SHORT 5 DAY TOUR + PLUM VILLAGE

SHORT 5 DAYS & 4 NIGHTS  -  ON THE ROAD TO MINDFULNESS + Plus Plum Village Start any Monday April thru October, 5 Days & 4 Nights Deluxe 3 Star Hotels & Inns $1596* 
 We begin in the prehistory capital of Europe, Les Eyzies, on the banks of the Vezere River referred to as The Valley of Man because of its many sites showing the development of our ancestors and their spiritual beginnings.  Through lectures, visits to prehistory sites, medieval fortresses and ancient churches, as well as local artists you will expand your study to both western and eastern philosophy.  You will spend your last 3 nights at Plum Village*, the home and practice center of Thich Nhat Hanh, the world renowned Buddhist Monk, peace activist and master of Mindfulness training.  This cycling itinerary has you in Les Eyzies for nights 1 & 4, Sarlat 1 night and Montignac 1 night. You are at Plum Village for nights 5, 6 & 7. The tour includes 2 dinners and 4 breakfasts, baggage transfer and emergency support.  Detail route Notes and marked map are included.  Air, trains and entrance fees and extras and drinks are not included. 

 *The Plum Village portion of your tour must be booked by you separately, but we will help you with that booking.  The above prices do not include the Plum Village portion. Current pricing for 3 nights is: 120 - 215 Euro and 1 week is 280 to 500 Euro per person, depending on accommodation chosen from camping to dorm to private room.  All meals are included at Plum Village. You can also choose to stay off site at a B&B for the lower price shown, which includes 3 meals per day at Plum Village, but you must add the B&B price.  We can help you with the B&B booking as well. Again, we will help you navigate the booking process.  


 Day 1:  LES EYZIES, Monday Les Eyzies, in the heart of the Dordogne has access by train from airports at Paris(CDG), Bordeaux(BOD), Bergerac(EGC) or Toulouse(TLS).  We meet you at the depot and our hotel is only 200m away.  It is built into the side of the cliffs and is next to where the Cro-Magnon Man remains were discovered. Depending on your time of arrival, you either assemble your bicycle or we will fit your rental, have a short orientation and then an afternoon warmup loop. A walk into the village and even a visit to one of the pre-history sites may be in order as well. 


 Day 2: LES EYZIES TO SARLAT, Tuesday Today is a very full day as you leave the Vezere River Valley and go over the ridge to the Dordogne, visits possible to Chateaux Des Milandes the former home of American jazz singer Josophine Baker, Castelnaud, Beynac and the Bastide Town of Domme and it's 3 Star view of the Dordogne Valley. Then past beautiful Chateau de Montfort  and on to Sarlat via a Piste Cyclable, an old rail line now bike path to your hotel in the Old Town of amazing Sarlat. Dinner is included at your hotel. 



Day 3: SARLAT MARKET to MONTIGNAC
You awake to the sounds of the famous Sarlat Market in the streets of the Old Town. We recommend you spend the morning visiting the market, have lunch and the head to Montignac on the Vezere River and the home of Lascaux II. Dinner is on your own tonight and there are many options. 


 Day :4  MONTIGNAC to LES EYZIES via LASCAUX II,  Thursday You start with a visit to Lascaux II and then a wonderful ride down the Vezere River Valley past one amazing pre-history sight after another and 2 Medieval sights you should visit if time allows. Dinner is on your own in Les Eyzies with many options.


 Day 5:  PLUM VILLAGE, Friday You will catch an early train from Les Eyzies to St Foy Le Grande and be met there by the Monks and Nuns of Plum Village. They will take you via van to Plum village.  Upon arrival, you will be greeted and escorted to your rooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included and are vegan, abundant and delicious!  You will receive an orientation and the Practice Begins! You will leave your bikes at the Les Eyzies hotel. If you choose to cycle the 72km to Plum village, rather than use the train, you will leave your bikes there and we will pick them up at PV.


 Day 6 & 7:  PLUM VILLAGE PRACTICE , Saturday & Sunday Saturday is normally a work day.  It begins in the Meditation Hall at 0545. Sunday is normally a Day of Mindfulness and includes a morning Dharma Talk by Thay or other senior brother, followed by formal lunch.  It rotates between hamlets so you will either travel to another hamlet either walking, cycling or by van unless it is held at your hamlet.  Some of the best moments of our life have been listening to Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum village.  You have a treat and very meaningful experience in store. 



 Day 8 or 12: DEPARTURE, Monday or Friday (depending on 3 night or 7 night stay) If you rented bikes you can leave them at Plum Village. You will be taken by van to St. Foy Le Grande where you can take a train to Libourne and from there to Paris and CDG. Longer stays at Plum Village are possible and must be arranged with the village staff.  Also we can help you with an extention of your visit in the Gironde and Bordeaux areas, with or without bicycles. 

 GENERAL NOTE: The cost for 5 days and 4 nights is $1596, double occupancy, plus Plum Village*.  Single Supplement is $300.  All breakfasts, 2 dinners and transferring your luggage to the next hotel are included, as well as sag support for emergencies.  Drinks, extras, and lunches are not included.  *The Plum Village portion of your tour must be booked by you separately, but we will help you with that booking.  The above prices do not include the Plum Village portion. Current pricing for 3 nights is: 120 - 215 Euro and 1 week is 280 to 500 Euro per per person, depending on accommodation chosen from camping to dorm to private room.  All meals are included at Plum Village.   Again, we will help you navigate the booking process.  A $600 per person deposit is required to reserve your space. It is refundable up to 60 days prior to the trip less a $100 administration fee.  Final payment is required 60 days prior to the trip and is refundable, less the deposit, up to 30 days prior to the trip.  Check, Visa or Mastercard are accepted.  For additional information, contact Dick Powell at bikeoutfit@aol.com, or 650-279-5018. Click on the Tour Booking Information in the Navigator on the top of this page. 

 Bicycle rentals - We have Hybrid and Road style bicycles and a Tandem available for rent.  However, we recommend bringing your own bicycle.  As avid cyclists we have never enjoyed rented bicycles. We love to ride our own bikes which we are accustomed to, and they provide maximum enjoyment. However, traveling with your bicycle has become more difficult in recent years.  We can provide advice and help with this option. Your choice. Hybrids rent for $195, Road for $230 and a Tandem for $350 for the tour.