The Dordogne is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt regions of France, rich in history and scattered with castles and picturesque villages. A plethora of magnificent landscapes awaits you: massive cliffs topped by golden chateaux, meandering rivers lined with honey-coloured medieval villages, lush vegetation and dark oak forests. The climate is excellent in October and the quality of the food and wine available is renowned throughout France. Our base in Le Bugue is perfect for exploration of The Dordogne and Vézère valleys.

ITINERARY

Day 1 After an early taxi pick-up, we make our way to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. On arrival in France, we head south to our overnight hotel in Orleons.

Day 2 Leaving Orleons after breakfast, we drive via Poitiers, and Angoulême, and soon cross into the beautiful Dordogne department. We continue our journey southward, passing the small town of Brantôme, and the main regional centre of Périgueux to Le Bugue and our hotel where we will stay for the next five nights.

Day 3 A day to relax and unwind in Le Bugue, sunbathe on the terrace of the hotel or swim in the rooftop pool. You could also explore the charming village with its winding streets and traditional architecture.

Day 4 A full day excursion, first to Sarlat-la-Canéda, with its narrow streets, Renaissance-style Bishop’s Palace and elegant old burghers’ houses of honey coloured sandstone. We then proceed to Rocamadour, a town built on narrow ledges above an almost sheer cliff, its main street between two medieval gateways. We return via the picture postcard villages of La Roque-Gageac and Beynac, with views of one of the finest chateaux of the Perigord region.

Day 5 A full day excursion visiting the beautiful old Roman city of Périgueux, capital of the region. This beautiful town offers wonderful architecture, a wealth of historic sites, pavement cafés and great restaurants. We have included a guided walking tour taking in the ancient Gallo-Roman district of Vesunna and the renaissance quarter built of dazzling white limestone and surrounding St Front Cathedral. The afternoon is free in Périgueux. Take time to enjoy one of its parks or gardens, or stroll along the banks of the river Lisle (there are 15kms of towpaths!). We return to the hotel in time for dinner.

Day 6 Today we travel along the beautifully scenic Dordogne Valley to Bergerac, where the old town slopes down to the river. The whole region is famous for its viticulture, and this afternoon we visit the village of Monbazillac and enjoy a tasting of its famous desert wine, before returning to our hotel.

Day 7 Departing Le Bugue after breakfast, we travel north via the pretty floral town of Châteauroux to our overnight hotel in Orléons.

Day 8 We make our way to Calais, take the late afternoon crossing to Dover, and return to our local area.