Dordogne walking holiday in France

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

We are committed to offering low impact holidays, which benefits the countries and communities we visit, as well as our travellers. As most of the time on our tours is spent exploring on foot, it is important that our staff, local partners and customers are aware of the delicate balance that exists in the places we visit.

We are also dedicated to promoting sensible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimise our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible.

You'll be staying at the Hôtel Restaurant Le Belvédère, which is committed to responsible and sustainable hospitality. The hotel follows recognised environmental and social responsibility standards, focusing on energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible purchasing. The hotel's restaurant places strong emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and thoughtful kitchen practices to minimise food waste.

What can you expect to eat?
For breakfast, you'll find a selection of fruits, fruit juices, tea, coffee, yogurt, toast, eggs, ham, cheese, bread, croissants, and jams. Since you'll likely be out in the countryside at midday, it’s a good idea to stop by a local bakery or supermarket in the morning to make yourself a packed lunch for the day’s walk. On sightseeing days a local café or bar makes for a light tapas lunch or snack. Your leader will be able to advise where this is possible.

For dinner at the hotel, you’ll enjoy a set menu (changes daily) of starter, main and dessert with a differing choice for vegans and vegetarians. A typical dinner might start with soup or salad, followed by a meat (confit duck) or fish dish with sides like rice, mash or veg, and finish with a tasty dessert. A typical vegetarian main might be a lentil, bean or vegetable dish.

Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

We believe that the best things come in small packages and limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the tour Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants, which offers a better overall experience.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We operate a ‘leave no trace’ policy in national parks, archaeological sites, monuments and other sensitive areas like beaches and coastlines; these should be treated with the ultimate respect to maintain them for future generations. Our tour leaders are trained to promote this message to our customers during the holiday.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

We provide ample opportunity to explore the local areas on foot, where you can shop for local wares and crafts and immerse yourselves into the rich cultural heritage of the destination. To enhance your experience, as well as your tour leader, each holiday will be accompanied by a well qualified and knowledgeable English-speaking local guide.

Visiting historical sites, churches or museums are much more rewarding with a local guide. They give an insight to the local culture, language and traditions and can bring a destination alive.

When taking reservations for groups in local restaurants, it is the policy of some restaurateurs to offer one set menu, served to everyone at the table (with the exception of vegetarians, vegans and gluten free). Vegetarian and vegan options are often available, though menus may vary by location, so we recommend checking and letting us know in advance to ensure dietary requirements can be accommodated.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

We are committed to responsible and sustainable travel practices that support both the local environment and surrounding communities. By selecting environmentally conscious accommodation, encouraging reduced waste, and prioritising sustainable transport where possible, we aim to minimise our footprint. Through respectful engagement and conscious travel choices, we strive to protect natural landscapes while delivering enriching and memorable experiences.

Our walking tours are thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in local heritage and culture, building meaningful connections with the places and people we visit - including the employment of local tour guides. As a company we believe in workplace diversity and equal employment, with opportunities available to everybody regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.