Multi-activity holiday
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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Explore one of the most fascinating corners of the Dordogne on this varied and flexible, walking, cycling and canoeing holiday. The Perigord Noir, arguably one of the most attractive parts of the Dordogne, is named as such for its rich dark oak and chestnut forests which fill the very heart of this region. The area offers spectacular scenery with ancient chateaux perched high above the rugged cliffs overlooking the entire valley. You'll find medieval villages full of character and a plethora of historical sites including the Benedictine Abbaye Sainte-Marie in Souillac, founded during the 12th century and which suffered badly during the Hundred Years' War.
On foot, bike and by canoe, venture through the Perigord experiencing what this picturesque region has to offer. You have total flexibility with the choice of either walking or cycling routes when you're not canoeing. The canoeing is safe and undemanding, and we will give you a lesson in handling your canoe before you set off. Your journey starts in Rocamadour, a spectacular cliff-clinging town and home to one of France's most venerated sites, before moving on to Meyronne, on the banks of the Dordogne. From here you pick up your paddle, canoeing downstream to Souillac and on to Beynac with its hilltop castle, captured by Richard the Lionheart in 1179, finally arriving in medieval Sarlat.
You will stay in characterful 3 star hotels throughout. These range from a stunningly converted 11th century chateau to a panoramic country house, set in its own private parkland.
NB: All customers must be able to swim at least 50m fully clothed. We provide 2/3 person canoes (minimum age 8 years). Single-person kayaks are also available if specified when you book. Only suitable for children over 12 unless experienced. Should the river, at any point, be deemed too high to safely canoe, we will provide Headwater bikes at no extra charge for all days affected.
When you're not canoeing, you have total flexibility with the choice of either walking or cycling routes. The canoeing is safe and undemanding, and we will give you a lesson in handling your canoe before you set off.
See more of this trip on our Youtube channel - click here watch.
Arrive at your 3 star hotel, just a stone's throw from Rocamadour's ancient town walls.
You stay at Hotel les Esclargies.
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The Hotel les Esclargies is set within lush parkland surrounded by oak trees, just outside Rocamadour's ancient town walls. Designed in wood and stone, it aims to be in harmony with nature, and to offer the most tranquil of stays whilst providing easy access to Rocamadour. The modern and comfortable rooms are decorated in light tones, with ensuite facilities and air conditioning as standard.
Before you leave UNESCO Rocamadour, why not explore its pretty medieval alleyways, in particular its famous sanctuary and revered shrine to the Black Madonna? Walkers and cyclists then make their way to Meyronne via the Grottes de Lacave.
You stay at Hotel La Terrasse.
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The Hotel La Terrasse, ideally situated overlooking the Dordogne, is a converted 11th century chateau, which has survived in spite of the turbulent history of the region. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s by the Liebus family - who still own the hotel - but it still retains many of its original features - wooden beams, exposed stone walls, stone fire places and stone spiral stairwell. Period furniture completes the impressive, yet comfortable, interior.
Your evening meal is taken in the hotel's restaurant, where the menu reflects the local specialities. If you eat on the hotel's terrace, you'll also get to savour views over the river!
The hotel also benefits from an outdoor pool.
Lots of choice today. Either relax by the hotel pool, walk to the panoramic Roc des Monges or head to picturesque 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 where he died is still visible today. Alternatively, travel by taxi to the Gouffre de Padirac, an enormous chasm where you descend into an underground cave system which you then explore by boat along the subterranean stream.
You stay at Hotel La Terrasse.
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The Hotel La Terrasse, ideally situated overlooking the Dordogne, is a converted 11th century chateau, which has survived in spite of the turbulent history of the region. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s by the Liebus family - who still own the hotel - but it still retains many of its original features - wooden beams, exposed stone walls, stone fire places and stone spiral stairwell. Period furniture completes the impressive, yet comfortable, interior.
Your evening meal is taken in the hotel's restaurant, where the menu reflects the local specialities. If you eat on the hotel's terrace, you'll also get to savour views over the river!
The hotel also benefits from an outdoor pool.
We meet you after breakfast for your briefing and canoeing lesson before you set off on this easy paddle, taking you below pinky-gold cliffs with buzzards and kites soaring overhead and the imposing chateaux of Belcastel and de la Treyne (to name but two), perched up high above the river.
You stay at La Vieille Auberge.
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La Vieille Auberge, a coach house from Napoleonic times, has been modernised to create a charming auberge in a quiet part of Souillac.
The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities with a modern twist.
Wander round this bustling town, people watch or visit the Musee de l'Automate which holds the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in France. You might also like to walk to La Durantie for some of the most stunning views along the Dordogne Valley or cycle to the Chateau de Fenelon, a Cathar stronghold during the 12th and 13th century. There is also the option to cycle to the impressive Jardins de Cadiot made up of ten gardens within two hectares of land - the choice is yours!
You stay at La Vieille Auberge.
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La Vieille Auberge, a coach house from Napoleonic times, has been modernised to create a charming auberge in a quiet part of Souillac.
The restaurant serves traditional regional specialities with a modern twist.
Its gentle paddling again today down to Grolejac through the heart of peaceful and prosperous Perigord countryside, leaving plenty of time for swimming, picnicking or just lazing by the river. We pick you up and take you to the tranquil Chateau de Monrecour where you stay for the next two nights.
You stay at Chateau de Monrecour.
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The Chateau de Monrecour is located in Saint Vincent de Cosse, just a few kilometres from stunning Beynac. Guest rooms are traditionally decorated and equipped with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi access and TV. The hotel also has a swimming pool and a large south-facing terrace.
Breakfast is served in the chateau's ballroom, which is decorated with tapestries and features a large stone fireplace. During good weather, guests can enjoy breakfast on the terrace, which has a view of the 15th century Chateau des Milandes. Evening meals are served in the hotel restaurant and are a real treat: be prepared to sample sumptuous local dishes, prepared with fresh products.
Room upgrades: Luxe Room.
Luxe rooms are larger rooms with 4 poster bed and jet shower.
Stroll to Beynac and climb the steep footpath lined with 15th to 17th century stone houses up to the spectacular 13th century hilltop chateau; the reward for your effort is the breathtaking view of the serpentine sweep of the river. Or you could visit the beautiful Jardins de Marqueyssac and the impressive Chateau de Castelnaud (approximately 6km/4mi away).
You stay at Chateau de Monrecour.
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The Chateau de Monrecour is located in Saint Vincent de Cosse, just a few kilometres from stunning Beynac. Guest rooms are traditionally decorated and equipped with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi access and TV. The hotel also has a swimming pool and a large south-facing terrace.
Breakfast is served in the chateau's ballroom, which is decorated with tapestries and features a large stone fireplace. During good weather, guests can enjoy breakfast on the terrace, which has a view of the 15th century Chateau des Milandes. Evening meals are served in the hotel restaurant and are a real treat: be prepared to sample sumptuous local dishes, prepared with fresh products.
Room upgrades: Luxe Room.
Luxe rooms are larger rooms with 4 poster bed and jet shower.
Today you can choose to go on foot or pedal through pretty villages and shaded woods before arriving at medieval Sarlat with its Renaissance facades and richly ornamented buildings now protected by law. Wander through the narrow streets, discovering ancient courtyards as you peep through ornate archways, then its on to the tranquility of your hotel, in time for a last dip in the pool before dinner.
You stay at Hotel Meysset.
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This 3 star traditional Perigord hotel, set in 3 acres of pine woods and gardens, enjoys an elevated position just 3kms above Sarlat. It offers complete tranquillity, wonderful food, an outdoor pool and fantastic views from its terrace over the surrounding valley.
The cooking here is based on the wonderfully rich and gastronomic cuisine for which this region is famous, so don't come here if you're counting the calories!
Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.
Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Le Senat, Paris; Hotel Pere Leon, Toulouse.
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The 4 star Le Senat is simply stunning! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.
The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.
Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.
Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, and a five-minute walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.
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The Hotel Pere Leon is ideally situated just a short walk from the historic centre of Toulouse, with the main sights just a short walk away. Just 50 metres from the metro, there is easy access to the rest of the city. The hotel is in Place Esquirol, a bustling, lively square and in close proximity to many bars and restaurants.
The hotel itself has a modern contemporary feel, which has been recently renovated. The ensuite rooms have soundproof windows and all mod cons. Breakfast is a buffet affair with a good choice of French staples, and a hot section.
The hotel has its own bistro restaurant with seats outside where you can enjoy a drink or dinner.
Room upgrades: Deluxe room.
The deluxe room is larger than the standard room.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £367.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
This holiday is unsuitable for children under 8 (under 12 for kayaks) and is based on a minimum of 2 adults.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Toulouse airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Multi-activity holiday
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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