Themed day Trips
There are so many things to see and do in this part of the Dordogne, that we thought it might be fun to give you some examples of days out themed around a specific idea.
Scenic River
A trip along the Dordogne is one of the most beautiful way to spend a day. There are two different ways of enjoying the river
- Take a River cruise in one of the traditional flat bottomed boats 'Gabares' from La Roque-Gageac along the Dordogne, and spend a gentle hour gazing at castles and river creatures.
And perhaps visit the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac, while you are in the area. There is a wonderful covered restaurant for light meals, with a stunning view of the river and surrounding castles. Alternatively there are numerous cafes lining the river along all the villages from Beynac to Domme.
Or why not try Canoeing down the river at Limeuil (40 minutes from the cottage) followed by a relaxing afternoon picnic on the river beach, swimming and paddling in the river.
Prehistoric Explorers
Les Eysies de Tayac (50 minutes) the UNESCO heritage site of prehistoric rock dwellings and cave paintings.
- Visit the Font de Gaume grotto, to see the last authentic prehistoric paintings open to the public, but be sure to book ahead for this one.
- Prehistoric Museum filled with tools and art
- Lascaux II grotto to see a faithful recreation of Lascaux grotto 1 which had to be closed to the public, as the original cave paintings were being ruined by algae.
- Just 7km north of Eysies de Tayak visit the Roque Saint Christophe to see troglodyte caves built into the side of the cliffs. The cliffs were home to prehistoric man, and then converted to a mediaeval fortress.
Wines and Vineyards
Bordeaux (2 hours)
- Saint Emilion vineyard village. One of the most beautiful sites in France and a UNESCO heritage site. It represents one of the four Bordeaux red wine regions. Romans planted the first vineyards in 2nd century A.D. Be sure to check out the catacombs and monolithic church.
- Tour the city of Bordeaux and buy some of the best new reserves
Bergerac (40 minutes)
- Discover the vineyards around Bergerac including Chateau Monbazillac for wine tasting.
Amusement Park Day
- Drive to Le Bugue (40 minutes) to visit the attractions all set within a small area with just one car park feeding the three attractions;
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- Le Village Bournat - is a replica village of France in the 1900s, with authentic tools and artisans so you can visit potters, stone cuters, wood turners using traditional methods. There is also a tradional fairground with all the authentic games and rides of the times.
- The Aquarium is next door, and although freshwater so no sharks, it has a new Anaconda House, full of snakes, lizards and crocodiles.
- Finally, there is Jungle Golf, a crazy golf course next to the Aquarium where there are tanks of fish between the holes.
There are plenty of cafes within the amusement parks, but in Le Bugue there are also plenty of places to eat, including Le Pha, a restaurant with a terrace backing on to the river selling French and also asian food.
- Visit Walibi Park in Agen, Lot et Garonne (1 hour). A traditional theme park with family, kids and thrill rides, shows and plenty of fast food eateries.