Dordogne Spring Tour
10 days, 9 nights
May 31 – June 9, 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 Monpazier, one of the most beautiful bastides, fortified villages. in the southern Dordogne. Founded in 1284 by King Edward I of England it has remained almost unchanged since then. Three of its 6 fortified gates still stand. Its 16th century covered market is surrounded by shady arcades the are filled with restaurants and shops. Our hotel for the duration of the tour will be Le Chevalier Bleu.
Day 2
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.
Day 3
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.
After lunch we will visit the Maison Castagné, outside the village of Martel. For 6 generations, the Castagné family has grown organic walnut trees. With 116 acres, they harvest over 100 tons of dried walnuts each year, committed to maintaining control over the entire nut production chain, from planting to fork. We will discover all the stages of walnut processing: from tree to plate.
Day 4
The elegant Château de Biron a stunning medley of architectural styles spanning the 12th – 18th centuries. This vast fortress belonged to the Gontaut-Biron family for eight centuries. Its impressive, 12th century keep, 16th century living quarters,18th-century vaulted kitchen measuring 72 feet in length, Renaissance buildings with mullioned windows, slender turrets, and two-story chapel are a remarkable historic ensemble. The property is now classified as a historic monument and belongs to the commune of Biron.
In the afternoon, weather permitting, we will take a leisurely, one hour cruise along the Dordogne River on a gabarre, a traditional flat-bottomed boat once used for transporting goods on the Dordogne River. Picturesque views of the stunning scenery and beautiful castles offer fabulous photographic opportunities. Our local boat guide will share engaging stories about the area’s history and interesting facts.
Day 5
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.
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 can stroll along the web of trails, passing by waterfalls, an aviary, belvederes, rockeries, dry stone huts called bories, and preening peacocks. It has earned 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
Day 6
Villeréal was founded in 1265. It has a fabulous Saturday market which we’ll wander through. Its main square is lined with arcades above colombage, half-timbered, houses. Its large, late 14th century covered market has an unusual 2nd story which used to hold the mayor’s office and courts. There is also a 13th century fortified church.
After lunch we’ll take a slow drive to Belves, another absolutely stunning hilltop village. Belves was an ancient Celtic village, a fortified Roman military camp, then a walled English village in the Middle Agesninside the walled village eventually replaced by a ring road. Its lanes are lined with beautiful Gothic and Renaissance buildings. The heart of the village is its 15th century covered market with 7 surrounding bell towers.
Day 7
We’ll casually stroll through the charming village of Issigeac and its lovely farmers’ market. Every corner in this village reveals a piece of its history. The half-timbered houses, dating back to the Middle Ages, tell the story of centuries of life. Stroll through the winding lanes, you’ll likely encounter passionate artisans offering unique creations, antique shops and cafés.
Day 8
Built on top of a cliff that dominates the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, the castle of Beynac, one of the most impressive fortified châteaux in the Dordogne Valley, presents views fit for a King. Richard the Lionheart, King of England, one of the sons of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henri II, once walked its halls.
Day 9
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
We will depart for Mérignac Airport in Bordeaux. Depending upon your scheduled return, you might consider spending the night or a few days in Bordeaux.
10 days, 9 nights
May 31 – June 9, 2027
$7,295.00 per person
These are genuinely small group, all inclusive tours for no more than 6 people.
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French Country Adventures
66 Chemin du Nouet Lieu dit Aux Arbeils
32800 Ayzieu
+33 633 328 961
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