Dordogne Activities
9 Days Starting and ending in France
Visiting: France
Tour operator:
Tour code:
M08DO
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Combine three of our exciting holidays to experience the ultimate activity holiday in the Dordogne. 2 days of safe, undemanding canoeing with a choice of leisurely walking or cycling on the other days.
Itinerary
Arrive at your 3 star hotel, just a stone's throw from Rocamadour's ancient town walls.
Day 2: Rocamadour to Meyronne - Walk 15km/9.5mi (3.5hr) or cycle 16km/10mi
Before you leave UNESCO Rocamadour, why not explore its pretty medieval alleyways, in particular its famous sanctuary and revered shrine to the Black Madonna? Walkers and cyclists then make their way to Meyronne via the Grottes de Lacave.
Day 3: At Meyronne
Lots of choice today. Either relax by the hotel pool, walk to the panoramic Roc des Monges or head to picturesque Martel, where the son of Henry II, (called Henry Court-Mantel for the new short cloak he made fashionable) died during the Hundred Years War; the house where he died is still visible today. Alternatively, travel by taxi to the Gouffre de Padirac, an enormous chasm where you descend into an underground cave system which you then explore by boat along the subterranean stream.
Day 4: Meyronne to Souillac Canoe 17km/11mi /4-5hr
We meet you after breakfast for your briefing and canoeing lesson before you set off on this easy paddle, taking you below pinky-gold cliffs with buzzards and kites soaring overhead and the imposing chateaux of Belcastel and de la Treyne (to name but two), perched up high above the river.
Day 5: At Souillac
Wander round this bustling town, people watch or visit the Musee de l'Automate which holds the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in France. You might also like to walk to La Durantie for some of the most stunning views along the Dordogne Valley or cycle to the Chateau de Fenelon, a Cathar stronghold during the 12th and 13th century. There is also the option to cycle to the impressive Jardins de Cadiot made up of ten gardens within two hectares of land - the choice is yours!
Day 6: Souillac to Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse Canoe 20km/12.5mi /4-5hr
Its gentle paddling again today down to Grolejac through the heart of peaceful and prosperous Perigord countryside, leaving plenty of time for swimming, picnicking or just lazing by the river. We pick you up and take you to the tranquil Chateau de Monrecour where you stay for the next two nights.
Day 7: At Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse
Stroll to Beynac and climb the steep footpath lined with 15th to 17th century stone houses up to the spectacular 13th century hilltop chateau; the reward for your effort is the breathtaking view of the serpentine sweep of the river. Or you could visit the beautiful Jardins de Marqueyssac and the impressive Chateau de Castelnaud (approximately 6km/4mi away).
Day 8: Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse to Sarlat Walk 18km/11mi/5hr or cycle 32km/20mi
Today you can choose to go on foot or pedal through pretty villages and shaded woods before arriving at medieval Sarlat with its Renaissance facades and richly ornamented buildings now protected by law. Wander through the narrow streets, discovering ancient courtyards as you peep through ornate archways, then its on to the tranquility of your hotel, in time for a last dip in the pool before dinner.
Day 9: Leave Sarlat
Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own. Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.
Meals
All continental breakfasts and 5 evening meals
Travel
British Airways Heathrow to Toulouse 07:40/10:30 then rail Toulouse to Souillac 14:28/16:30 Mon-Thurs Sat, 13:25/15:18 Fri 16:35/18:34 Sun and transfer to hotel 30 minutes. Return: Transfer to Souillac station 50 minutes then rail Souillac to Toulouse 11:26/13:20 Mon-Sat 08:25/10:32 Sun then British Airways Toulouse to Heathrow 17:40/18:35 except Fridays when 19:50/20:45. **Departures on a Tuesday and Sunday will be from Gatwick to Toulouse 08:25/11:10 out and 17:15/18:05 return**
Accommodation
Hotel les Esclargies (3 star)
The Hotel les Esclargies is set within lush parkland surrounded by oak trees, just outside Rocamadour's ancient town walls. Designed in wood and stone, it aims to be in harmony with nature, and to offer the most tranquil of stays whilst providing easy access to Rocamadour. The modern and comfortable rooms are decorated in light tones, with ensuite facilities and air conditioning as standard.
Hotel La Terrasse (3 star)
The Hotel La Terrasse, ideally situated overlooking the Dordogne, is a converted 11th century chateau, which has survived in spite of the turbulent history of the region. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s by the Liebus family - who still own the hotel - but it still retains many of its original features - wooden beams, exposed stone walls, stone fire places and stone spiral stairwell. Period furniture completes the impressive, yet comfortable, interior. Your evening meal is taken in the hotel's restaurant, where the menu reflects the local specialities. If you eat on the hotel's terrace, you'll also get to savour views over the river! The hotel also benefits from an outdoor pool.
La Vieille Auberge (3 star)
La Vieille Auberge, a coach house from Napoleonic times, has been modernised to create a charming auberge in a quiet part of Souillac. It comes with all the 21st century creature comforts, including an outdoor swimming pool. The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities with a modern twist.
Chateau de Monrecour (3 star)
The Chateau de Monrecour is located in Saint Vincent de Cosse, just a few kilometres from stunning Beynac. Guest rooms are traditionally decorated and equipped with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi access and TV. The hotel also has a swimming pool and a large south-facing terrace. Breakfast is served in the chateau's ballroom, which is decorated with tapestries and features a large stone fireplace. During good weather, guests can enjoy breakfast on the terrace, which has a view of the 15th century Chateau des Milandes. Evening meals are served in the hotel restaurant and are a real treat: be prepared to sample sumptuous local dishes, prepared with fresh products.
Hotel Meysset (3 star)
This 3 star traditional Perigord hotel, set in 3 acres of pine woods and gardens, enjoys an elevated position just 3kms above Sarlat. It offers complete tranquillity, wonderful food, an outdoor pool and fantastic views from its terrace over the surrounding valley. The cooking here is based on the wonderfully rich and gastronomic cuisine for which this region is famous, so don't come here if you're counting the calories!
Single Supplement
Add 48 per person per night for sole occupancy of a double room.
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Headwater requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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