Cycling & leisure
The countryside surrounding Château de Biron is a cyclist’s dream — a network of quiet country lanes, rolling hills, and panoramic views of the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne valleys. Riders can explore charming medieval villages, vineyards, and forest trails right from the château’s doorstep, with routes suited to both leisurely riders and more experienced cyclists seeking scenic climbs.
For guests who love to explore on two wheels, Au Coin Des Arbres is perfectly placed for cycling adventures around Biron and the wider Dordogne. You’re welcome to bring your own bike, with secure on-site storage available — or you can hire a bike easily through our trusted partner, Velo du Lot, who deliver electric, gravel and road bikes directly to your gîte for ultimate convenience.
Cycling Routes
From your gîte’s doorstep, a stunning variety of cycling experiences awaits. We have mapped out the best local routes, whether you’re looking for a leisurely e-bike tour to a local market or a heart-pumping road circuit.
You are welcome to bring your own bikes. Our rural location and on-site parking make it easy to unload and prepare for your cycling adventures right from your gîte’s doorstep.
Embrace “slow tourism” and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Pays des Bastides at your own pace. The region’s gentle hills are a joy to explore, especially with the help of an electric bike.
Featured Route: The Monpazier Loop
What it is: A gentle, 9 km recreational route perfect for a morning or afternoon.
The Ride: Start from Biron and follow this easy loop to Monpazier, one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”. It’s the perfect way to visit the 13th-century arcaded square , pick up treats from the famous Thursday market , and cycle back for lunch at your gîte.
View Route:
https://www.routeyou.com/en-fr/route/view/8200249
Need an E-Bike? We recommend our local partner, Stations Bee’s in Monpazier, for high-quality electric bike rentals.
For the dedicated road cyclist, our location is a dream. You’ll find quiet, well-paved roads, challenging climbs, and stunning scenery. This is the authentic, hilly terrain you’ve been looking for.
Featured Route: Cycling and Castles (The Biron Loop)
What it is: A challenging and rewarding 48.6 km road circuit.
The Ride: This route starts and ends in Biron, taking you on a magnificent tour of the surrounding countryside. You’ll cycle past historic castles , descend into picturesque valleys, and tackle steep, rewarding climbs. This is the definitive way to see the “Land of 1001 Castles” on two wheels.
View Route:
https://www.routeyou.com/en-fr/route/view/8200249
The Perfect Base: Our gîtes are an ideal base for multi-day tours. Many classic itineraries, like the “Medieval roundtrip between Lot & Dordogne” , pass directly through Biron and Monpazier.
If you prefer to leave the tarmac behind, the local sentiers (trails) offer fantastic VTT (Vélo Tout Terrain) experiences.
Featured Route: The “Château de Biron – Monpazier” VTT Loop
What it is: A serious 35 km off-road loop with 690m of elevation gain.
The Ride: This verified VTT circuit is a local classic. It’s a physically demanding ride that rewards you with technical descents, forest tracks, and incredible views of the Château de Biron. You can start from the castle car park, just 2 km away.
View Route:
https://www.utagawavtt.com/randonnee-vtt-gps/Chateau-de-Biron-Monpazier-41250
More Trails: Discover dozens of other local VTT routes around Biron and Vergt-de-Biron.
Featured Route: Cycling and Castles (The Biron Loop)
What it is: A challenging and rewarding 48.6 km road circuit.
The Ride: This route starts and ends in Biron, taking you on a magnificent tour of the surrounding countryside. You’ll cycle past historic castles , descend into picturesque valleys, and tackle steep, rewarding climbs. This is the definitive way to see the “Land of 1001 Castles” on two wheels.
View Route:
https://www.routeyou.com/en-fr/route/view/8200249
The Perfect Base: Our gîtes are an ideal base for multi-day tours. Many classic itineraries, like the “Medieval roundtrip between Lot & Dordogne” , pass directly through Biron and Monpazier.
Au Coin des Arbres is your strategic base for exploring all the region has to offer. For a fantastic family-friendly day out, we recommend a short drive to one of the Dordogne’s famous Voies Vertes (car-free greenways).
The Sarlat-Cazoulès Greenway (V91): (Approx. 40-50 min drive) A beautiful, 29 km shaded path on a former railway line. It’s flat, safe, and perfect for all ages, running parallel to the Dordogne river.
The Lalinde Canal (V91): (Approx. 30-40 min drive) This 40 km greenway runs from Prigonrieux to Mauzac along a stunning, shaded 19th-century canal. It’s a cool, relaxed, and perfectly flat ride.
The Cyclist's Toolkit: Local Hire & Services
We’ve partnered with the best local providers to ensure you have everything you need for a seamless cycling holiday.
Provider: Vélo du Lot
Location: Based in the Lot, they deliver across the Dordogne.
Services: A premium “top quality” rental service that delivers bikes directly to your gîte at Au Coin des Arbres and collects them afterward. They offer a wide range of bikes and can even arrange point-to-point delivery. This is an excellent option if you want your bikes waiting for you on arrival.
Booking:
https://velodulot.com/
Provider: Stations Bee’s Villeréal Location: In the nearby bastide of Villeréal.
Services: This full-service shop offers bicycle rental, sales, and a professional repair workshop. They speak English and French.
Booking:
https://www.villereal-monpazier.stationsbees.com/en-GB/
Beyond the Bike: Leisure & Culture from Your Doorstep
Au Coin des Arbres is for everyone, not just cyclists. Our gîtes are the perfect base for walkers, historians, foodies, and families.
The rolling hills and ancient woodlands around our gîte are a paradise for hikers.
Featured Hike: The “Boucle de Biron” (Biron Circular)
What it is: A spectacular 13 km moderate hiking loop that starts right from Biron village.
The Hike: This 4-hour walk takes you through a classic Périgord landscape of hills, valleys, and quiet forests. The trail offers “majestic and imposing” views of the Château de Biron, “reigning supreme over the surrounding countryside”.
View Route:
https://www.visorando.com/en/walk-boucle-de-biron/
More Hikes: We are surrounded by trails, from easy 4 km loops to challenging 30 km treks.
You are staying in the “Land of Bastide Towns” , a region steeped in the history of the Hundred Years’ War.
The Château de Biron (2 km walk):
What it is: One of the most impressive castles in the Dordogne, and it’s your local neighbor.
Visit: Walk (2km) or drive to this historic monument. Explore its 1000 years of history, from medieval fortress to Renaissance palace. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the ramparts and the regular art exhibitions.
Monpazier (9 km drive):
What it is: Officially one of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France”.
Visit: Founded in 1284, Monpazier is considered the “perfect” bastide town. Lose yourself in its grid of medieval streets, admire the 23 arcaded houses in the main square (Place des Cornières), and visit the 15th-century market hall (halle).
Villeréal & the Dropt Valley:
Visit: Explore the lively nearby bastide of Villeréal , with its impressive 14th-century church and market hall. From there, explore the scenic Dropt Valley, which stretches for 89 km.
Thursday Morning: Monpazier. A 700-year-old traditional market in the stunning Place des Cornières.
Saturday Morning: Villeréal. A lively, recommended market brimming with local vegetables, cheeses, and meats.
Sunday Morning: Issigeac. A world-famous market that takes over the entire medieval village. A “must-do” experience.
Monday Evening: Lacapelle-Biron. A charming evening market right in our neighboring village (April-Oct).
Summer Night Markets (Marchés Gourmands): In July and August, don’t miss the local night markets. Bring your own plates, buy food and wine directly from producers, and dine at long tables in the village square. The Biron evening market is on Thursdays!.
Staying in our self-catering gîtes means you can shop like a local and cook with the freshest Périgord produce. This is your essential weekly guide.
- Parc en Ciel: Located just south of Monpazier in Lacapelle-Biron, this is a fantastic day out for the whole family. It’s a 16-acre woodland adventure park with treetop zip-lines, a natural swimming pool, and courses for all ages.
- River Days: Use your gîte as a base to explore the great rivers. We are just a 30-minute drive from the Dordogne and Lot valleys , where you can rent canoes, go for a swim, or take a boat tour.
LATEST FroM THE BLOG
Introducing Nelly & Ozzy
Joining us on site are our two friendly, hypoallergenic dogs – Nelly, a lively Maltipoo whos’s never short of something to say when food is around, and Ozzy our gentle Zushon with a calm and affectionate nature. Although we are dog lovers ourselves, we regret that our gites are not suitable for visiting pets.
A New Chapter Begins…
We’re delighted to share some exciting news — as of Friday 7th November, Nick & Rachel Lowe have officially taken over ownership of Au Coin Des Arbres in beautiful Biron, Dordogne.