Dordogne Fall Tour
10 days, 9 nights
September 17-27, 2027
These are genuinely small group, all inclusive tours for no more than 6 people.
Known as the cradle of prehistory, the Dordogne offers a superb collection of Medieval and Renaissance villages, exceptional vineyards and gastronomy. Its concentration of evergreen, dark oak forests, rolling hills and meadows give the landscape a lovely gradation of shaded hues. The pace of life is inherently slow.
Located in southwest France, in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Its history is intertwined with that of England. After Eleanor of Aquitaine inherited all of the lands from the Loire Valley to the Pyrenees and east to Toulouse from her father, she married King Henri II of England. The Dordogne then fell under English rule until the Hundred Years’ War ended in 1453, when it was returned to France.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
After your arrival at Bordeaux’s Mérignac airport, we will drive to the village of Bazens, just over the southern Dordogne border to the Lot-et-Garonne to our accommodations at Château Pécile. This lovingly restored, historic château full of charm, and character will be our home for the first four days of the tour. Each day thoughtfully curated excursions to antique shops, wine tastings and farmers’ markets await you. Pretty gardens, serene views, massages, and sound baths provide tranquility and calm.
Day 2
Today we will visit Royal City of Nérac, the summer home of France’s most beloved King, Henri IV, which has a pretty setting overlooking the Baïse River. Nérac has a wonderful Saturday farmers’ market that winds through its medieval streets. We’ll tour the Château-Museum before lunch, and afterwards we’ll walk through the Royal Parc de la Garenne and the Jardins du Roy located on the other side of the river.
Day 3
The Latour-Marliac water lily gardens in the village of Temple-sur-Lot is the oldest water lily nursery in the world. The surrounding park has an exotic green house, bamboo groves and a replica of the iconic Japanese bridge painted by Claude Monet who purchased his water lilies here at the end of the 19th century. We stroll. We’ll have a guided tour of the nursery and lunch at the café which overlooks a lovely pond. After lunch we’ll discover the “Cabinet of Curiosities”, the fascinating home of Joseph Bory Latour-Marliac just a 5 minute walk from the gardens.
Day 4
Built over the centuries on a picturesque hillside with stunning views, the village of Bazens owes its mark in history to its Renaissance castle and church dating from the 13th and 14th centuries.The Bishop of Agen, Matteo Bandello, who lived in the castle wrote several novels including one that inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. After lunch we’ll enjoy a tasting at Cháteau Moncassin, renowned for its Buzet wines. From the 12th century Moncassin belonged successively to the Counts of Foix, Pins, Lupiac, Montlezun and Albrets.
Day 5
Day 6
Sarlat-la-Canéda, also known as Sarlat, is a captivating medieval town. Its beautifully preserved historic center has over 200 buildings dating back to the 14th century. Its golden-hued limestone architecture and charming cobblestone streets create a fairytale atmosphere. Founded as an abbey town on Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage route, it eventually settled into becoming one of the best market towns in the Dordogne. Sarlat was one of the first towns to be restored and protected by the state.Its Saturday market is a feast for the eyes.
Day 7
The 15th century Chateau Milandes, a Renaissance beauty, was one of the castles originally belonging to Castelnaud la-Chapelle, and subsequently purchased along with 600 acres by the performing artist Josephine Baker (1906-1975) while on holiday in the Dordogne. In the 1930s, she was the highest paid performer in Europe. This iconic entertainer of the Jazz Age, famous for her risqué performances, responded to the start of World War II by becoming a spy for the French Resistance. Known as the “Creole Goddess” of France, Baker used her celebrity to gain access to high-ranking Axis officials. The castle is devoted to her life.
In the afternoon we will visit Les Jardins de Marqueyssac in the commune of Vézac, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley. The 19th-century gardens feature over 150,000 meticulously hand-pruned boxwood topiaries that form intricate patterns and mazes. We’ll stroll along the web of trails, passing by waterfalls, an aviary, belvederes, rockeries, dry stone huts called bories, and peacocks.
Day 8
Day 9
Today we will visit the Lascaux II Caves, in Montignac, located deep in the woods, just 200 meters from the original 21,000 year old caves considered the most important examples of Paleolithic cave art in France. Lascaux II faithfully reproduces 85% of the original dimensions, contours, and paintings of the original caves. The experience is both immersive and sensory. Guided by the light of a torch, we will embark on an adventure that will transport you back to prehistoric times.
After lunch we will visit the Jardins d’ Eyrignac in the village of Salignac-Eyvigues. These gardens have won prizes for its impeccable restoration of its 18th century French topiary gardens. Depending on your interests, you’ll enjoy a walk through 10 hectares of uniquely sculpted plants comprising 7 gardens, set amongst the 495 acre estate.
Day 10
10 days, 9 nights
September 17-26, 2027
$7,495.00 per person
These are genuinely small group, all inclusive tours for no more than 6 people.
Reserve Your Place
French Country Adventures
66 Chemin du Nouet Lieu dit Aux Arbeils
32800 Ayzieu
+33 633 328 961
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