The area around us is wonderful for cycling; there is little traffic, which makes exploring on two wheels a wonderful experience. Setting off from Haut Combiers, there are gentle routes for leisure cyclists (with bars and restaurants at the end…) to more challenging routes for accomplished cyclists. There are also nearby flat off-road routes on old railway and tramways for all the family to enjoy, plus more challenging tracks via “chemins rurale,” which are similar to bridleways in England. You can cycle to lakes to enjoy a swim or return here to the private heated pool and relax in the garden.
The surrounding countryside is very pretty and offers a variety of grass pasture, woodland, ponds and lakes, plus rides alongside rivers and past chateaux. Even on the hottest of days, the dappled shade from the trees makes for comfortable riding. The scenery constantly changes, from riding along a wooded valley by the river, to a spectacular vista opening in front of you. Wildlife, such as buzzards and deer can regularly be seen en route, while the wild flowers that bloom in April and May make for an idyllic setting. In autumn, the changing woodland offers a different perspective, with wonderful colours as the leaves change.
Andrew is a member of the Nontron Cycling Club (category 3) over here in France, largely doing road races of around 65km. He was also a member of a cycling club in England, doing time trials and circuit races. He is happy to either advise on routes or can accompany you if preferred. If you would like to follow his routes/rides on the Strava website, go to www.strava.com and look up “Andrew Twigg” at Saint Paul La Roche, Aquitaine.
If you choose to bring your own bikes, we can house them in the barn or, if you would prefer to hire whilst over here, there are a number of companies who will deliver suitable bikes for several days or for the duration of your stay. Tandems are also available.
While we do have cyclists stay in the summer months, spring and autumn in the Dordogne offer beautiful scenery, also with a pleasant climate. Our heated swimming pool is available from early/mid April to the end of October, should some family members be less keen on seeing the countryside on two wheels and prefer to relax at the house.
Visitor comments:
‘We stayed this summer and had some excellent local road bike riding. Some challenging hills and fantastic downhill, great scenery, few cars. There were also some flatter routes alongside the local streams. Great cycling for the enthusiast and the family’ July 2015
“This is a great area if you want to cycle with the family, or take on some more challenging routes. Beautiful and varied landscape, in and out of shade and sunshine, with some good up hill pulls if you want them. Went out for a couple of rides with Andrew and really enjoyed it – he knew the area well and was able to take me on just the kind of rides I wanted. Can recommend!” May 2016.
“Amazing to be able to cycle with so little traffic! Loved the varied terrain and beautiful scenery. Andrew was really helpful advising on routes and it was great to know we had back up if needed. Will definitely be back!” September 2017.
“Being the two cyclists of the party, we took it upon ourselves to cycle to the boulangerie in Jumilhac each morning for our daily bread. Obviously, we then deserved a coffee (or beer…) with our morning croissant on the square in front of the chateau. This daily ritual took longer each morning, so by the middle of the week we were followed in the car by the rest of the party, who had soon realised they were missing out. Back to the pool afterwards for another hard day relaxing in the sunshine…..” May 2019
“We loved cycling up to Jumilhac along the beautiful winding road alongside the river. Once there, to be able to sit in front of the amazing chateau for a coffee or drink (and, on a couple of days, for lunch,) was such a rare treat. Being very amateur cyclists, it was just enough exercise to make us feel justified in having a beer and a good meal!” August 2019.