Sarlat, Dordogne
The Dordogne region of France contains a wealth of historic interest
and beautiful countryside which can be appreciated on our Walking and Sightseeing
holidays to Sarlat. Enjoy guided walks along the banks of the Dordogne
and through gently undulating farmland and vineyards to historic fortified towns
and chateaux. We also visit the region's pre-historic troglodyte dwellings including
the world-famous Lascaux caves.
The charming medieval walled town of Sarlat has the atmosphere of another age.
Absorb yourself into rural French life on a visit to the weekly market or wander
around the narrow cobbled streets to explore the sandstone buildings and cathedral.
- Deeply sculpted limestone valleys
and riverside walks
- Stay in the charming medieval town of Sarlat
- Visit pre-historic caves,
fortified towns and fairytale
castles
Detailed information
| Classic Walking
& Sightseeing Programme Details |
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On these holidays there is a choice of two guided walks for varying abilities each day.
For maximum choice we offer two weekly itineraries - ideal if you wish to book a 14-night holiday or
return to the area for a second week.
ITINERARY ONE
Weeks of 3, 17, 31 May; 23 August; 6 September 2008 |
|
Day 1: arrival day
Day 2: explore Sarlat's narrow streets and enjoy
circular walks in the surrounding countryside.
Day 3: follow the banks of the Dordogne from
Montfort Chateau to the 12th century fortified town
of Domme.
Day 4: free day - perhaps canoe on the river or visit
Bergerac.
Day 5: take a full day excursion to see the
world-renowned prehistoric cave paintings at
Lascaux.
Day 6: visit the intriguing chateau of Puymartin, then
walk through ancient woodland to the quaint village
of Marquay.
Day 7: combine a boat trip on the Dordogne with
riverside walks to the chateau at Castelnaud.
Day 8: departure day |
ITINERARY TWO
Weeks of 10, 24 May; 30 August; 13 September 2008
Day 1: arrival day
Day 2: discover the rolling countryside east of Sarlat
and explore the medieval town at the end of the walk.
Day 3: visit the 13th century castle at Beynac before
following shady woodland paths above the Dordogne.
Day 4: free day - perhaps relax in Sarlat's cafés or
beside the hotel pool.
Day 5: an excursion to the remarkable pilgrimage town
of Rocamadour.
Day 6: wander through gentle limestone hills, rich with
ancient remains, to Les Eyzies with its National
Museum of Pre-history.
Day 7: explore Domme, and then walk, crossing
the Dordogne to finish at the picturesque village of
La Roque Gageac.
Day 8: departure day
Please Note: The above programme should give you a good feel for the walks
at this resort but is subject to change. Each year we listen carefully to the
views of our guests and make improvements to our walking programmes. Further information
will be sent to you prior to your holiday; however the final selection of walks
will be made by your walking leaders.
Local transport to and from walks:
Local transport is not included in the cost of your holiday.
Please allow up to €55 (approx £38) per week for
transport, excluding your free day. There are some sightseeing costs also not included please allow €40 (approx £28) per week.
local walks tranposrt is €55 (£38) per week but we also have
Maps
The maps your Leaders will be using are from the French IGN 'Top 25' 1:25,000
series. Two maps are used each week i) Sheet 2036 ET 'Sarlat, Souillac'
ii) Sheet 1936 ET 'Les Eyzies'. Maps can be obtained
in Sarlat or by mail order from The Map Shop, Tel: (01684) 593146.
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| Footpath information |
|
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Easier Walks: 3 to 6 miles with 200ft to 900ft of ascent in a day. |
 |
Harder Walks: 4½ to 10½ miles with 350ft to 1,425ft of ascent in a day. |
Walks use good tracks, riverside paths and country lanes with mostly easy gradients.
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| Dates and prices |
|
| Sat 3, 10, 17, 24 May 2008 |
£684 |
£520 |
£1,084 |
£920 |
| Sat 31 May 2008 |
£684 |
£520 |
- |
- |
| Sat 23, 30 August; 6 September 2008 |
£684 |
£520 |
£1,084 |
£920 |
| Sat 13 September 2008 |
£684 |
£520 |
- |
- |
Single room supplement: £15 per night
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| Climate Information |
|
| May |
20°C |
9°C |
| June |
23°C |
12°C |
| August |
26°C |
14°C |
| September |
24°C |
12°C |
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| Travel to resort |
|
Transfer from airport - If you book this holiday 'with
flight' you will arrive at Bordeaux airport. The onward journey
to Sarlat by coach takes around 3hours.
Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 22/08/2007 (provisional)
British Airways
Gatwick - Bordeaux
Out 13:15 - 15:50
Return 16:25 - 16:55
Connecting flights from Manchester and regional airports: £120
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Making your own travel arrangements
Flights to Bordeaux:
www.ba.com flights from Gatwick.
www.bmibaby.com flights from Birmingham, Manchester & East Midlands.
www.flybe.com flights from Bristol & Southampton.
Flights to Bergerac: The small airport at Bergerac is the nearest to Sarlat.
www.flybe.com flights from Bristol, Birmingham & Southampton.
www.ryanair.com flights from Stansted. To reach the hotel from Bordeaux:
 Our Airport Hoppa service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. All prices are per person for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different transfer options. Transfers must be pre-booked no later than 5 weeks before departure - we will then confirm all the details approximately 3 weeks before your holiday.
From Bordeaux Airport
- by transfer coach* £23 single
From Bergerac
*The HF Holidays’ coach is timed to connect with the
flight times above.
By Rail to Sarlat: Sarlat has its own station which lies at the end of a long branch line from Bordeaux and Libourne. Direct trains run two or three times per day and take around 2hrs 45mins from Bordeaux, or just over an hour from Bergerac. If you are arriving by train you will probably need to take a taxi from the station to the hotel; it is about a 30 minute walk (phone the hotel, where the staff speak excellent English and will assist you with getting a taxi). For train times visit the French railways website: www.sncf.com.
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| What the holiday includes |
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- Return economy class air travel - 'with flight' option.
- Airport transfers - 'with flight' option.
- 7 or 14 nights' accommodation in en-suite rooms.
- Half Board - Breakfast & evening meals.
- Services of 2 HF Holidays' leaders.
- 5 or 10 guided walks or sightseeing visits.
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| Other walking holiday ideas |
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Enjoy sightseeing and a relaxed exploration of the countryside on a Dordogne Explorer Tour, visiting many fascinating and beautiful sights.
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