dordogne, the countryside, the beautifully quaint and historic towns & villages en route, as well as the cuisine, the wine and the people. Thank you for a very well planned and organized itinerary, the wonderful cycling routes and a great selection of hotels, each with their own special features, be it a location, a view, comfort or cuisine they all had a lovely unique ambience and warm service. We look forward to returning one day, possibly to "Cycle the Lot" ...we will keep in touch, many thanks.

Anne-Louise Minter
Singapore (July 2010)

Our family of two adults and two children aged 11 and 15 spend an amazing two weeks cycling the Dordogne. Cliff was so patient and professional and nothing was too much trouble. Our family had one of our "best ever vacations" and the children are still talking about their adventures. The villages were simply breathtaking and the accommodations was second to none. The bikes were great and became part of our family over the two week trip, the children wanted to take them home as a momento of their adventures and new found love of France. Thank you so much Cliff for organising a trip that will forever be in our minds and for giving my children a trip they will never forget. We will most definately be holidaying with you again.

Burrton Woodruff/ Charles Shriner
Indiana, USA (September 2010)

I cycled the Dordogne in 2007 with this company (see my review near the bottom). Returned to share it with my partner this year. On the first day of biking, Charles remarked, "No wonder I wanted to share this. It is wonderful." Also said, several times, "Best vacation, ever." I couldn't agree more. Another fabulous wonderful time. Cliff put together an amalgam of my first trip with new experiences. Yes, good food, good hosts, great pricing, good beds. Be sure to go to Grottes de Cougnac just outside of Gourdon and Font de Gaume (outside of Les Ezyies): the prehistoric cave paintings speak to my soul. Thank you very much, Cliff

Subra & Cathhy Balan
Colarado, USA (September 2010)

We had an absolutely fabulous time during our cycling trip arranged by Cycle the Dordogne. The route was exquisitely planned, the directions sharp and clear, the hotels very comfortable, the hoteliers warm and hospitable and the dinners simply heavenly. Of particular note was our stay at Hotel Clement V with Madame and Monsieur Fischer as superb hosts and our stay at the Hostelerie de la Bouriane with our host Monsieur Lacam. The bikes worked flawlessly and the scenery and sights were simply superb. France as a whole and the midi-Pyrennees region we were in is most beautiful! Thank you for arranging such a memorable trip. We hope to see you in a few years! If anyone wants to speak to us about our experience we would only be too glad to wax eloquent.....

George & Garrick Malone
Benicia, California (August 2010)

Garrick and I really enjoyed the Dordogne trip in August. The villages were spectacular, the luggage transfers happened without problems, the lodging was great. The route sheets were by and large very helpful and the km distances were accurate. I don't believe we had time to do any of the add-on loop extensions, there was so much to see. I think we climbed to all the castles, Chateau de Fenelon, Castlenaud, Beynac, and the village of Domme. Overall, it was a fantastic experience.

David Elliott
Worcestershire, England (August 2010)

Thanks very much for all your help. We were very pleased with your services, your choice of hotels and the routes you selected. The flexibility was great and the sheer quantity of well surfaced quiet roads, the fantastic scenery, refreshing rivers and spectacular chateaus make this a first class cycle destination. The lack of luggage to carry means we could cycle fast and unhindered and the plethora of fine restaurants ensured we never went hungry! We are already considering a return for next year in the same week. Do you think you could come up with something similar but different?

Teresa & Tina
Kodiak, Alaska (June 2010)

We highly recommend Cycle the Dordogne to anyone looking for a unique way to see a gorgeous part of the world by bicycle. Cliff set up a personalized 11-day bike tour for us last month that was a true treasure. We wanted to spend a few days in each village rather than biking every day; Cliff obliged us with our own individualized itinerary. Cliff was a pleasure to work with and the Dordogne region's people, food, terrain, history, and prehistory made this a truly fabulous vacation. We will recommend this to our friends and plan to return to the Dordogne to explore it further.

Alex & Cath Morrison
Sydney, Australia (October 2009)

This is a must for anyone who wants to be somewhere completely different, relax, keep fit, marvel at breathtaking scenery, indulge in superb cuisine, eat fresh walnuts along the roadside, and much more... Thank you Cliff.

Sonia & Joal
Sydney, Australia (May 2010)

Excellent bikes, instructions and accommodation for a 6-7 day Dordogne cycle. We are very keen to come back and try out the new Lot Valley walk in a year or so. Highly recommended - I couldn't imagine going through a big travel company to arrange this type of trip when we can arrange things directly with Cliff.

Jack & Andrea Holland
Chapman, Australia (May 2010)

After doing his standard Dordogne walking tour in April 2008, Cliff custom designed a 12 day walk for us in the Cele and Lot Valleys for May 2010. This was from Figeac to Puy L'Eveque, a good part of it comprising one of the alternative routes for the Camino de Santiago de Compostelo in this area. We immensely enjoyed this walk, particularly through the small villages and countryside of the beautiful and comparatively isolated Cele Valley. Cliff's walking notes are very detailed and accurate, making navigation easy. His choice of accommodation is varied but always comfortable, we particularly enjoyed staying in the Chambre d'Hotes dining with the hosts and other guests. All of this allowed us to get so much closer to the real France away from the tourist traps of the larger cities and towns. One very big advantage is that Cliff lives locally, knows the area well and has walked the routes, so much preferable in our experience than dealing with a remote organiser in an office sometimes over 1000 km away. We plan to walk with him again, and unreservedly recommend Cliff's walking tours.

Maggie Sutherland & Ken Edwards
St. Catharines ON Canada (Sept 28 - Oct 5 2009)

Ken and I have been recommending your cycling tours to all our friends since we returned home. It was a fabulous trip with great scenery, first rate accommodation and meals. Your organization, equipment and personal touch were exceptional so all we had to do was enjoy getting from point A to point B each day. We hope to return in the future for another tour.

Rod McDonald
Brisbane, Australia (Sept 2009)

I could not have wished for more. Cliff and Annie were really helpful, nothing was too much trouble ("You only have 7 days available, not 9? No problem , we'll just do a few adjustments.") A really nice selection of B&Bs and small hotels, carefully selected, and a great bicycle, fully equipped. What more could one want?

Andy Grogger
Colorado, United States (September 2009)

Cliff, your trip was as promised. Like those below, we enjoyed the hotels and the dinners were great. The luggage transfer was wonderful - leave the bags in the lobby of one hotel and find them at the next... we would have looked pretty ridiculous towing a suitcase! And, naturally, the scenery was beautiful, with the Dordogne fully living up to the natural splendor imagined prior. Just let your future guests know that a little hill-climbing practice on bikes would not go amiss beforehand. I will pass along your name to fellow adventure-minded travellers I encounter. All the best, Andy

Nic & Andrew MacPherson
New Zealand (September 09)

Dear Cliff We really enjoyed our experiences of the Dordogne Two. Your complete organisation of our trip made it worry free.The accomodation was beyond expectation and the blend of new and old enhanced the experience for us. The detail of your instructions left nothing to chance and our ad hoc meetings with you on the road were memorable. We are recommending your trip to our antipodean friends. We are happy to answer any questions you my get from prospective Kiwi cyclists. Thanks again for a great holiday experience. Kind regards Andrew & Nic MacPherson.

Colin & Norma
Australia (August 2009)

Had a great cycling holiday enjoying wonderful scenery Hotels were excellent and the dinners were memorable Tour was very well planned, the routes were ideal and it was a great experience.

Simon,Nina,Jacob & Abby
Westfield,NJ,USA (June 09)

Dear Cliff & Annie, you deserve additional accolades for arranging our fantastic Dordogne biking trip.The innkeepers were charming and friendly - all knew we were sent by "Madame Walker".The meals were great,unforgettable.Thanks again for a great vacation experience.

Tom, Loula, Dave & Beverley
McKinney,Texas,USA. (May 09)

Thankyou so much for your fantastic service.The bikes are superior to other tour companies and the routes were awesome.We were so pleased with everything.Will recommend you to all.

Dennis and Nancy
Washington State, USA. (Sept 08)

Cliff, I'm spreading your name far and wide, and I really cannot think of an aspect on your side of our experience that could be improved upon. Thanks again.

Kerry & Laura
Ontario, Canada (Sept 08)

We really did have a great cycle holiday. The route instructions were excellent. The countryside was beautiful. Accommodations perfect. It was a good thing we were cycling to justify all the good food we indulged in. Also, thanks for the good weather! We will definitely recommend it to our friends,

Corinne & Paul
British Columbia, Canada (Sept 07)

We really had a superb week!! Thank you for your pivotal role in organizing the tour, providing excellent directions, touring advice, and of course the extra help when we needed it! Otherwise, I have to tell you that the restaurants were all unbelievable. We all added a few pounds despite the cycling! Le Gindreau was the best restaurant I have ever dined at in my life - I now understand why even the French would drive 200km to dine there!

Burrton
Indianapolis, USA (Sept 07)

I had a really wonderful time. Been looking at the pictures and remembering some of the experiences. I'm planning to post some pictures and descriptions about the trip on my web pages to encourage others to do a "Cycle the Dordogne" tour. Thanks so much for your services.

Millie & Scott
Palos Verdes, California (Aug 07)

I want to thank you for all of your help for our "exceptional" group. Meeting you was a delight and if in the future we cycle, you would be our choice. My sincerest thanks for your compassion and flexibility to aid us in so many ways.

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