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Spring and Fall, 2010
Dordogne Valley, Sarlat la Caneda
Join us for a delightful sojourn in the heart of the Dordogne River Valley, where all of France’s provincial charms have been distilled into one of Europe’s most beautiful and intact medieval villages, Sarlat-la-Canéda. While staying for one full week in the charming, family-owned Plaza Madeleine, immerse yourself in the rich culture, fascinating history and age-old rhythms of daily life in this enchanting world where landscapes of grand châteaux, lush green scenery and golden-stone villages stretch as far as the eye can see. Discover the spectacular cave art of Lascaux, the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,” and follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims while ascending to the sacred cliff-side village of Rocamadour. Stroll atop the ramparts of 12th-century castles and fortified bastides that recall a long-lost age of mythical knights and legendary kings. Delight in the pristine beauty of the Dordogne River while sailing aboard a traditional gabare and delve into Périgord Noir’s gastronomic bounty—truffles, foie gras, walnuts, strawberries, cheeses—at Sarlat’s outdoor market, a venerated local tradition since the Middle Ages. To deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Dordogne, this unique itinerary also features special cultural enrichments, including an exclusive Village Forum with a local resident and fascinating lectures. We invite you to join the exclusive two-night Pre-Program Option in Bordeaux. An ancient port at the heart of the French wine trade, this delightful city is renowned for its elegant boulevards and classic 18th-century architecture, yet it remains largely undiscovered by Americans.
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Gabare cruising on the Dordogne River to Castlenaud |
