Treasures of the Dordogne & the Vérzère Rivers

Discover the timeless romance of the Dordogne, where medieval villages, dramatic landscapes and celebrated cuisine combine to create the quintessential French escape. Our base is the extraordinary pilgrimage village of Rocamadour, dramatically perched above the Alzou Gorge, renowned for its sacred shrines, cliff-huging streets and breathtaking views.

 

Hôtel Le Lion d'Or, Rocamadour **

Nestled in the heart of the spectacular cliffside village of Rocamadour, the family-run Hôtel Le Lion d'Or enjoys an enviable location just moments from the village's famous sanctuaries, shops and historic streets. Comfortable en-suite bedrooms, traditional French hospitality and an excellent restaurant serving regional cuisine make it the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Dordogne Valley.

 

Price Includes

• Return Channel crossing

• Outward & return overnights in Orléans

• 5 nights at the Hotel le Lion d’Or, Rocamadour

• Dinner, bed & breakfast throughout

• Tea/coffee after dinner in Rocamadour

• Glass of wine with dinner in Rocamadour

• Guided walking tour of Rocamadour

• Guided tour of Gouffre de Padirac caves

• Boat trip on the Dordogne River

• 1-hour steam train ride

• Coach excursions as described

• Fully escorted by Karen Kirby

 

Treasures of the Dordogne & the Vézère Rivers

Discover one of France's most enchanting regions on this fully escorted holiday through the beautiful Dordogne, where medieval villages, spectacular river valleys and timeless French charm combine to create an unforgettable touring experience.

Staying in the remarkable cliffside village of Rocamadour, you'll discover some of France's most picturesque towns, dramatic natural wonders and celebrated gastronomic traditions.

 

Discover Rocamadour

Perched dramatically on the side of a limestone cliff above the Alzou Gorge, Rocamadour is one of France's most famous pilgrimage sites and is officially recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France).

For centuries, pilgrims have travelled here to visit its historic chapels, climb the Grand Staircase and admire the revered Black Madonna.

With its winding streets, ancient buildings and breathtaking views, Rocamadour is one of the Dordogne's true highlights.

 

Journey into the Gouffre de Padirac

Descend almost 100 metres below ground into one of Europe's most spectacular cave systems. Your guided visit includes a peaceful boat journey along an underground river, passing enormous caverns filled with towering stalactites, stalagmites and crystal-clear pools.

It's one of France's most remarkable natural attractions.

 

Explore Beautiful Sarlat

Often regarded as the capital of the Dordogne, Sarlat-la-Canéda boasts one of Europe's finest collections of medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Its honey-coloured stone buildings, bustling market squares and traditional cafés make it a delight to explore.

 

Did you know?

Sarlat has more listed historic buildings per square metre than almost any other French town.

 

Cruise the Dordogne River

Step aboard a traditional gabarre, the flat-bottomed boats once used to transport wine, timber and produce along the Dordogne.

As you cruise through the valley, admire magnificent châteaux, riverside villages and dramatic limestone cliffs that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

 

Collonges-la-Rouge

Unlike anywhere else in France, Collonges-la-Rouge is built almost entirely from distinctive red sandstone, giving the village its remarkable appearance.

Flower-filled streets, medieval towers and historic houses make it one of France's most photographed villages.

 

Ride the Historic Truffadou Train

Travel high above the Dordogne Valley aboard the Truffadou Train, following a former railway line that clings dramatically to the cliffs.

The panoramic views across the valley are among the finest in south-west France.

 

Taste the Flavours of the Dordogne

The Dordogne is one of France's great culinary regions.

During your stay you'll enjoy a tasting of regional wines, pâté and local cheeses, offering the perfect introduction to the area's celebrated food and wine culture.

 

Did You Know?

• Rocamadour receives over 1.5 million visitors each year.

• The Dordogne River stretches almost 500 kilometres.

• The Gouffre de Padirac was discovered in 1889.

• The region is famous for walnuts, foie gras, truffles and goat's cheese.

• The Dordogne has more than 1,000 castles, earning it the nickname "The Land of a Thousand Castles."

 

Tour Highlights

• Stay in the spectacular cliffside village of Rocamadour

• Guided walking tour of Rocamadour

• Visit the spectacular Gouffre de Padirac

• Underground river boat ride

• Explore medieval Sarlat

• Cruise aboard a traditional Dordogne gabarre

• Visit Collonges-la-Rouge

• Ride the Truffadou Train

• Regional food and wine tasting

• Fully escorted throughout

 

This wonderful holiday perfectly combines medieval history, spectacular scenery, fascinating natural wonders and authentic French culture, making it one of the finest ways to discover the timeless beauty of the Dordogne.