Dordogne Guided Tour

A little history...

The Vézère Valley, stretching from Montignac in the northeast to Les Eyzies to the southwest is filled with some of the most amazing discoveries of the Magdalanian era of prehistory in the world (17,000 - 20,000 years ago). But the Dordogne is also renown for its tumultuous past. The 100 Year's War between the English and the French in the 13th-14th centuries, the Plague (the Black Death), and the Religious Wars decimated the region for centuries. The legacy left behind hundreds of medieval villages and castles to explore. Sarlat, in the heart of the Dordogne, is one of the best preserved medieval villages in all of Europe.

This region is also the home of some of the most popular and delightful gastronomic specialties of the world: the exquisite duck or goose fois gras and confit. Exquisite accommodations from very comfortable to the ultimate in luxury abound in this popular playground.

Planning your tour...

Your guided tour of the Dordogne can include private or group visits to some of these world-renown sights: La Grotte de Lascaux II, La Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, La Grotte de Rouffignac, the Bicycle Museum in Cadouin, guided walking tours of Sarlat and Rocamadour, and more.

The Chasteau de Castelnaud

The highlights of exploring this region include cave paintings from 17,000- 20,000 BC, Romanesque churches, walled medieval villages (known as Bastides), fortified fortresses, spectacular views overlooking the Dordogne River, canoeing down the Dordogne river, the fascinating history of the Hundred Year's War and the War of Religion, underground caverns, a plethora of France's most beautiful villages (Plus Beaux Villages), and castles, castles and more castles.

A cycling adventure of the Dordogne marries perfectly with a visit to Bordeaux if you would like to combine regions. Or simply tell us your preferences, and let us create your dream adventure for you and your group! info@vivatravels.com

For more information and photos of the various areas of the Dordogne, check out our Self-Guided Dordogne page.