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The Charming Dordogne

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7 days From £1,099 £999 per person
4.1 stars(296 reviews)
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Experience the beauty of the Dordogne, a laid-back region of striking villages and spectacular scenery

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Save £100pp on Europe & British Isles 2025 holidays, when you book by 31st May 2025.

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Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: 25DQS

About the tour

Based in charming Les Eyzies, explore this beautiful region renowned for picturesque villages, ancient history and excellent cuisine.

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Dordogne from the village of La Roque-Gageac and discover the spectacular cliff-side pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. Delight in the sights and smells of fresh produce on market day in medieval Sarlat.

Journey on the Truffadou Steam Train that used to transport truffles to Martel's market and visit an impressive château that was once home to a star of the Roaring Twenties.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Experience the idyllic charm of quintessential French towns
Experience the idyllic charm of quintessential French towns
Travel to some of the region’s most beautiful towns and villages, including the riverside La Roque-Gageac, the bustling medieval market town of Sarlat, and dramatic Rocamadour – an important pilgrimage site that cascades down a cliff.
Enjoy a relaxing Dordogne river cruise on a traditional boat
Enjoy a relaxing Dordogne river cruise on a traditional boat
Soak up the river’s beauty on a laid-back cruise in a traditional flat-bottomed boat called a ‘gabare’. Enjoy views of idyllic La Roque-Gageac from the water as you sail past forests, cliffs and châteaux.
Visit a stunning French château with a surprising history
Visit a stunning French château with a surprising history
Explore the 15th-century Château des Milandes which enjoys panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley and was once owned by Josephine Baker, the American-born star of the Parisian cabaret scene of the 1920s.
Ride the charming Truffadou Steam Train in open carriages
Ride the charming Truffadou Steam Train in open carriages
Journey on a heritage railway that used to transport truffles to market as it clings to the cliffside, providing excellent views of the surrounding landscapes from its open-air carriages.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – London to Les Eyzies

Meeting the Tour Manager and travelling group at London St Pancras this morning, your holiday begins as you board the Eurostar service to Paris.

In the French capital, we transfer to Gare d'Austerlitz for a journey through the centre of France to Brive-la-Gaillarde. From Brive, a coach transfer follows the Vézère river through this picturesque region. The Dordogne is known as the jewel of French gastronomy and, with truffles and walnut trees dotting this verdant land of thick forests we pass, it's little wonder.

Set in parkland and with a large outdoor pool, our hotel is in the centre of Les Eyzies, a village at the heart of a UNESCO-listed site of caves containing prehistoric rock paintings and significant palaeolithic discoveries. On arrival, we enjoy our first dinner together at a local restaurant, a three-course meal with wine.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Dordogne river cruise and Château des Milandes

Two holiday highlights await after breakfast as we firstly travel by coach to beautiful La Roque-Gageac.

With a huddle of elegant stone buildings appearing hewn out of the limestone cliff, this small riverside settlement is one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France and formerly a thriving trading port. We hop into one of the traditional flat-bottomed boats - a gabare - that would have been used to transport goods. Sailing along the scenic Dordogne, relax while admiring beautiful châteaux peering out from densely forested hills. Afterwards, there's free time to explore La Roque-Gageac at leisure.

Our next destination is the 15th-century Château des Milandes. Enjoying wonderful panoramic views and displaying fairytale features, it has a surprising history. In 1947, it was bought by Josephine Baker, a star of the Parisian cabaret scene in the 1920s. The American-born singer and dancer, who performed at the Folies Bergère, created a sumptuous Art Deco haven. You can explore the château, its manicured grounds or a bird of prey demonstration at your leisure.

Returning to Les Eyzies this evening, we gather for a three-course dinner at a local restaurant.

Please Note - For departure 26th June your day will operate in reverse. Chateau de Milandes in the morning and the Gabares Norbert river cruise in the afternoon.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Free day in charming Les Eyzies

Today is at leisure for you to explore Les Eyzies and surrounding areas as you wish.

Our picturesque base in the heart of the Dordogne is rich in prehistory and it was here that Cro-Magnon man was discovered in 1868. This picturesque village and the Vézère Valley boast a number of attractions for those interested in this era of formative human history, including a Cro-Magnon shelter dating from 40,000 BC. You don't have to go far to feel like you're at the centre of this jaw-dropping archaeology. Behind our hotel there is the Prehistory Interpretation Centre, while the National Museum of Prehistory is also nearby. Both bring to life nearly 400,000 years of humanity.

While its incredible history is Les Eyzies' main attraction, the scenery is stunning. After exploring, relax by the river and, as you dine independently today, seek out an appealing restaurant for dinner. Look out for local cuisine including confit duck, cepes mushrooms and walnut bread, best enjoyed with a glass of local wine.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 – The flavours of Sarlat market

One of the region's most important and historic towns, Sarlat, is our destination today. The picturesque Old Town is full of honey-coloured medieval buildings lining a labyrinth of alleyways and is virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages.

Our visit coincides with market day, giving you the chance to peruse the stalls and enjoy the aromas drifting throughout the square. The market is famed throughout the region, and local producers flock to sell products such as duck, goose, walnuts, cheese and excellent fresh fruit and veg, including various varieties of melon and tomato. You could also take a walk around the historic attractions, perhaps visiting the Cathedrale Saint Sacerdos. Much of Sarlat's oldest architecture is in the lanes at the back of the cathedral. Here, pretty courtyards - such as the Cour des Fontaines and Cour des Chanoines - can be found, as can some of the town's original fortifications.

We return to Les Eyzies in late afternoon, with time to relax before dinner this evening at a restaurant this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Rocamadour & Truffadou Steam Train

After breakfast, we travel by coach to the beautiful village of Rocamadour, stopping enroute to admire the Château de Belcastel perched on a rocky promontory.

Cascading down a huge cliff, the UNESCO-listed village of Rocamadour is an important site of pilgrimage. A mix of rustic medieval stone houses and impressive religious structures, there's free time to explore one of France's most popular tourist destinations. One of the main attractions is the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, a cluster of seven chapels and churches halfway up the cliff, where a Black Madonna statue was discovered in the Middle Ages. Pilgrims used to climb the 216 steps on their knees - but thankfully you can now pay to use the lift.

From Rocamadour, we continue to Martel for a journey on the restored Truffadou Steam Train, named as it was historically used to transport truffles. We enjoy a round trip to Saint Denis in open carriages hauled by a steam engine, soaking up excellent views across the beautiful local countryside. A three-course dinner at a restaurant awaits us on our return to Les Eyzies this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Exploring the Dordogne at leisure

With a train station in Les Eyzies, a full free day gives you the perfect opportunity to discover more delights of the Dordogne at your own pace.

A regular service connects Les Eyzies with Périgueux, the historic capital of the Périgord region, in about 30 minutes. This rich tapestry of this 2,000-year-old city can be uncovered in its many appealing sights. To explore the Roman origins, head to the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum, where you can view the remains of a first-century villa. Périgueux's most spectacular attraction is its UNESCO-listed 12th-century cathedral with a towering turret and five circular domes. Périgueux is renowned as a gastronomic city and there are many good restaurants showcasing the region's famed produce.

Another option would be to travel along the Dordogne River to Bergerac, where you can find a pretty Old Town of half-timbered buildings and picture-perfect squares. The town is renowned for its wines and, as you dine independently today, relax a while with a sweet white Monbazillac or a full-bodied Pécharmant.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 – Homeward bound

Exuding laid-back charm, the Dordogne has showed us a slice of quintessential France on this memorable holiday. Our base in the heart of the 'cradle of humankind' showcased a dazzling array of history, while time at Sarlat's popular market allowed us to experience the sights and aromas of the produce for which the region is famed. There was time to explore the impressive pilgrimage site of Rocamadour and a relaxing cruise in a traditional gabare revealed stunning views of La Roque-Gageac, one of France's most beautiful villages.

Leaving Les Eyzies by coach after breakfast, we board a train in Brive-la-Gaillarde and say farewell to the Dordogne. Travelling through the heart of France, we make our way to Paris where we change to the Eurostar service, arriving back at London St Pancras this evening,

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Discoveries collection

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Hôtel des Roches, Les Eyzies

Hôtel des Roches, Les Eyzies

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Trains

Eurostar
Truffadou Train

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Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 296 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (125)
  2. 4 stars
    (124)
  3. 3 stars
    (27)
  4. 2 stars
    (5)
  5. 1 star
    (15)

PAUL bellow

5 stars

Submitted 18/May

Lived up to my expectations

Collected by Trustpilot

David

5 stars

Submitted 13/May

Great holiday. Nice hotel on good location. Good tour guide

Collected by Trustpilot

Clive

5 stars

Submitted 13/May

A great trip, especially for any one who enjoys fabulous scenery, good food, antiquities and the whole business of travelling from A to B. We were well looked after throughout by an excellent tour manager who organised us without being in any way intrusive. Good value and relaxing.

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Clive
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Maxine Barlow

5 stars

Submitted 11/May

The organisation of and time schedules were perfect. The group was kept well informed of the daily arrangenents. The Dordogne was a very enjoyable break .

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J Massey

5 stars

Submitted 6/May

I have been on several Rail Discovery holidays and can't fault them. As a solo traveller it is good to be looked after by your guides. I just wish it wasn't so expensive to travel solo!

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Fiona Stuart

5 stars

Submitted 16 Nov 2024

For value for money, this was very good. Excellent tour manager. Hotel was good. Food in the allocated restaurant was very good.

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