Dordogne Adventure - a Family Holiday in France (EXFDR)

Duration: 8 days (may vary)
Areas: France
Tour types: Family Adventures, History & Culture, Walking & Trekking

Description

CASTLES & CITADELS
Our first port of call is the ancient walled village of Beaulieu. Exploring its web of narrow streets and historic buildings we appreciate for the first time that this region was at the heart of the ferocious Hundred Years War - hence the concentration of forts and castles. We then take to the river and paddle to Puybrun, and from here cycle to the towering fortifications of Castelnau-Bretenoux, which once garrisoned 1,500 men and 100 horses. The next day a delightful cycle ride along minor backroads follows the river valley and brings us first to picturesque Carennac and then to our nightstop, Vayrac.

BACKWATERS & BONNE CUISINE
This is the old France of gentle backwaters and - in spite of their warring past! - the friendliest of people. We are also in one of the gourmet strongholds of France, and planning your next picnic or meal out soon becomes a favourite preoccupation! Black truffle, game and foie gras rule the roost - followed closely by the moist clafoutis cake, with sunken cherries. A full day in Vayrac allows time for an optional visit to the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour, which clings perilously to the cliff edge, and Padirac, with its sprawling network of caves and underground river.

CANYONS & GORGES
The Dordogne becomes even more dramatic further downriver, as it cuts into canyons and gorges. We make an on-shore excursion to the medieval town of Martel - once occupied by the Moors. Also along our trail are the clifftop Belcastel, the lovely town of Creysse and the caverns of Lacave.

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Join Brive station (or the campsite in Beaulieu by prior arrangement).

Day 2

Morning in Beaulieu; afternoon canoe to Puybrun.

Day 3

In Puybrun; cycle to Castelnau-Bretenoux.

Day 4

Cycle via Carennac to Vayrac.

Day 5

Visit Rocamadour and Padirac Caves (optional).

Day 6

Drive to medieval Martel; walk to Gluges; canoe to Creysse.

Day 7

Canoe via Meyronne to Lacave; return to Creysse.

Day 8

Bus to Souillac where tour ends. Please note: transfers across Paris are not included.