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| French Travel Service — Paris & France including Corsica 2008 |
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Page Text Content
Touring
The Dordogne Valley
The rich variety of landscapes, enviable cultural heritage and proud gastronomic tradition have long combined to make the Dordogne a magnet for visitors from these shores. This rail-based itinerary allows you to sample the charms of this magical, multi-faceted region, its so-called douceur de vivre .
imposing reminders of the regions often turbulent past. Our itinerary follows the river east through this heart of the region from Bergerac to Sarlat then Souillac. The optional excursions start from Sarlat. Mondays goes to the picturesque villages of Beynac, La Roque Gageac and Domme and between stops there are great views of castles along the route. There is also a 1 hour boat trip. Wednesdays is to Rocamadour, with 2½ hours there to explore this town built on a rugged cliff face rising 500 feet above the Alzou canyon. Fridays tour is to Lascaux to see the reconstitution of the famous prehistoric cave before continuing via the terraces and caves at La Roque Saint Christophe to Les Eyzies to visit the National Museum of Prehistory. For a fitting and memorable farewell, we have also included a gastronomic meal for the last night in Souillac.
Touring by train
town and for last minute shopping. Included gastronomic dinner.
Day One: arrival in Bergerac. Free time to discover the beautifully preserved medieval centre and choose from the many fine local restaurants. Day Two: At leisure in Bergerac,
and chance to visit the fa scinating wine and tobacco museums, or taste and maybe buy the local produce at the Maison du Vin.
Day Seven: Return journey to UK from Souillac via Paris.
The Dordogne you will discover is full of hidden surprises, both scenic and cultural, and has a long tradition of hospitality and richly deserved reputation as one of the great culinary regions of France. Moreover, its location and mild climate make it an ideal area to visit throughout the season.
The subtle diversity of landscapes is expressed in the four colours used to describe the different areas white, green, purple and black. The Perigord Pourpre (purple) is a land of vineyards and bastide towns, famous for its Bergerac wines, while the bastides beautifully preserved fortified villages, many constructed by the English during the wars of the Middle Ages provide a fascinating insight into the regions history. The Perigord Noir (black) is renowned for its many prehistoric sites along the Dordogne and Vezere valleys, such as Lascaux and Les Eyzies. It is also admired for its beautiful scenery, and myriad towns and villages are officially recognised plus beaux villages de France . Limeuil and Domme, for example, exert a timeless charm, while the medieval centre of Sarlat, boasting the highest density of classified medieval buildings in France, is the jewel in the crown. Along the Dordogne river valley, mighty castles such as Castelnaud and Beynac are
Day Three: enjoy the Dordogne valley scenery on the train to Sarlat, maybe break the journey to explore riverside Lalinde or Le Buisson. After check-in in Sarlat discover the warren of medieval alleyways in the old town, evocatively gas-lit at night. Days Four and Five: at leisure in
Sarlat to explore this endlessly fascinating and lively open-air museum. Dont miss the worldfamous market.
What your holiday includes
" Return standard class travel from St Pancras, Ebbsfleet or Ashford to Bergerac, local trains (sometimes SNCF bus) between Bergerac and Souillac and return rail home " 5 Nights B & B, 1 night half board accommodation in 3 star centrally located comfortable hotels all with en suite accommodation, all the hotels have swimming pools " Option to extend in any centre
Price per person Apr & Oct May, Jun & Sep Jul & Aug £509 £535 £549 Single supp £179 £189 £199
Day Six: to Souillac by SNCF bus, and afternoon free to explore the old
Optional Excursions (1 May 30 Sep) with collection from your hotel. Villages & Castles of the Dordogne Valley, Mondays from 1 6 pm: £21 Rocamadour, Wednesdays 1 7 pm: £25 Lascaux & the prehistoric valley, Fridays 1 6 pm: £29
www.F-T-S.co.uk
0844 84 888 43
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