Southern France Discovery

Itinerary

Day 1 Gourdon (D)

Arrive Gourdon in the early afternoon. The small town of Gourdon in the Midi-Pyrénées department, close to the world famous Rocamadour, is situated in one of the richest historical regions in France, noted also for its dramatic beauty, meandering river valleys, hilltop chateaux and world-class cuisine and vineyards.Our family-run guesthouse in Frayssinet will be your base for the duration of the tour. Relax over a welcome drink with your hosts as they introduce you to the area and the itinerary for the tour, before serving your first of the week’s included dinners in their home.

Day 2 Labastide (B, D)

Today we set off to collect our bikes and cycle in the local area around the village of Labastide and the limestone plateau and country lanes of Causses de Quercy Natural Park. Here you will find one of France's best-kept secrets, a stunning area encompassing the Montagne Noir and the Haute Languedoc regional park, a region of outstanding beauty with rivers, lakes, mountains and forests. This tranquil spot is a paradise for walkers, cyclists and outdoor lovers. Take the option to purchase a picnic lunch from Le Vieux Couvent or stop at a local market for supplies and enjoy a rest in nature.

Day 3 Rocamadour (B, D)

We set off to walk along the valley of the Alzou Gorge from Lacave to stunning Rocamadour. This spectacular setting is hard to beat. You will have time to visit the famous Sanctuary of Rocamadour perched on top of a cliff above the river before returning to Le Vieux Couvent in plenty of time for relaxation and dinner. Option to purchase picnic lunch from Le Vieux Couvent, or stop off en route at a local market for supplies.

Day 4 Bouzies (B, D)

Today we set-off southwards in the morning to the village of Bouzies from where we will walk along a dramatic cliff-side path turning up a little trail by a pigeonnier (dovecote) which leads up to the village square of the stunning village of St.-Cirq-Lapopie. Revitalized by the arrival of a group of artists in the 1950s, St. Cirq is now classed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. After time for some exploration and lunch in St. Cirq, we will proceed to the nearby Grotte du Pech Merle for a guided tour of this remarkable cave, renowned for its extensive prehistoric drawings dating back to 25,000 B.P.

Day 5 Caix (B, D)

Visit to Cahors in the morning followed by a picturesque drive into the wine-producing region around the town, along the banks of the Lot River as it snakes through the vineyards. We will take to canoe to truly experience the beauty of the district, setting off from Duelle, to follow the gentle meander of the current past elegant chateaux and lush landscapes, to arrive at the hamlet of Caix. Optional visit to a vineyard for tour and tasting. Option to purchase picnic lunch from Le Vieux Couvent, or stop off en route at a local market for supplies.

Day 6 Frayssinet Village (B)

Free Day!! Choose from many options such as horseback riding, cave diving, more walks in the local area and visit to a local market or chateau. Free evening for dinner – perhaps you fancy having a go at cooking your own meal in Le Vieux Couven’s self-catering facilities after a visit to a local market or else you can wander down to the village bar for a meal and a glass of wine with the locals.

Day 7 Dordogne Region (B, D)

Today we head west into the Dordogne Region to walk near the dramatic Roque Gageac, another of the classified “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, huddled at the foot of a cliff on the banks of the river. Afterwards we will visit the impressive Chateau Baynac, nearby, for a tour of this enchanting castle, before heading back to Le Vieux Couvent for a final dinner and drinks to round off the tour. Option to purchase picnic lunch from Le Vieux Couvent, or stop off en route at a local market for supplies.

Day 8 Depart Gourdon (B)

Transfer to Gourdon station for departure train. N.B. One transfer per group only.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Bed and Breakfast house.
Departure	Departures Vary - Mon-Mon, Sat-Sat, Fri-Fri, Wed-Wed
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	- One day bicycle hire plus helmets- Half-day canoe rental- Visit to the Sanctuary of Rocamadour - Guided Tour of Grotte du Pech Merle with entrance- Entrance to Chateau Baynac.
Local Payment	EUR200
Meals Included	7 Breakfasts, 6 dinners.
Recommendation	Interested in other countries during your trip to Europe? Check out our Ultimate Italy EIUL for the best that wonderful country has to offer.
StartFinish	ex Gourdon
Transport	Mini van, walking, canoe, bikes.
Brochure Intro	Walk along winding river valleys, cycle the limestone plateaus of the Causses de Quercy Natural Park, canoe along the leisurely Lot River as it meanders gracefully through the noble Cahors vineyards terraced on its banks. Enjoy relaxed evenings in comfort at the charming, 16th century farmhouse that is your base for the trip.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-10-03	2008-10-10	6
2009-04-29	2009-05-06	7+
2009-10-21	2009-10-28	7+

Browse Similar Trips

• Arctic Highlights - Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland
• Europe Basix
• European Escapade

• Winter Symphony
• Winter Waltz
• Provence

• Mediterranean Jewel
• Walking in Provence - 5 days Self Guided Walk
• Winter Escapade

• Paris to Madrid
• Mediterranean Magic
• European Express

• Home
• International Airfare
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Community
• RTW Guide
• Travel Blogs
• Adventure Trips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Eurail