Dordogne Discovery
Escorted - 9 days / 8 nights
“The dordogne,” said Henry Miller, “ is
the closest thing to heaven on earth...”
Why?
First there’s Sarlat, a medieval and Renaissance gem of
a town, the first saved and restored under André Malraux’s
law of conservation and restoration. Then there’s Lascaux
II, a truly worthy replica of the now closed original site, and
Rouffignac, an enormous cave famous for its mammouth drawings.
You can ride a gabare, the traditional style of boat used to
move local products down the river to Bordeaux and sail past La
Roque Gageac, an amazing village built against the cliff over
the river. Local food specialties include duck - in all its forms
– goose and foie gras - and local cheeses – and wonderful
local produce from small town markets.
There are a wealth of castles and “most beautiful villages,”
of which the Dordogne has a very large number - each different
from the last. It s a countryside where the stone turns to gold
in the slant of sunlight, roses clamber up the walls in every
town, hilltops are crowned with ancient walls, and small markets
appear weekly in the villages, offering seasonal delights and
modern temptations.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day One - Arrival in Sarlat
Arrive at the airport or TGV station in Toulouse and transfer
to Sarlat.
Welcome dinner and overnight in Sarlat
Day Two - Beynac and Cazenac / Dordogne boat ride
In the morning, explore Sarlat by a guided walking tour of
the historic center, a rich merchant town of the 18th century.
Then drive to the beautiful village of Beynac-et-Cazenac and
enjoy a boat ride on the Dordogne on board an authentic Gabarre
river boat.
Then on to the small village of Domme. This true medieval bastide
is entered through a gateway flanked by stout limestone towers.
Walking tour in the village, free time and return to Sarlat.
Overnight in Sarlat.
Day Three - Rocamadour / Autoire / Loubressac
Set off on an excursion to the pilgrimage and fortress town
of Rocamadour. Visit the renowned Notre Dame Chapel, part of
an extraordinary 13th-century chapel complex perched on a cliff
and one of the most dramatic pilgrimage sites in Europe.
Continue your visit in the village of Autoire : walkabout in
the old village discovering, rather by chance, a fountain surrounded
by half-timbered dwellings, fine old houses in white stone embellished
with carved stonework and dark brown tiles, and further on some
well-appointed manor-houses with turrets at each corner ...
The next village, Loubressac is a labyrinth of narrow flower-bedecked
streets converging on a shady square where a XIIth century church
stands. Capped with rooves of old tiles, the mediaeval houses
of pale limestone reflect the warm rays of the sun. Dominated
by an imposing château on a natural promontory, the village
affords panoramic views over the valleys of the Dordogne and
the Bave. Both these villages are classified as being among
the 'most beautiful villages of France'Overnight in Sarlat.
Day Four - Eyrignac Manor / Lascaux II / Vezere Valley
Stop at the Gardens of Eyrignac Manor, which are among the
most famous and beautiful in France.
Some 15,000 years BC unknown painters created the breathtaking
cave paintings of Lascaux. Visit of Lascaux II a perfect reproduction
of the main cave. Before returning to Sarlat, drive through
the Vézère valley, known as the “Valley
of Men”
Discover the charming village of Saint-Léon, a hidden
pearl nestled in a bend of the Vézère, half way
between Montignac and Les Eyzies. Dominated by the Côte
de Jor, it is situated in picturesque countryside typical of
the Périgord Noir.
Dinner and overnight in Sarlat.
Day Five - Free day in Sarlat
Free day and night in Sarlat.
One of the most renowned and visited towns in France, Sarlat
is also one of the most attractive. Sarlat is a beautiful, well
restored town a few kilometres north of the River Dordogne.
The old town, with fine examples of architecture from both medieval
and renaissance times, is a pleasure to visit, especially during
the spring and autumn, or early in the morning. Don't miss the
streets around the cathedral and the streets to the north of
the city-centre. You will soon become lost in the maze of narrow
lanes, with something new to see around every corner. Saturday
is market day in Sarlat Overnight in Sarlat.
Day Six - Bonaguil Castle / Monpazier village
Free day and night in Sarlat.
One of the most renowned and visited towns in France, Sarlat
is also one of the most attractive. Sarlat is a beautiful, well
restored town a few kilometres north of the River Dordogne.
The old town, with fine examples of architecture from both medieval
and renaissance times, is a pleasure to visit, especially during
the spring and autumn, or early in the morning. Don't miss the
streets around the cathedral and the streets to the north of
the city-centre. You will soon become lost in the maze of narrow
lanes, with something new to see around every corner. Saturday
is market day in Sarlat.
Day Seven - Cahors wines / Saint Cirq Lapopie Village
Departure towards charming Cahors. Here you can admire one
of the only mediaeval military bridges left in Europe, the Valentré
bridge. St Cirq-la-Popie chateau
Then, stroll with your guide through the historic city centre
and discover the imposing cathedral with its famous tympanum.
From there, experience unique Saint Cirq Lapopie, a village
perched on the rocky bank of the Lot valley, that will charm
you with its roman tiled-roof houses and extraordinary scenery.
Stop for a wine tasting session of Cahors wines.
Departure for Toulouse and overnight in Toulouse
Day Eight - Toulouse
Breakfast at your hotel.
In the afternoon 2 hours walking tour “Discovering Toulouse”:
this tour offers a comprehensive overview of the main sites
and monuments. During the tour, you will be able to admire the
Capitole town hall and Saint-Sernin basilica, as well as many
churches and private mansions, and appreciate wonderful views
along the Garonne River.
Free afternoon, overnight in Toulouse.
Day Nine - Toulouse
Breakfast at your hotel, transfer to train station or airport
for departure.do9r
Available on request for 2 - 6 passengers. Please consult
us for pricing for your preferred dates.
Available on request for 2 - 6 passengers. Please consult
us for pricing for your preferred dates.
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