This route from the Motorcycle Tour Guide France part 1 is a modified tour that starts and ends in Beaumont.

Bert Loorbach, the author, is an avid motorcyclist himself and lived in France for a year and a half. During that time, he dedicated himself to mapping France's lesser-known and beautiful back roads specifically for motorcyclists. Hotels, campsites, sights, parking lots, and restaurants are included as points of interest.

This ride combines ancient culture and beautiful scenery. The route traverses a quieter part of the Périgord on excellent roads. Surprises along the way include the sudden appearance of castles and charming villages in a stunning landscape. Several castles are included as route points.

We drive from Beaumont via Bouilliac to Monpazier, one of the most beautiful bastide villages in the Périgord. A glance at the village map doesn't at all suggest a medieval village. Where you'd expect an organically structured settlement with narrow streets and winding alleys, Monpazier boasts clean lines and uniformity that are more reminiscent of a Roman camp. This is a lovely village to stop in and stretch your legs.

After Monpazier, we drive along beautiful winding roads through a green and hilly landscape, after a short stop at Biro Castle, classified as a "Major Site d'Aquitaine" (one of Aquitaine's major tourist attractions), the seat of one of the four baronies of the Périgord. Over time and through various events, this originally primitive fortress has undergone numerous changes. Each century has left its mark, contributing to the appeal of this exceptional architectural ensemble. Situated on a hill on the border of the Périgord and the Agenais, the castle was the heart of a large area of serf farming (a type of farming where a portion of the harvest went to the baron and part of the property remained with the farmer). Admission costs €9.70.

We drive via Cuzorn to Bonaguil. In Cuzorn, you can see the ruins of the Château de Cuzorn, a stone fortress perched on a cliff overlooking the Lémance Valley. The walls display medieval defensive patterns. Built in 1271, the castle was used alternately by English and French troops during the Hundred Years' War before being dismantled in 1793. The castle was officially recognized as a French Historical Monument in 1950, emphasizing its architectural and regional importance.

We drive through hilly terrain with forests and valleys to one of the highlights of this route, the Château de Bonaguil. This magnificent medieval castle is situated on the border between Quercy and Périgord and is definitely worth a visit. Located in the municipality of St. Front-sur-Lémance, Château de Bonaguil is owned by the neighboring municipality of Fumel in the Lot-et-Garonne department. This magnificent fortress, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, is considered one of the most beautiful castles in France and a unique example of medieval architecture in Europe. As you approach the castle, you'll see its imposing towers and walls towering over the surrounding hills. Once inside, you can spend hours exploring the many rooms, towers, and secret passages. Admission costs €9.50.

We continue along a winding road along the Thèze River towards Villefranche du Périgord, to Belvès, where we stop for lunch. This village with seven towers lies between Monpazier and Sarlat in the tourist heart of the Dordogne. The seven bell towers are visible from afar and give the village a unique character. Belvès is a bastide (a French type of medieval town) with a characteristic rectangular street plan. In the center stands the covered market hall from the 15th century. Around it, at the edges of the square, are shops, bars, and restaurants, built of stone in the beautiful golden color typical of the region. Below the square lie ancient cave dwellings.
Belvès is a charming village with plenty to do and see for all ages during the long summer season. Stroll through the streets of the old town and admire the beautiful houses and charming artisan shops. Also visit the Château de Belvès, the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church, or the Notre-Dame de Montcuq church.

After lunch, it's a short drive through the beautiful green hills to Beaumont-du-Périgord. The fortified town of Beaumont, founded in 1272, has undergone many changes over the years. Its incredibly rich heritage takes you back to the Middle Ages. Discover the impressive fortified church, the Luzier Gate, a protected historical monument, and explore the narrow streets. The 100 km of easily accessible, signposted hiking trails offer plenty of opportunities to explore the area on foot or horseback. Overnight stays are possible at a campsite or in a holiday cottage, as there are no hotels nearby.