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Dordogne & Vézère valley (short version)

€835 per person

A shorter version of our classic self-guided walking holiday in the Southwest of France based in the Dordogne & Vézère valleys: both rich of heritage, culture, cuisine and boasting a breathtaking and diverse landscape. From Sarlat (the town of art & history) wander on gentle hiking trails along the Dordogne River, lined with beautiful castles and charming historic villages filled with elegant stone houses and through rolling hills of walnut orchards and chestnut forests on to the capital of prehistory – Les Eyzies, with numerous findings from the stone-age. A walk-through the ages leaving plenty of time to explore the sights and taste many culinary treats along the way: Foie grass, truffles, confit, cassoulet, a glass of Bergerac. All in all an unforgettable experience, and a true taste of France!

  • Destination
  • Duration
    6 Days I Level: 2 (of 5)
  • What is included
    Accommodation in 2/3* category hotels/charming BBs incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms); Luggage transfers; People transfers (D2: Sarlat > Beynac or La Roque Gagaec; D3: Domme > Château de Milandes; D4: Domme > Limeuil or Le Bugue; D5: Les Eyzies > Saint Cyprien/Meyrals); Roadbook (itinerary description in English and detailed walking maps; 1 set per booking); GPS tracks; Emergency hotline
  • What is not included
    Drinks and other meals, public transportation, entry fees.
  • Best period
    March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, mid-November
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Day 1: Sarlat
Your stay begins in Sarlat-la-Canéda the capital of the Périgord Noir with its cobbled streets, its picturesque small squares and its many architectural treasures (easiest arrival by train via Bergerac, Bordeaux or Toulouse airports). We advise you to plan your tour in a way to enjoy the colour and life of the weekly market which takes place every Wednesday morning and Saturday all day.
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Day 2: Domme & Beynac, stunning villages of the Dordogne Valley (18km; 5,00hrs; +650m/-500m; or 11km; 2,30hrs;+690m/-670m)
You have two route options today: you can start your walk in Beynac (longer walk) or La Roque Gageac (shorter option). Either way you need to inform the driver when you board the vehicle. From Beynac a pretty cliff-side village with an impressive château, only ever captured once by Richard Lionheart, overlooking the Dordogne you pass wooded hills above the river before you reach La Roque Gageac listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France containing historic mansions, troglodyte dwellings, and ochre-coloured stone houses with lauze roofs and an exotic garden. There’s also the opportunity of a boat ride down the river on a flat bottomed Gabarre, reconstructions of old merchant ships from the 18th century. Stock up on regional delicacies at a nearby duck farm, before reaching Domme, a magnificent bastide town dating from 1283 perched on a vertiginous cliff with golden stones offering panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley.
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Day 3: Domme - Château des Milandes - Château de Castelnaud - Domme (13km; 3,30hrs; +630m/-550m)
A short ride from Domme takes you into the gorgeous countryside to the Château and gardens of Milandes, the former home of Josephine Baker, legendary entertainer of the early 20hth century. You follow the left bank of the Dordogne to Castelnaud, another classified most beautiful village with its marvelous medieval castle which played an important role during the Hundred Years War. Continue your climb and finish in Domme, enjoy a stroll through the village’s cobbled streets, fortified gates, towers and the covered market.
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Day 4: Vézère Valley (UNESCO) (23km; 6,15hrs; +420m/-400m; or 14km; 3,45hrs; +180m/-180m)
Today’s walk takes you through the enchanting valley towards Les Eyzies. You can choose to be transferred to Limueil for a longer walk or directly to Le Bugue for a shorter version. If you go for the longer hike, you start in Limeuil (40 min), listed among the most beautiful in France, you cross picturesque landscapes before arriving in Le Bugue located on the Vézère river. Follow many shady woods, farms, hamlets to St Cirq, take the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Grotte du Sorcier along the route, you finish in the capital of prehistory Les Eyzies where you will spend the next two night.
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Day 5: Les Eyzies - Vézère Valley: Saint Cyprien/Meyrals (15km; 4,15hrs; +320mm/-320m or 10km; 2,45hrs; +170/-270m)
Today you can choose between 2 options: a morning transfer will take you to either Saint Cyprien (where the longer walk starts, 15km) or to Meyrals (10km). Should you decide to start from St. Cyprien, you will still pass via Meyrals on your way back to Les Les Eyzies. Saint Cyprien is worth visiting especially for its Sunday market in the morning. Walk down the old streets and past the 12th century abbey church and bell tower before you head into the rolling countryside, pass farmyards, walk through forest and along trails and quiet country lanes and pass Chateau Fages. Just before entering Les Eyzies you will also pass the Font de Gaume, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prehistoric cave is one of the most incredible Palaeolithic sites in the world, famous for its polychome paintings. (very few visitors are allowed per day and you need to prebook your entrance longer time in advance). Before or after you walk you can visit the National Museum of Prehistory right in the heart of Les Eyzies (entrance not included).
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Day 6: Les Eyzies - departure day.
You can catch a train to Sarlat or to Bordeaux via Perigeux (appr. 2,30 hrs).

TOUR LOCATION

Price
835 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01-31/03; 02-15/11)
880 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01/04-01/11)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 340 Euro
Solo traveler supplement: 700 Euro (incl. sgl, room supplement)
Tips
Daily arrivals between the beginning of March and the beginning of November. Best airport to arrive: Bergerac, Bordeaux or Toulouse airports.
Accommodation
2/3* category hotels/charming BBs incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms throughout). There is an option for a hotel upgrade (good 3* hotels throughout - contact us for details). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Sarlat - La Maison du Notaire Royal; Days 2/3: Domme - Les Petits Cousins du Quebec; Days 4/5: Les Eyzies - Le Menestrel;

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