DORDOGNE

The Dordogne was one of the earliest cradles of civilisation, and there are widespread prehistoric remains including intriguing cave paintings and mysterious grottoes. Ancient churches and abbeys contain sublime works of art. This is a varied and enchanting landscape just waiting to be explored.

CUISINE

This region enjoys a superb gastronomic reputation, and it's quite easy to find remarkably good value food at all levels. Truffles are an obvious delicacy, as is foie gras. This comes in various forms and is generally very good if somewhat controversial in certain quarters. Confit, goose or duck preserved in its own fat, regularly features on menus and is highly recommended. It's no surprise to find a number of good cheeses, such as the well known Roquefort, or the local Rocamadour.

WINE

This region is known as the 'Purple Perigord' a reflection of the colour of it's grapes. Wine is produced in small quantities around Souillac, but locals consider their wine to be the Bordeaux-style Bergerac or the fuller, more robust Cahors, both of which are from the Lot Valley further south. Bergerac Sec is a good dry white and Monbazillac is a sweet, golden coloured dessert wine with a divine honeyed flavour.

SARLAT

Day 2: Market day in Sarlat is not to be missed! Sarlat is the capital of the Perigord Noir. The wealth of the surrounding countryside poured into the town enabling it to support a prosperous population of merchants, clerics and town folk

BEYNAC

Day 3: Its’ all about castles! We have saved this day to explore the Fortresses of Castelnaud and Beynac. You get the best view of each of these castles from the battlements of the other!

GROTTE DE FONT DE GAUME

Day 4: It is time to go back in history, way back to the time of the Cro-Magnon. Les Eyzies has a museum boasting the largest collection of Paleolithic art in France. Nearby is the Grotte de Font de Gaume, one of the few places you can still see original cave paintings. In order to get to this vallee de l’homme we have a challenging cycle, away from the Dordogne, and up and over the ridge to the next valley.

ST. CYPRIEN

Day 6: A day spent exploring the gorgeous countryside and the market of St Cyprien. With our picnic supplies in hand we continue to the town of Limeuil which is at the confluence of two rivers the Dordogne and the Vezere and a site for a fine riverside lunch.

DOMME

Day 8: Your exploration of the Dordogne continues with more challenges! High on the scarp on the south bank of the river, Domme is one of the best preserved of the bastides. A fine view and a comparable meal to match at one of the local restaurants will follow.