Périgord, gastronomic heartland of France, divided into four regions of colour because one was simply not enough to encapsulate the character of this fascinating area! It is a region blessed with beauty by nature, marked by the dawn of mankind and ravaged by the Hundred Years War – a unique charm, centuries in the making, for today's visitor to delight in. This is a tour with all the classic Francophiles ingredients of history, culture and culinary delight. Our visit is based in and explores two towns – medieval Bergerac, nestled on the banks of the Dordogne; and Périgueux, capital of Périgord, a city of two towns, Roman and medieval, evoking the spirit of bygone days.
From our bases we explore the land of early man – from the famous representations of prehistoric wall paintings of the Lascaux II cave to a town built into the cliff ledges of La Roque St. Christophe. This town was home to hundreds from its early 'cave dwelling' establishment and during the turbulent times of the Hundred Years War, before its destruction during the Wars of Religion at the end of the 16th century. The influence of the Hundred Years War is also apparent in the fortified castles and bastide towns in the area, such as the impressively preserved town of Monpazier, one of our visits on the holiday. We also visit the more recent chateau of Hautefort, with its lovely park and early history of brotherly strife in the time of Bertrand de Born, the famous troubadour. The more recent appeal of the region is also apparent in the Chateau des Milandes, once home to the singer and later Resistance heroine Josephine Baker and her 'world village' of adopted children.
There is also great beauty in the river valleys of the Isle, Vezere and Dordogne and in the lovely pastoral scenery of walnut groves, orchards and vineyards. Beyond the attractions of nature and history however, as our visits and wine tastings at the Maison des Vins in Bergerac and the Chateau du Monbazillac will demonstrate, it is no accident that this region is known as the gastronomic heartland of France! Be it the truffles, foie gras or one of the numerous appellations of wine, rest assured the gourmet in you will not go unsatisfied….Gastronomy, history, nature and relaxation, how could you refuse?
We invite you to explore with us the delights of this region of splendid chateaux, memorable wines, delicious food, historical interest and scenic beauty. We offer all this plus the significance of the Périgord colours - white, black, green and purple!
This eleven-day holiday includes:
- ten nights half-board in a double, twin or single room (single supplement £195).
- all coach and ferry travel.
- all excursions and the services of a courier throughout.
Cost: £1,275
Specialist guide services, tasting and admission and boat charges are not included in the holiday price.
These are estimated at 65 euros if joining all our visits.
May 27th - June 6th
