THE CHARMING DORDOGNE

Based in pretty Le Bugue, this train holiday takes you to some of the most beautiful parts of the Dordogne, where you can marvel at exquisite medieval towns, outstanding countryside and pre-historic sites.

Day 1. London to Le Bugue

Meet your Tour Manager at our dedicated Departure Office at St Pancras before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Here, you connect with the train to Brive and transfer to Le Bugue. A small, attractive market town on the banks of Vézère River, Le Bugue remains mostly untouched by tourists.

Days 2-3. La Roque-Gageac Cruise & Marqueyssac

Take to the water at La Roque-Gageac today for a traditional flat-bottomed Gabare boat cruise. Experience the true charm of the Dordogne countryside as you sail past high, rocky cliffs and verdant scenery. Later, visit the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac, a 300 year old topiary garden conceived by the landscape designer who worked on Versailles’ gardens. Day 3 is free to explore charming Le Bugue.

Day 4. Sarlat and Lascaux II

Today you visit picturesque Sarlat, whose medieval Old Town with its labyrinth of alleyways and honey-coloured stone buildings is virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. Today is market day, giving you the chance to peruse the stalls for fresh produce and local crafts. Continue to Lascaux II, a replica of the off-limits UNESCO listed Lascaux caves, which provides an authentic experience without risking damage to the ancient caves. Discovered in 1940, the original caves are home to palaeolithic cave paintings believed to date back almost 20,000 years.

Days 5-6. Rocamadour, Martel and home

This morning you travel to the village of Rocamadour, crowned by l’Hospitalet Abbey. Perched high on a rocky hill above a meandering river, the village is a focal point of the region due to its pretty towered skyline and sweeping countryside views. This afternoon you continue to medieval Martel, an attractive place steeped in history, for a ride on the restored Truffadou Steam Train. A great way to absorb the views over the Dordogne valley, the railway originally ran from 1889 until 1980, but thanks to railway enthusiasts was reopened as a tourist attraction in 1997. It is now run by volunteers. Transfer by coach to Brive on Day 6 for the train to Paris. Here, you change for the Eurostar to St Pancras, where your tour concludes.