Air Holidays & Breaks

Print this Page

The Dordogne

About the booking processOnce you click the Continue button an 'option' booking will be made for you. Your booking should be a continuous process, please do not 'bookmark' or 'Add to favourites' any of the subsequent pages. Returning to these pages at a later time will produce an error as your 'option' will have expired.

Scenic splendours

Join us in a land of sunshine, history and renowned gastronomy. Stay on the banks of the River Dordogne, visit Chateau at Monbazillac to taste some of its world-renowned sweet wines, and perhaps join our optional excursions as we discover what is - for many - one of the most charming parts of France.

Bergerac is a former port for the wine trade, and is still the main market centre for the surrounding farms. The vieille ville (old town) is a pleasant huddle of late-medieval houses and drinking fountains on the street corners. With its museums of tobacco and river trade, not to mention its mostly fictitious links to philosopher, dramatist and satirist Savinien Cyrano de Bergerac, Bergerac is a charming base from which to explore.

Day One

Fly to either Bordeaux or Bergerac and transfer by coach to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free for you to unpack and explore.

Day Two

This morning's guided walking tour provides the perfect insight into Bergerac's past, and helps you get you your bearings before you spend the rest of the day exploring the old town, museums, boutiques and cafes of this attractive riverside town.

Day Three

This morning's visit takes us to the Chateau de Monbazillac. Enjoy a guided tour, and sample some the wonderful sweet wines for which this vineyard is famous the world over.

In the afternoon, wny not join our optional trip on the majestic River Dordogne in a traditional gabarre boat? Relax and listen to the expert commentary as you float past the tranquil banks. Watch out for the kingfishers, which can often be seen diving for fish along the river.

Day Four

Choose today's optional full-day tour, and discover the delightful medieval town of Sarlat in the heart of the Perigord Noir. With its maze of narrow, cobbled streets and the warm golden sandstone of its beautiful, restored mansions, Sarlat is arguably one of the most attractive towns in all of France. After time to explore and have lunch (payable locally), we'll continue to Rocamadour.

In the centre of this world famous village, which clings precariously to the cliff-face above the river, stands a sacred shrine to the Virgin Mary. This breathtakingly beautiful town has inspired awe in tourist and pilgrim alike for years, and is one of the most photographed locations in all France.

Day Five

On today's final optional excursion we'll visit Lascaux II, and see the replicas of the famous Upper Palaeolithic paintings discovered in 1940 in caves near the village of Montignac. The originals date back 17,000 years, and depict animals, including birds, bison and even a rhinoceros, seen in the fossil record of the surrounding area. Amazingly detailed, the paintings are undeniably impressive, especially the four black bulls in the Hall of Bulls, one of which is a colossal five metres long.

Day Six

Today we bid 'au revoir' to the Dordogne region and return to the airport for check-in and your flight home.

Wining and dining

No part of France better deserves gastronomic accolades than the Dordogne. Dominated by truffles and foie gras, the cuisine here is surprisingly sophisticated. The region is also known for its walnuts - aten whole, pressed for their oil, or made into a liqueur brou de noix. Visit the local markets to sample the wonderful array of locally grown fruit and vegetables, cured meats and fruit pastries.

Excellent regional wines include the AC Cotes de Bergerac, Cahors and Pecharmant reds, the dry, white Bergerac Sec and the wonderful sweet Monbazillac whites -delicious chilled as an aperitif or to accompany foie gras or fruit tarts.

 
 

Book by telephone