Even in a country with so much varied regional beauty, the Lot and Dordogne areas stand out. These delightful and gentle 'departements' are cut by a number of great rivers, - the Dronne, the Vézère, the Auvézère and of course, the Lot and the mighty Dordogne.

Historically known as the Perigord, the Dordogne area was settled in pre-historic times. There are troglodyte cave dwellings along the river valleys and famous prehistoric art sites such as Lascaux.

More recently, the golden stone of the Perigord has created mellow villages, fortified churches, over one thousand chateaux and castles, and the beautiful 'bastide' towns. Walking trails, including some of the GR (long distance) paths, link ancient villages, chateaux, vineyards, riversides and oak forest. Colourful village markets provide the famous Perigordine foods - the best in France.

We stay in a selected holiday house near the junction of the Dordogne and the Vézère, setting off each day to explore this delightful region.

We visit Sarlat, the best preserved medieval town in France, and experience its famous market. We travel to the pilgrimage site at Rocamadour and walk in the white limestone areas of The Lot, and the delightful Saint-Cirque-Lapopie, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France (MBVIF).

One day is free to visit a local town, canoe down the Dordogne, or simply relax at our accommodation.

Dave Best is a renegade town planner. Originally from London, he's been based in Australia now for almost 20 years during which time he's led many tours in Europe, Asia and Australasia. France is an abiding passion - a country choc full of ancient culture, wonderful walks, good food & red wine.

Peter Kellett trained as an historian before turning to Outdoor Education in 1978. Since then he has been leading outdoor courses and tours in various parts of the world. A keen canoeist and walker, Peter has had experience in North America, Nepal, New Zealand and Europe. He is an accredited walking leader and has been planning and leading walking tours in France for twenty years.

If you are unfamiliar with the Dave & Peter 'roadshow', think of it as adding the 'extra' to the 'ordinary', providing good value tours in France, enhanced with insights into the culture, history, cuisine and people of the destination.

Itinerary

Day 1
Meet at Bergerac railway station at 14h30 and transfer to our accommodation in time to settle in before dinner. (DBB)

Day 2
This morning we visit Sarlat and explore the best preserved medieval town in France. Enjoy the famous Saturday market, which spreads through the cobbled streets as we buy our picnic lunch. In the afternoon we walk beside and above the Dordogne, exploring Beynac-et Cazenac (MBVIF) dominated by its chateau, and the beautiful La Roque Gageac (MBVIF). (DBB)

Day 3
Walking between another three of the designated Most Beautiful Villages in France, overlooking the Dordogne, from Autoire, via Loubressac to the well-preserved medieval town of Carennac. Optional visit to the Gouffre de Padirac, a vast limestone cave system with a one kilometre boat trip on an underground river. (15 kms/4 hours). (DBB)

Day 4
Travel to Rocamadour in the neighbouring region of Lot. Explore this important pilgrimage site where many miracles are said to have occurred, and then walk in the dry, limestone 'causse' lands to watermills and isolated farms. (DBB)

Day 5
Walking above the Dordogne for fabulous views over the valley and through beautiful farmland. We visit the elegant Chateau des Milandes, former home of the entertainer Josephine Baker and the fortified 'bastide' town of Domme, established in 1280. Dine out in Sarlat this evening. (B&B)

Day 6
A day with some options; visit the famous Gardens of Marqueyssac and walk the Belvedere path which gives one of the best views of the Dordogne, canoe down the gentle Dordogne, passing chateaux and lovely villages, visit another local town or Lascaux ll caves. (DBB)

Day 7
We head south to walk in the Lot Valley, along one of the variantes of the Pilgrimage Trail to Santiago de Compostela, along a tow path cut into the limestone, and visit Saint-Cirque Lapopie, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, overhanging the valley. (7-14 kms/2.5-4 hours). (DBB)

Day 8
Our tour ends after breakfast. We transfer you to Bergerac railway station in time for trains to Paris via Bordeaux. (B)