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Itinerary

We’ll transfer you from the Brive-la-Gaillarde or Souillac train station to your first hotel in Montignac. Montignac is a lovely small town alongside the Vezere River. The river splits the town in two and on each side of its banks have sprung fountains, washing places, houses and half-timbered buildings. On looking up, you will see the castle, former haunt of the Counts of Perigord, perched on its rocky spur and overlooking the town nestling below. Our Trip Manager will go over your trip package with you, and then leave you to explore before your first dinner, included this evening.

Transfer to the small village of St Amand de Coly, with its lovely fortified Romanesque Abbey (surprisingly majestic for such a small community!), and tiny cobblestoned alleyways. After your explorations there, walk, climbing gradually through lush fields and forest, and golden-stone farmhouses, admiring the vistas. You’ll descend then, heading to the banks of the meandering Vezere River, and the small village of Aubas. Picnic there if you wish, overlooking the lazy flow of the river, or lunch at a great local restaurant, tucked behind the St Cyr and St Juliette Church. A final climb away from the river takes you through more forest with the full panoply of shades of green and dappled light, before descending back to Montignac, passing by the Lascaux IV site, for explorations there. We have purposely made this walk not too long to allow for enough time for this extraordinary prehistory centre.

This morning your transfer still follows the Vezere River, as it winds southwards through rich countryside that has welcomed man for milennia. Your route offers a plethora of reminders of this heritage, starting at the troglodyte site of La Roque St Christophe, you then follow the meanders of the Vezere, with majestic limestone spurs thrusting out over your head. After crossing the bridge into the village of Le Moustier, strike out through the forest and fields. You have the option for a small detour, continuing along the river, and bringing you to the site of La Madeleine – a prehistoric excavation of such importance that it donated its name to an entire prehistoric era – the Magdalenian – but also with an incredible troglodyte village you can visit. A climb away from the river before being rewarded at the end of the day with your descent into Les Eyzies. This little town sits on the confluence of Vezere and the Beune Rivers, and is home to the National Prehistory Museum, as well as a string of small boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

We transfer you to the unique and picturesque site of les Cabanes de Breuil where you walk starts today. These traditional stone huts are remarkable and the site has one of the best collections of them. After a visit, a pretty walk through rolling coutryside, through rich forest and valleys takes you past the Chateau de Puy Martin, with its crenelated towers and of course its ghost, the White Lady, who wanders its hallways. The route ends in Sarlat. We invite you to discover this medieval town, with its narrow streets, restored Gothic and Renaissance town houses, the Saint Sacerdos Cathedral and its famous open-air market (Saturday mornings). This UNESCO Heritage site, the largest Medieval architectural grouping in Europe, is best explored by night, when the stone buildings with their “lauze” rooftops, and the cobblestoned streets and charming squares are lit up to eerie beauty – you’ll think you have been transported back in time!

Today offers a sprinkling of France’s official “Prettiest Villages” for your explorations , amongst some truly spectacular scenery and sites. Your starting point depends on which hotel category you have chosen, but the route over the course of the day takes you through the Dordogne River Valley, dotted with castles from the Hundred Years War. You’ll take in the scents and scenery of the romantic and picturesque Marqueyssac Gardens. This astonishing spot offers over 6km of pathways lined with over 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods, rockeries and stone cabins. Situated on a rocky spur, the panoramic viewpoint offers one of the most impressive views of the valley and it’s many châteaux. You may find lunch whilst you meander the tiny streets overlooking the river in La Roque Gageac, a beautiful village built flat against the cliff, (another of the “Prettiest Villages of France”). Another on that list is medieval Domme. This tiny village perched above the river, is an excellent example of the Bastide villages (fortified villages) of Medieval France. It was built in the 13th century by Philip the Bold; there are still examples of medieval graffiti by the templar knights, and a spectacular panorama to the valley below!

After a final breakfast, we transfer you to Souillac or Sarlat train stations for your further travels. Say goodbye to walking in France for now!

What's included

  • 5 nights’ accommodation of the comfort level of your choice * CLASSIC, CLASSIC + or DELUXE
  • Hotel taxes
  • All breakfasts and 2 dinners (drinks not included with the dinners)
  • Orientation with our Trip Manager at the start of the trip
  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
  • Transfer to first hotel from Souillac or Brive la Gaillarde train station
  • Transfer to Souillac or Sarlat train station at the end of the trip
  • Taxi transfers for the walks
  • Detailed maps and step-by-step route notes
  • Uploadable GPS files to use on a free APP in your smartphone **
  • Regional information and advice
  • Phone call support 7 days a week

* Price based on double room occupancy – please contact us for details on single room supplements
** Can be used without international internet plan (offline)

Hotel Details

Classic Tour

1050 € / pers.

2 nights
Hotel le Lascaux – Montignac

1 night
Hotel le Moulin de le Beune – Les Eyzies

1 night
Hotel la Couleuvrine – Sarlat

1 night
Hotel Maleville – Beynac

Classic + Tour

1290 € / pers.

2 nights
Hotel la Roseraie – Montignac

1 night
Hotel le Centenaire – Les Eyzies

1 night
Grand Hotel Pavillon Selves – Sarlat

1 night
Hotel le Perigord – Vitrac

Deluxe Tour

1890 € / pers.

2 nights
Hotel Bouilhac – Montignac

1 night
Hotel les Glycines – Les Eyzies

1 night
Hotel Plaza Madeleine – Sarlat

1 night
Domaine de Rochebois – Vitrac