Dordogne Adventure - a Family Holiday in France - 2010/11 Itinerary
8 days - from $730
• An active exploration of the Dordogne
• Discover châteaux, breathtaking gorges & mysterious caves
• Enjoy the regional delicacies
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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, we take a delightful cycle ride along minor backroads following the river valley that 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 an 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 cliff top Belcastel, the lovely town of Creysse and the caverns of Lacave.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Brive; bus transfer to Beaulieu. Day 2 Beaulieu Morning in Beaulieu with an optional walk around the village where we visit the 12th century abbey before canoeing downstream to Puybrun. Day 3 Cycle We take a bike ride to the towering fortifications of Castelnau-Bretenoux before returning to Puybrun. Day 4 Bike ride We Cycle along the back roads to the picturesque town of Carennac and then onto our night stop, Vayrac. Day 5 Caves There is the option to visit the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour and also Padirac, with its sprawling network of caves and underground river. Day 6 Martel We drive to the medieval town of Martel, once occupied by the Moors and then walk along a nature trail to Gluges before continuing our journey by canoe to Creysse. Day 7 Canoe The Dordogne twists and turns to the tiny village of Lacave, overlooked by the impressive Château Belcastel and then on to Pinsac at which point we drive back to our overnight stop in Creysse. Day 8 Bus to Souillac where tour ends.
Accommodations: 7nts camping at well appointed standard campsites in 2 person tents with washing and showering facilities in standard ablution blocks; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: Bus/Canoes/Short Walks/ Multi-geared mountain bikes.
Comment: No previous canoeing experience is necessary on this active camping trip, as training will be given, but you must be quite active to enjoy the activities. All equipment provided, but bring your own sleeping bag.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader from Beaulieu to Souillac plus support driver(s).
Trip Reference: FDR2010
