Dordogne Valley
The Dordogne is a land with "un peu de tout", as the French say, a little of everything; a gently meadering river, lush pastures, wine, walnuts, geese for foie gras and confit ... and the warm southern sun. Steeped in history, this is where the famous Hundred years War was fought by the British, and the area is full of fortified towns, villages and castles. Your trip will visit many famous sites as you walk from town to town, tracing the footsteps of medieval warriors and pilgrims.
The eight day walk begins with an overnight at Sarrazac. From here you walk to Turenne, with it's hill top castle and on to Collonge La Rouge, an exquisite medieval village in warm, red sandstone, enclosing a priory church. The route follows the GR480, across rolling farmland and along woodland paths to Beaulieu sur Dordogne and a valley of outstanding natural beauty. Climbing out of the valley, over the ridge, you descend to the River Cere and continue via the massive red castle of Castelnau to the waterfall and 'gentihommieres' of Autoire. From the pretty village of Loubressac, perched on a scarp with splendid views, you can visit the wonderful caves of Padirac, before descending to the charming village of Carennac with it's sun warmed rooves clustered above the Dordogne. Here the eight day walk ends. The ten day walk begins at Collonge La Rouge and follows the eight day tour, but with only one night at Beaulieu, to Carennac where two nights are spent to allow a rest day and time to explore the historic village. From Carennac you continue along the picturesque route of the 'Cirque de Montvalet' to the delightful village of Creysse. Next we reach Martel where the son of Henry II, (called Henry Court-Mantel for the new short cloak he made fashionable) died during the Hundred Years' War; the house is still visable today. The walk continues over the plateau to Sarrazac, from where your final day takes you to Collonge La Rouge.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS: In country hotels of 2 star category. On night 4 of the 8 day tour clients dine out at their own expense. Dinner is included on each night of the 10 day tour.
ARRIVAL: In the evening at the first hotel in Sarrazac for the 8 day tour, about 20km by taxi from Brive, and in Collonges for the 10 day tour which can be reached by local bus from Brive.
END OF TOUR: After breakfast on final day, by taxi from Carennac to St Dennis les Martel (about 10km) then train to Brive for connections to Toulouse or Paris. On the 10 day tour by local bus or taxi from Collonges to Brive (about 20km).
Self Guided Inn to Inn 8 or 10 days
CODE: SDV
GRADE:
* This tour is also available as an ESCORTED DEPARTURE
CODE: SDVE
P I P E S T O N E...T R A V E L
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