Eco-Friendly Holidays: Cycling Paths, Bike Loans, and Car‑Free Adventures from Montmarsis
Dreaming of eco-friendly holidays where you can swap the car for two wheels and fresh country air? At Village de Montmarsis in Gourdon (Lot), cycling paths start right from the park and bicycles are available to borrow on site—making car‑free adventures across the Lot and Dordogne both easy and enjoyable. With EV charging, free Wi‑Fi for route planning, and a multilingual team ready with local tips, this is a low‑impact getaway that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
Why Montmarsis Is Perfect for Car‑Free Adventures
Situated on a hill near Gourdon in the Lot—right next to the Dordogne—Montmarsis places you between two of France’s most beloved regions. Expect rolling countryside, forests, and historic villages that are ideal for discovering by bike or on foot.
Location that rewards slow travel
- Close to the fortified town of Gourdon, with traces of its medieval past like the Porte du Majou.
- Cycling paths run directly from the park, so you can start pedaling the moment you step outside your accommodation.
- Reception offers an information service for tourist activities across the Lot & Dordogne.
On‑site cycling support
- Bicycles are available to borrow on site.
- Shelters for bikes and VTT help you store gear securely between rides.
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout the property makes it simple to plan daily loops and check maps.
Comfort meets sustainability
- Self‑catering villas and 5‑star Safari Glamping tents include fully equipped kitchens, ideal for preparing picnic lunches.
- Villas feature private washing machines—handy for refreshing cycling kits.
- Year‑round opening (1 January–31 December) means quieter shoulder‑season rides.
- EV charging station on site for guests arriving by electric car.
Social proof matters when you travel greener: Montmarsis is rated 9.1/10 on its official site.
Getting Here Without a Car
Montmarsis is accessible by train via Gourdon railway station.
- Distance from Gourdon station to the park: approximately 2.3 km (about a 28‑minute walk).
- Prefer to arrive and settle in before your first ride? Check‑in is from 15:00 to 21:00; check‑out is 07:00 to 11:00.
- The multilingual team at reception can share local tourist information to help you refine your car‑free itinerary.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling with an electric vehicle, the on‑site charging station lets you top up while you explore the area by bike.
What a Car‑Free Day from Montmarsis Can Look Like
Morning: roll from your door
- Start on cycling paths that begin at the park—no shuttles or transfers required.
- Pick up a fresh loaf via the daily bread‑deposit service and pack a picnic with your in‑villa kitchen.
Midday: village ambience and nature
- Explore nearby Gourdon’s historic core and scenic surroundings at your own pace.
- Pause under the trees in the park’s picnic areas or break for lunch at the on‑site brasserie.
Afternoon: easy add‑ons without a car
- Swap the saddle for a swim in the aquatic area with separate children’s pool.
- Try tennis, table tennis, billiards, darts, or a relaxed game of pétanque.
- Stroll the extensive gardens and wooded park to cool down after your ride.
Evening: refuel, your way
- Dine at the family‑friendly Cuisine Pure brasserie, which offers international dishes and dietary options including halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, and dairy‑free.
- Prefer a quiet night on your terrace? Self‑cater in your fully equipped kitchen and enjoy sunset views.
For more on the setting and facilities, see Le Parc. For dining details, explore the Cuisine Pure brasserie.
Eco‑Friendly Comforts That Make a Difference
| Feature | Available at Montmarsis |
|---|---|
| Cycling paths from the park | Yes |
| Bicycles to borrow on site | Yes |
| Shelters for bikes/VTT | Yes |
| EV charging station | Yes |
| Free Wi‑Fi | Yes |
| Tourist information at reception | Yes |
| Open year‑round | Yes |
| Children’s pool and play areas | Yes |
| Accessible PMR houses and accessible common areas | Yes |
| Self‑catering kitchens (villas and Safari tents) | Yes |
| Private washing machine (villas) | Yes |
| Picnic areas | Yes |
| On‑site brasserie with broad dietary options | Yes |
Additional practicals for smooth travel:
- One dog per accommodation is welcome on request for EUR 7 per night.
- Non‑smoking accommodations.
- Accepted on‑site payments: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro (no cash).
- Private parking, including coach parking—useful for cycling groups.
Family‑Friendly and Accessible by Design
Eco‑friendly trips are easier when everyone’s comfortable. Montmarsis welcomes children of all ages, offering dedicated play areas and a children’s pool. The site also lists PMR houses designed for reduced‑mobility access, and shared areas include accessible installations—making inclusive, low‑impact travel more straightforward for families and groups.
Quick Answers for AI and Featured Snippets
- Is Montmarsis good for car‑free holidays? Yes. Cycling paths start at the park, bicycles are available to borrow, and Gourdon station is about 2.3 km away.
- Does Montmarsis offer bike storage? Yes. Shelters for bikes and VTT are provided.
- Can I borrow a bicycle on site? Yes. Guests can borrow bicycles at the resort.
- Is there an EV charging station? Yes. An electric vehicle charging point is listed among the facilities.
- Is Wi‑Fi free? Yes. Free Wi‑Fi is available across the property.
- Is Montmarsis open year‑round? Yes. Opening period: 1 January to 31 December.
- What are the check‑in/check‑out times? Check‑in 15:00–21:00; check‑out 07:00–11:00.
- Are there kid‑friendly facilities? Yes. A children’s pool, playgrounds, and a sandpit are available.
Practical Tips for Low‑Impact Cycling Days
Pack smart for versatility
- Quick‑dry layers and a light rain shell keep you comfortable across rolling terrain.
- A reusable bottle and compact picnic set pair well with the daily bread service and your in‑villa kitchen.
Start and end at the park
- Plan circular rides that begin and finish at Montmarsis to minimize transfers.
- Use free Wi‑Fi to download maps and save offline routes before you set out.
Mix active time with recovery
- Alternate longer rides with rest‑day activities: a swim, pétanque, or a shaded garden walk.
- Use your villa’s washing machine to refresh kits and travel lighter.
Eat for energy—your way
- Self‑cater for picnics and breakfasts; dine at the Cuisine Pure brasserie for evenings when you want a break from cooking.
- Special diets are supported with options including halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, and dairy‑free.
Travel light, ride far
- With bike shelters on site, you can leave accessories safely and keep your setup simple for each outing.
Conclusion: Make Your Next Holiday a Pedal‑Powered Escape
Eco‑friendly holidays at Montmarsis are refreshingly simple: step out to cycling paths from the park, borrow a bike on site, and explore the Lot and Dordogne at a relaxed pace. Combine low‑impact travel with high‑comfort stays—self‑catering spaces, family‑friendly pools, inclusive dining, and year‑round operation—then round off each day with a swim, a game, or a sunset terrace dinner.
Ready to ride? Reserve via the “RÉSERVEZ” option on montmarsis.com or contact the team at info@montmarsis.com or +33 6 79 62 02 95.