Family adventure in the Dordogne, France
| country: | France |
| location: | Dordogne |
| departures: | 2009: 24 May, 26 Jul, 31 Jul, 2 Aug, 7 Aug, 9 Aug, 14 Aug, 16 Aug, 21 Aug, 23 Aug |
| price: | From £449 (8 days) per adult or £399 per child including Eurostar from UK, from £325 excluding train. Local payment €75. Minimum age = 8. Teenage departures: 26 Aug |
the amazing things you'll be doing
An active exploration of the Dordogne, as it gently twists through one of the most thrilling landscapes of France. By boat, bike and on foot, we discover mighty châteaux, breathtaking gorges and mysterious caves along the river. The emphasis is on fun and relaxation, with ample opportunities to enjoy the regional delicacies - which taste all the better for busy days in the open air! Minimum age 8 years.
Castles & citadels
Our first port of call is the ancient walled village of Beaulieu. Exploring its web of narrow streets and historic buildings we appreciate for the first time that this region was at the heart of the ferocious Hundred Years War. We then take to the river and paddle to Puybrun, and from here cycle to the towering fortifications of Castelnau-Bretenoux, which once garrisoned 1,500 men and 100 horses. The next day a delightful cycle ride along minor backroads follows the river valley and brings us first to picturesque Carennac and then to our nightstop, Vayrac.
Backwaters & bonne cuisine
This is the old France of gentle backwaters and - in spite of their warring past! - the friendliest of people. We are also in one of the gourmet strongholds of France, and planning your next picnic or meal out soon becomes a favourite preoccupation! Black Truffle, game and foie gras rule the roost - followed closely by the moist clafoutis cake, with sunken cherries. A full day in Vayrac allows time for an optional visit to the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour, which clings perilously to the cliff edge. We then visit Padirac, with its sprawling network of caves and underground river.
Canyons & gorges
The Dordogne becomes even more dramatic further downriver, as it cuts into canyons and gorges. We make an on-shore excursion to the medieval town of Martel - once occupied by the Moors. Also along our trail are the clifftop Belcastel, the lovely town of Creysse and the caverns of Lacave, where our adventure ends.
No previous canoeing experience necessary on this active camping trip, as training will be given, but you must be quite fit to enjoy the activities. All equipment provided, but bring your own sleeping bag.
Castles & citadels
Our first port of call is the ancient walled village of Beaulieu. Exploring its web of narrow streets and historic buildings we appreciate for the first time that this region was at the heart of the ferocious Hundred Years War. We then take to the river and paddle to Puybrun, and from here cycle to the towering fortifications of Castelnau-Bretenoux, which once garrisoned 1,500 men and 100 horses. The next day a delightful cycle ride along minor backroads follows the river valley and brings us first to picturesque Carennac and then to our nightstop, Vayrac.
Backwaters & bonne cuisine
This is the old France of gentle backwaters and - in spite of their warring past! - the friendliest of people. We are also in one of the gourmet strongholds of France, and planning your next picnic or meal out soon becomes a favourite preoccupation! Black Truffle, game and foie gras rule the roost - followed closely by the moist clafoutis cake, with sunken cherries. A full day in Vayrac allows time for an optional visit to the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour, which clings perilously to the cliff edge. We then visit Padirac, with its sprawling network of caves and underground river.
Canyons & gorges
The Dordogne becomes even more dramatic further downriver, as it cuts into canyons and gorges. We make an on-shore excursion to the medieval town of Martel - once occupied by the Moors. Also along our trail are the clifftop Belcastel, the lovely town of Creysse and the caverns of Lacave, where our adventure ends.
No previous canoeing experience necessary on this active camping trip, as training will be given, but you must be quite fit to enjoy the activities. All equipment provided, but bring your own sleeping bag.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Eurostar London/Paris; train to Brive; bus transfer to Beaulieu |
| Day 2: | Morning in Beaulieu; afternoon canoe to Puybrun |
| Day 3: | In Puybrun; cycle to Castelnau-Bretenoux |
| Day 4: | Cycle via Carennac to Vayrac |
| Day 5: | Visit to Rocamadour and Padirac Caves (optional) |
| Day 6: | To medieval Martel; walk to Gluges; canoe to Creysse |
| Day 7: | Canoe via Meyronne to Lacave; return to Creysse |
| Day 8: | Bus to Souillac; train and Eurostar to London, via Paris |
| Please note: | transfers across Paris are not included |
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip how this holiday makes a difference
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Travelling by train to the Dordogne reduces the CO2 emissions travellers would otherwise generate if flying – just one of the ways this tour operates responsibly. Activities on this trip tend to be ‘people-powered’ – canoeing, biking and walking – with very little vehicle use.
Whilst breakfasts are provided our tour leader is on hand to advise clients where they can eat other meals – this means that the money we generate is spread as widely as possible, thus benefiting local people more than if we were in just one place. Suppliers benefiting from our visit include, campsite owners and staff, restaurateurs, equipment suppliers and local guides. Our Tour Leaders are all trained by us in the importance of responsible tourism with guidance given on how they can make a difference. This then percolates down through those they deal with. As well as the above, we support a variety of charities and projects worldwide which support vulnerable communities and habitats including Friends of Conservation, Hope Worldwide and Send A Cow. We are also actively engaged with UK travel industry bodies which promote best practice in responsible tourism, such as Tourism Concern, The Travel Foundation and AITO. Our commitment to responsible tourism is not limited to our overseas operation and we have measures to ensure our UK office operates according to our responsible tourism policy. Carbon offsets for all flights booked with us are included in the tour cost. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |