Combine hiking, prehistoric art and culinary experiences in one fabulous experience.

The area around the Dordogne river has been inhabited since Paleolithic times. Since the pioneering work of Boucher de Perthes (1788-1868) over 200 prehistoric sites have been discovered in the Périgord region. Over half of these have been in the Vézère valley around Les Eyzies-de-Tayac.

Bordering the river valleys are high limestone cliffs riddled with caves and sheltered overhangs, sites that offered many natural advantages to our prehistoric ancestors. Apart from shelter and protection, some people began to use the cave walls as artist palettes. The earliest decorations, over 30,000 years old, are of woolly rhinoceroses and bison, but later, engravings and paintings of fish and other mammals appeared. This art reached its epoch during the Magdalenian Culture, between 17,000 and 15,000 years ago with numerous depictions of animals, many of species now extinct such as aurochs (wild cattle). Hiking this ancient landscape offers a unique perspective on the culture and history of this marvellous part of France.

Day 1: We will meet in Brive. It is a 4½ hour journey by train south of Paris, on the main line to Toulouse, or one hour by air.  After lunch we will visit  the site of Lascaux II, the recreation of the original Lascaux cave. Here we will learn about the techniques used by the prehistoric artists in the many caves nearby. On this first evening before dinner I will outline the program for the tour and answer any queries you may have.

Day 2: The countryside around Montignac consists of rolling limestone hills cut by deep river valleys. The hills are covered with forests of oak & chestnuts, while the rich alluvial soils are planted with a wide variety of crops. Our first walk takes us from Montignac, past the chateau of La Grand Filolie, to the village of St. Amand de Coly, with its imposing mediaeval church.

Day 3: We’ll proceed to the village of Les Eyzies, famous for its prehistoric art. Here the River Vezere flows through a wooded valley, with steep limestone cliffs abutting it. It is in these cliffs that one can see and explore numerous caves that were used by prehistoric humans for shelter and sanctuaries. We will visit a number of these caves to learn more about this fascinating period of history.

Day 4: Moving on to our next destination, our travels take us south to the pretty town of Sarlat.  The town was mostly built between 1450-1500, creating a pleasing sense of architectural unity. Beyond Sarlat we each the Dordogne river itself, passing the Chateau de Monfort, defying time and gravity on its dramatic cliff top site. Our walk takes us to the riverside village of La Roque-Gageac, hugging the limestone cliffs, and a boat ride on a traditional gabarre, formerly used for hauling goods along the Dordogne. Overnight near Rocamadour (two nights).

Day 5: Our hotel  is situated near one of France’s Grand Randonnée (GR) trails to Rocamadour, a cliff side town with a mix of ecclesiastical and secular buildings, set in one of the most dramatic sites in France.  Dedicated to the mysterious St Amadour, whose unblemished body was found here in 1166, this ecclesiastical town has been a mecca for pilgrims down through the centuries. 

Day 6: Continuing south, we travel across wilder sections of the Causse de Gramat to the River Lot. This area is also dotted with one of the highest concentrations of dolmens in Europe, testimony to its long attraction for human settlement. We visit another prehistoric cave at Pech Merle, before a walk along the River Lot towpath under the overhanging cliffs. We cross to St. Cirq-Lapopie, an ancient stronghold set above the river, and acclaimed as one of France’s most beautiful towns. Overnight in Cahors. 

Day 8: On our final day we say farewell to our fellow travellers before catching trains to Paris or elsewhere.