Domaine de Pouzelande sits in the gentle countryside of Périgord Blanc, about ten kilometres south of Périgueux, amid wooded hills, meadows and the pale limestone farmsteads that give the region its name. The lanes around the domaine carry almost no traffic, making this quietly beautiful corner of the Dordogne ideal for touring by bike. Four routes set out from the domaine: a local loop through the lanes of Sanilhac for an easy start, an escape to Périgueux and its riverside greenway along the Isle, a heritage day between Chancelade Abbey and the Priory of Merlande, and a gentle ride through the Manoire valley. Our bikes are ready whenever you are.
Route 1 — The lanes of Sanilhac
Local loop · Beginners and families · Best with: classic bike, e-bike, children's bike
Distance: 15–20 km · Difficulty: Easy · Duration: 1 h–1 h 30 · Starting point: Domaine
The perfect first outing, whether you are easing into the holiday or cycling with young children. Following the quiet back roads around the domaine, you discover the hamlets and farms of Périgord Blanc in their most unspoilt form: dry-stone walls, old orchards, truffle oaks and golden limestone barns. The terrain is gently rolling, the roads almost traffic-free.
The loop takes you through the neighbouring communes of Sanilhac, Coursac and Chalagnac, sometimes following the Manoire valley. It is the ideal route for settling into a rhythm at the start of your stay, or for a relaxed late-afternoon ride before coming back for an aperitif on the terrace.
Tip: ask at the domaine for the precise route of this local loop. Country lanes in this part of the Dordogne look very similar at junctions, and a map or GPS file (Komoot, Géoportail) will save you any wrong turns.
Route 2 — Périgueux and the Isle Valley greenway
Town escape · Greenway · Best with: classic bike, e-bike
Distance: 30–35 km · Difficulty: Intermediate · Duration: 2 h–2 h 30 · Starting point: Domaine
Heading north from the domaine, you reach Périgueux in about an hour of easy pedalling. The prefecture of the Dordogne is well worth the detour: its cathedral of Saint-Front with its Byzantine domes, the medieval lanes of the old Cité quarter and its lively markets make a natural midday stop.
From Périgueux, join the Isle Valley greenway, fifteen kilometres of fully traffic-free, paved path running east to west along the river through a calm, tree-lined corridor. Smooth and flat, it is perfectly suited to a touring or classic bike. Ride as much or as little of it as you like depending on your energy and your mood.
Good to know: Périgueux has plenty of spots for lunch or a picnic. If your ride falls on a Wednesday or Saturday, the open-air market on Place de la Clautre is a wonderful foodie stop, with local producers selling charcuterie, cheese, walnut oil and seasonal produce.
Route 3 — Chancelade Abbey and the Priory of Merlande
Heritage day · Abbeys and forests · Best with: e-bike, touring bike
Distance: 45–55 km · Difficulty: Intermediate · Duration: 3 h–4 h · Starting point: Domaine
The richest heritage route from the domaine. Heading north to Périgueux and then west, you reach Chancelade Abbey, founded in 1133 under the rule of Saint Augustine and built in white stone from the local quarries. The abbey complex, nestled in a green valley just outside Périgueux, is one of the finest Romanesque ensembles in Périgord.
From Chancelade, forest tracks and country roads lead north to the Priory of Merlande, founded in the 12th century by the monks of Chancelade in the heart of a chestnut and oak wood. A place of remarkable peace. The return leg follows a ridge road with lovely views between the Dronne and Isle valleys before dropping back down towards the domaine.
Our recommendation: this is the ideal outing for an e-bike. The road to Chancelade and the small climbs through the forest are effortless with electric assist, and you arrive at the Priory of Merlande fresh and ready to explore.
Route 4 — The Manoire valley and its villages
Nature ride · Valley and villages · Best with: classic bike, e-bike, children's bike
Distance: 20–25 km · Difficulty: Easy · Duration: 1 h 30–2 h · Starting point: Domaine
The Manoire is a small river that flows east of the domaine before joining the Isle near Périgueux. Its quiet valley offers an unhurried route through the villages of Saint-Laurent-sur-Manoire, Atur and Bassillac. The terrain is noticeably flatter here than elsewhere, making this the natural choice for families with children or for cyclists who want a gentle, restorative ride.
The riverside vegetation, the damp meadows and the sleepy hamlets give this circuit an intimate, calming character. It can be ridden as an out-and-back or as a loop depending on the roads available. Either way, it makes a fine morning outing or a relaxed end-of-day ride.
Worth knowing: this route is particularly lovely in spring, when the Manoire meadows fill with wild flowers. In summer, the wooded stretches provide welcome shade on warmer days.
Bike hire at Domaine de Pouzelande
Set off to explore Périgord Blanc as soon as you arrive, with no extra planning. The domaine offers four types of bike to suit every rider and every route:
- Classic bike: for local loops and quiet country roads.
- Touring bike: versatile and comfortable on roads and firm tracks.
- Electric bike (e-bike): enjoy the scenery without worrying about the hills.
- Children's bike: for little riders on the easier, flatter routes.
Why hire your bikes at the domaine?
- Start pedalling straight from the domaine, no car needed.
- Helmets provided for the whole family.
- Personalised route advice based on your level.
- GPX files available on request.
- All bikes serviced and checked before each hire.
- Available to all guests in gîtes and bed & breakfast rooms.
Hire rates and booking conditions available on request from the domaine. Please let us know the number and type of bikes you need when you book.