Day 1: London to Rocamadour
We travel on the morning Eurostar from St Pancras International to Paris, where we join our train to Brive.We transfer by coach to Rocamadour and check into the 3* Hotel Beau Site for four nights. (D)
Day 2: Rocamadour and La Roque-Gageac
The morning is free to explore the pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. Built in levels into the face of a limestone cliff, the buildings rise up the side of the rock face on the bank of the River Alzou. Our hotel is set in the heart of the picturesque town and linked by a path to L'Hospitalet, the final destination for the pilgrims, which offers stunning views of the countryside. If climbing the steps sounds too much like hard work, there is a lift which carries visitors between levels. In the afternoon we travel to La Roque-Gageac, a spectacular village which nestles into high, southfacing rock cliffs in a bend of the river and enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate.We embark on a trip on a gabare, one of the Dordogne's traditional flat-bottomed boats, which carried their bulky cargo up and downstream, and could navigate through exceptionally shallow water. Our cruise takes us past delightful rolling countryside and five of the most beautiful châteaux in the valley. (B,D)
Day 3: Martel and the Truffadou Train
This morning is also free to explore Rocamadour. After lunch we set off for the beautiful medieval village of Martel, ‘the city of the seven towers’, which is set back from the river and built in pale stone. Following a little time to explore we continue on to the train station to join the diesel hauled Truffadou Train as it wends its way past high-sided cliffs and plunging ravines to St Denis Les Martel. The restored train, originally used to transport truffles, passes over viaducts and offers amazing views over the surrounding area. (B,D)
Day 4: Souillac’s market and glorious Sarlat
We start the day with a journey to Souillac for a stroll around the weekly market with its stalls piled high with local produce. If you fancy resting your feet but still want to explore the cobbled Old Town, you may wish to take a tour of the old quarters and the banks of the Dordogne in the brightly-painted road train (payable locally). After lunch we continue on to Sarlat, one of the most enchanting towns in France. The medieval houses of the Old Town, or vieille ville, are built in mellow, honey-coloured stone, all beautifully restored to their former glory. Admire the late-afternoon sun flickering off the warm walls and ornate window casings, topped by elaborate turrets and stone roofs, and lose yourself in the labyrinth of winding alleyways, virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. (B,D)
Day 5: Rocamadour to London
We transfer by coach to Brive where we join our train to Paris and change to the Eurostar for St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotel
We stay in the charming 3* Hotel Beau Site, superbly located in the centre of Rocamadour. The former residence of a 15th century nobleman, this atmospheric hotel has individually decorated, wellappointed bedrooms with modern facilities. Public rooms, including a comfortable lounge and a restaurant with stunning views over the gorge, are traditional in style.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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