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France |
Dordogne
In a fairytale scene, turreted castles cling to the steep limestone banks of sparkling rivers. In the Dordogne, perfect, ancient little villages nestle amongst the rolling green hills. Old farmbouses, barns and pigeonniers are hidden in woodlands, or surrounded by fields and vineyards. The scenery is beautiful.
For a snapshot of life in medieval times in the Dordogne, visit the Renaissance market town of Sarlat-la-Canéda. Stop for a coffee at a pavement café and gaze at the 17th-century limestone buildings, or the 12th-century beehive-shaped Lanterne des Morts, Light of the Dead.
In the Lot region take in Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Villefranche-du-Périgord, two attractive bastide towns with interesting markets. A little further south is the Tarn with the superb medieval bastide village of Cordes.
Go back even further in time, and venture into the prehistoric caves in the Vézère Valley, close to the 2000 year old town of Périgueux.
The tiny village of Les Eyzies is the valley's centre, with some of the world's oldest art works, and caves displaying thousands of animal engravings, 15,000 years old.
The fascinating Lascaux caves are at Montignac. The Lascaux cave, the 'Sistine chapel of prehistoric art'‚ is closed to the general public, but the Lascaux II cave is an excellent replica, with paintings of bison, horses and reindeer.
Truffles and walnuts can be bought at Sarlat's Saturday market, and traditional food can be tried at one of the 'a la ferme' restaurants. Local wines include Bergerac and Cahors, and the dessert wine, Monbazillac.
Angoulême
Constructed on the banks of the river Charente, Angoulême occupies a raised position once inhabited by the Troglodytes, and by the Romans. Today, Angoulême has recovered from its colourful past! It is known locally as ëLa Cité des Festivals’ and hosts many cultural events, including the ëInternational Cartoon Festival’ and the ëGourmets Festival’.
Bergerac & St Foy La Grande
Each straddles the River Dordogne on the ëroute des bastides’ - a network of 300 fortified market towns built in the 13th century. St Foy still enjoys a well deserved reputation for its splendid Saturday food market whilst Bergerac is famed for its food and sweet Montbazillac white wine.
Brantôme
Perhaps the prettiest village in the Dordogne with gardens and riverbank cafes by Dronne, Brantôme’s Abbey heads a host of medieval and renaissance buildings which includes the oldest belfry in France.
Cahors & Albi
Almost encircled by the River Lot, Cahors claims to fame include the 12th century cathedral of St. Etienne and the town’s 14th century fortified bridge. The triple towered Pont Valentre with
its seven pointed arches is a much photographed masterpiece.
In Albi, provincial capital of the Tarn and home town of Comte Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, a rose red fortress cathedral is the
focal point.
Hautefort
Cycling, rambling, pony trekking and canoeing make this area
a fine choice for a family holiday. The Dordogne, or ëPerigord’, is renowned for its thousand châteaux, among the best of which is the Château de Hautefort, its gardens, towers and domes dominating the hill above this feudal village.
Lot & Tarn
Two very different rivers make their way to meet a third.
The broad River Lot takes a leisurely route, meandering past vineyards and orchards, via picturesque medieval villages and forests famed for truffle hunting, before cutting through the region’s capital, Cahors, on its way to join the Garonne. Further south, the River Tarn cuts a dramatic swathe through mountainous countryside, creating magnificent gorges, that are a haven for canoeing and rafting. The area is famed for its flora, with over 900 species of flowers recorded.
Périgueux
The capital town of the Perigord and the cultural heart of the Dordogne, this hospitable little town has a lively Wednesday
and Saturday market, a veritable feast of restaurants and cafés, and a tranquil rural setting, so typical of the region.
Ribérac
Flowers, wine and fresh farm produce at the Friday morning market are a highlight in this gently-paced little town. A rural setting for a relaxing holiday.
Sarlat
Lavender fields, lake fishing, horse riding and river kayaking are among the attractions in the environs of Sarlat. Medieval Sarlat itself is a maze of ancient and arcaded lanes, whose ochre stone buldings have now been declared a living museum. Among the notables are the Cathedrale St. Sacerdos and the Lanterne des Morts tower. The Saturday morning market in the Place de la Liberté is a must.
St Emilion
Famous for its full-bodied red wines, the village of St Emilion was originally used by pilgrims as a stopping place on their way to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostella. Why not explore the old ramparts or sample the local delicacies whilst absorbing the atmosphere of the town.
Souillac
This picturesque village recently underwent an extensive programme of restoration, and tourists may now enjoy browsing through ancient streets restored to their former glory. Visit the Abbaye Ste Marie or the Friday flower market held in lively Place St Martin with its old belfry tower.
Toulouse
The birthplace of Concorde, home to tree-shaded quays and the charming Pont Neuf over the River Garonne. Along with two stunning cathedrals from the 13th century, its lovely rose-brick
Old Town is delightful and its lively atmosphere is enhanced by boutiques inexpensive cafés, oyster bars and a Sunday fleamarket.
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Chateau de La Malartrie
Sleeps 15 |
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