Dordogne River Walk
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating multi-day tour through the heart of France, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. This immersive journey takes you from the revered pilgrimage site of Rocamadour to the medieval town of Sarlat, with a myriad of enchanting stops in between. Explore UNESCO-listed villages, ancient chapels, and medieval sanctuaries. Delve into the depths of the Grottes de Lacave and the Gouffre de Padirac, and marvel at the panoramic views from the Roc de Monges. Wander through the charming streets of Souillac and Sarlat, and visit the intriguing Musee de l'Automate. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and discovery.
Included
The Dordogne has a rich cuisine based on 'produits du terroir' (locally grown produce). A typical first course would be 'tourain', an onion and garlic soup cooked in a broth with duck or goose fat, and ladled over slices of country bread and cheese. Paté, often duck or goose, is equally popular, as is foie gras. Main course specialities also include duck and goose, often served in light cream sauces and, in the autumn, fresh cepes. Duck or goose fat is also used for the accompanying pommes de terre sarladaises - slices of potato sauteed in goose fat, with garlic, parsley and wild mushrooms. Traditional desserts include tarte aux noix, and flognarde, a type of flan with fruit and liqueur. A local cheese that is worth tasting is Bleu des Causses, similar to Roquefort, as well as Rocamadour goat's cheese. There are also some fantastic wines that come from the local area and a little further afield in Bordeaux that will accompany your meals perfectly.
Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. Transfers will be in a taxi or minibus. On Day 6 there is a transfer to Roufillac.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Souillac train station at 16:30 Mon-Thurs & Sat, 15:18 Fri and 18:34 Sun and back to Souillac train station at 10:30 Mon-Sat & 07:30 Sun. Alternative transfersIf you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge)
You will stay in characterful 3 & 4 star hotels throughout, including a grand country manor set in its own private parkland, two beautifully preserved chateaux and a traditional family-run auberge. All hotels have private swimming pools.
Route directions and maps
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Château de Hautefort
Padirac Cave
Château de Beynac
Château de FénelonDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Rocamadour
- Martel
- Rocamadour - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the serene city of Rocamadour, a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years. Settle into your tranquil hotel, Hotel Les Esclargies (or similar), nestled in lush parkland and boasting a private pool. The rest of the day is yours to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Rocamadour to Meyronne via Grottes de Lacave
- Martel
- Rocamadour
- More
- Grotte des Carbonnières
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Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-listed village of Rocamadour, with its ancient chapels and medieval sanctuary. Then, journey to Meyronne, stopping en route to explore the captivating Grottes de Lacave. End the day in a beautifully converted 11th-century chateau hotel, Hotel de la Terrasse (or similar).
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Meyronne and Surroundings
Day 3: Exploring Meyronne and Surroundings
- Padirac Cave
- Rocher des Aigles
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Today offers a wealth of choices. Relax by the hotel pool, walk to Rocher Sainte-Marie, or revisit the Grottes de Lacave. Alternatively, venture to Rocamadour to visit the shrine of the Black Madonna, or take a taxi to the Gouffre de Padirac, a vast chasm leading to an underground cave system. Spend the night at Hotel de la Terrasse (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Meyronne to Souillac via Roc de Monges
- Lacave
- More
- Château de Fénelon
- Rocher des Aigles
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Leave Meyronne behind as you follow the path along the Roc de Monges, offering spectacular panoramic views. Traverse sleepy hamlets and lush farmland on the GR6 path, rejoining the river at Chateau de la Treyne. Continue to the atmospheric town of Souillac, where you'll stay at La Vielle Auberge (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Souillac and Surroundings
- Lacave
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- Musée de l'insolite
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Spend the day exploring the delightful town of Souillac. Visit the Musee de l'Automate, home to France's largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls, or take a walk to La Durantie for stunning views of the Dordogne Valley. Spend the night at La Vielle Auberge (or similar).
Day 6 – Day 6: Souillac to Carsac via Chateau de Fenelon
- La Falgueyrade
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- Château de Fénelon
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Take a transfer to Roufillac, then head along the south bank of the Dordogne River into the heart of the Perigord Nord. Consider a detour to visit the Chateau de Fenelon before reaching Carsac, where you'll stay at La Villa Romaine (or similar).
Day 7 – Day 7: Carsac to Sarlat
- La Falgueyrade
- More
Walk along the disused railway line, now a 'voie verte', into Sarlat, the capital of the Perigord Noir. Spend the day exploring this medieval town, wandering through old lanes and charming courtyards adorned with Renaissance facades and ornate buildings. Return to La Villa Romaine (or similar) for the night.
Day 8 – Day 8: Sarlat to Domaine de Monrecour via Chateau de Montfort and Beynac
Day 8: Sarlat to Domaine de Monrecour via Chateau de Montfort and Beynac
- Château de Hautefort
- Château de Beynac
- More
Embark on a day of walking along one of the most historically interesting sections of the Dordogne River. Pass stone bories and small country hamlets as you walk between Chateau de Montfort, Vitrac port, and La Roque-Gageac. Visit the towering stronghold of Beynac, once besieged by Richard the Lionheart, before continuing to your hotel, Domaine de Monrecour Chateau Hotel (or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Departure from Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse
Day 9: Departure from Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse
After a hearty breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the beautiful Dordogne region as your memorable tour comes to an end. Safe travels!
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