Dordogne Discovery
INTRODUCTION
An active discovery of the tranquil Dordogne, as it twists its course through one of the most scenic regions of France. By boat, cycle and on foot, we discover its tiny villages, ancient farms and romantic châteaux. We also explore caves, gorges - and plenty of the local cuisine too. Put simply: the Great Outdoors, à la française!
UNSPOILT VILLAGES & FINE CUISINE
Setting off downstream from the old walled village of Beaulieu, we wind our way through a corner of France renowned for its serene backwaters, picturesque hamlets and the friendliest of people. The Dordogne is also home to many a fine wine and recipe - with Cahors and Bergerac labels and confit de canard ruling the roost.
CANOEING, CYCLING & RAMBLING
Paddling at a leisurely pace in our inflatable canoes, and following quiet country roads on our bicycles, we gradually discover the historical and geological richness of the region. With occasional sorties on foot, we explore - amongst others - the well preserved fortifications of Castelnau-Bretenoux before overnighting at the medieval town of Rocamadour which is precariously perched on a sheer cliff. From Creysse we visit the nearby market town of Martel. Finally we paddle via Lacave to Souillac, where our journey ends.
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Details |
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Price Includes |
(MT-6213-P) |
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Eurostar to Paris from London |
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Accomodation ( camping) |
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All Breakfast |
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Price Excludes |
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Local payment from 120Euros |
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Suitability / Level |
Easy |
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Theme |
Small Group Travel
(Click to Search All) |
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Max Group Size |
16 |
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Itinerary
& Highlights |
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SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS - Among the many highlights featured on this tour, we particularly mention:
DORDOGNE RIVER
Paddle down the river on inflatable canoes.
CASTLENAU-BRETENOUX
Fortified château.
CARENNAC-BEAULIEU
Medieval architecture.
ROCAMADOUR
Visit medieval pilgrimage village by bike.
MARTEL
Walk to historic town.
VALLEE DE L' OUYSSE
Cycle through stunning gorge.
ITINERARY
DAY 1. SATURDAY. JOIN TOUR BRIVE RAILWAY STATION; transfer to Beaulieu
Arrive at Brive railway station and transfer to our campsite near Beaulieu.
DAY 2. IN BEAULIEU. By boat to Puybrun
Beaulieu is a typical Dordogne village with its old city walls still largely intact. Narrow cobbled
streets fan out from the centre to reach a circular perimeter wall with many entrance
gates. The morning is free for exploration; the 12th century Abbey church is well worth a visit
to see the carved doorway depicting the Last Judgement, a masterpiece of Romanesque
sculpture. In the afternoon we take to the river for the first time, and learn the intricacies of
propelling our boats.
The river twists and turns as we approach our campsite at the hamlet of Puybrun near Bretenoux. We have spectacular views of the castle of Castlenau-Bretenoux perched on the hilltop above, dominating the whole valley. Approx 2-3hrs paddling.
DAY 3. CYCLE TO CASTLENAU-BRETENOUX CHÂTEAU; paddle to Vayrac
This morning we cycle (approx 1hr) from the riverside up to the mighty château. Constructed
between the 12th and 17th centuries, Castlenau-Bretenoux is one of the most impressive examples of medieval architecture in southern France. Built on a high terrace and triangular in shape, it is flanked by six huge towers. Deep ditches and a solid rampart made it an impregnable fortress which garrisoned 1,500 men and 100 horses during the bloody Revolution. After our visit, we descend to the river and continue downriver by canoe to our campsite at Vayrac. Approx 3-4hrs paddling.
DAY 4. CYCLE TO ROCAMADOUR VIA CARENNAC AND PADIRAC CAVES
Heading off on our bicycles once more we cross the river and stop first at Carennac. This
delightful village saddles a cliff overlooking the river and the isle of Calypso and we take a
stroll through the maze of alleys and old streets lined with stone manor houses with red-tiled
roofs. Leaving Carennac, we climb the escarpment and have the chance to explore
some of the fascinating villages and sites en route to Rocamadour, such as the attractive
village of Magnagues, from where there are fine views over the river. Cycling across the plateau
we reach the incredible caves at Padirac.
An optional boat trip follows a subterranean river which has cut huge chambers into the gorge. Here a fantasy of stalactites hang down from the domed ceiling, providing a new tableau at every glance. In the afternoon we reach Rocamadour. This beautiful village clinging to the cliff edge has been visited by pilgrims since the 11th century and was one of the largest halting places on the route to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Approx 4 hrs cycling.
DAY 5. CYCLE TO CREYSSE VIA THE VALLEE DE L'OUYSSE
Today’s cycle ride takes us to some of the most beautiful scenery in the region in the peaceful
Vallee de L’Ouysse which cuts a dramatic gorge from Rocamadour before opening out and
joining the Dordogne at Lacave. Cycling for the most part on small tracks, we really get off the
beaten track here and have the chance to enjoy the wild rugged scenery. The valley is dotted
with old watermills, waterfalls, caves and ancient settlements and we plan to take our
time incorporating several during our journey to fully appreciate the ambience. Descending to
the river finally we pause at Lacave before continuing on to Creysse. Approx 3 hrs cycling.
DAY 6. WALK TO MARTEL AND ON TO GLUGES; paddle to Creysse
In the morning we walk out of the river valley following the clifftops, up to the medieval town
of Martel, a sleepy settlement once occupied by the Moors. Close to the intricately
constructed market place is the Gothic church of St. Maur, originally designed as a fortress.
We continue to the attractive village of Gluges, following a ‘botanical trail’ before boarding our
canoes once more and paddling back to Creysse. Approx 3.5hrs walking and 1 hrs
paddling.
DAY 7. PADDLE VIA LACAVE TO SOUILLAC
We continue downriver by canoe and pass Château Belcastel, perched on a cliff top over
the river, looking down on the tiny village of Lacave. The next stretch of river brings us to
bustling Souillac, the largest town on the river, for our final dinner. Approx 4hrs paddling.
DAY 8. SATURDAY. Tour ends Souillac |
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Accommodation
& Centre Details |
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7 Nights camping at well appointed campsites |
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Holidays
Extras |
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We have provided a little
section of extra travel needs that you may need
and to make life easier for our customers. We aim
to provide all the extras you would need; flights,
hotels, insurance, car hire and airport parking.
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Included
