Archive for February, 2012

There is a boom in solo travel at the moment. Where previously people didn’t even consider taking a break on their own, nowadays thousands are throwing on a backpack and giving their passport a good dusting off.

No longer is there a stigma attached to solo travel (not ‘singles holidays’), rather it’s something that inspires respect from others: “you’re here on your own? That’s so cool!” 

Quite frankly, why should anyone miss out just because no one is available or shares the same holiday preferences? There’s so much to explore beyond our own shores.

If you are thinking of venturing abroad on your own, then visit the Aquitaine region in south west France. The wonderful thing about France is that a) it’s not too far away, b) it’s familiar, whether you’ve been there before or not and c) most of us know some pigeon French. Consequently, it’s easy to get by.

Having the Dordogne all to yourself should be recommendation enough, as travelling alone allows you to do exactly what you want, come or go as you please and answer to no one.

You could visit a different château each day, choosing from the over 1,000 castles which include Beynac, de Montfort and de Castelnaud. Lovers of history and architecture will be fascinated by the varied stories and incredible, medieval structures.

Active sorts can enjoy any number of water-sports without needing to worry about anyone else. Kayaking is particularly popular in the region, as is windsurfing and snorkelling. Those who prefer to admire the water while remaining dry could take a boat trip of the long, winding Dordogne River.

Gourmets might like to sample locally-produced food and drinks at one (or two) or the regions many, famed farmers markets. Featuring plentiful walnuts, crepes mushrooms, foie gras and at specific times of the year, sought-after black truffles.

With the freedom of exploring alone, gastronomes could also visit one of the night markets, in which customers buy food and sit outdoors to eat dinner while being entertained with music and acrobats. There is at least one happening daily and local tourism offices should be able to provide details.  

Those with an eye for a good picture might like to take their camera to some of the Dordogne’s most picturesque sports, such as the cliff-face climbing village of Rocamadour; the magical gardens at Marqueyssac or the anywhere along the lush green Dordogne Valley. Not to mention the caves at Padirac or pretty Sarlat which has featured in many movies. 

To get the most out of a solo trip, make an effort to speak with some local people – perhaps ask them where best to eat, what to see, etc. You never know, you might end up making some life-long friends. 

If you are still unsure about going away completely by yourself, get online to find out whether there are any other individuals travelling to the same region that you might be able to meet. Use a reputable solo travel forum and naturally, don’t provide any personal details up front.

Travelling alone can be one of the most rewarding and surprising experiences of your life. Don’t sit at home and wonder, be brave and book that trip!

Before you set off on your holiday, remember all the holiday essentials without which your break to France might possibly be memorable for all of the wrong reasons. Here are a few reminders that should help your well-deserved trip go as smoothly as possible:

Travel insurance 

A holiday can be relaxing, with time spent meandering around quaint villages, farmer’s markets or beautiful gardens. On the other hand, it provides as much heart-thumping, adrenalin-pumping action as could possibly be desired. Based on the eponymous river, many Dordogne holiday activities revolve around the water, be it canoeing, snorkelling, white water rafting, wind surfing or motor-boating. Add to that the potential for horse riding, rock climbing, bungee jumping plus paragliding, to name but just a handful of more extreme pastime and you’ll recognise the need for comprehensive holiday insurance. Check that your policy covers all of the activities in which you think you might participate, just to err on the side of caution.

Check your documents are up to date 

At the very least, a holiday in the Dordogne will necessitate passports for each of the family and flight/ferry/train tickets. You will no doubt have gathered these documents well in advance and have them put somewhere safe. However, while this may sound like a thoroughly obvious point, make sure you double check that each of the passports are still valid. You wouldn’t want to get to the terminal only to be turned away.

Also, ensure you know the dates and times of your departure and plan accordingly. Getting your transport times wrong could result in a costly re-booking, a long wait or possibly the cancellation of your trip. Some circumstances might be covered under a decent insurance policy, though. Don’t forget to confirm the details of your accommodation: dates, location and any important information such as where the key can be found and who to call if there’s a problem when you arrive.

Driving requirements 

Whether taking your own car over or hiring one when you arrive in the Dordogne, make sure you bring with your the requisite items and papers. The requirements have been updated in 2012. In addition to the warning triangle, insurance docs, spare bulbs and high vis jackets that were listed, drivers now have to carry their own breathalyser. Keep an eye on the internet for the latest developments, as not bringing the right bits and pieces could result in an on the spot fine by the French police.  

Pack an adaptor 

Among that huge, long list of things to pack, don’t forget to include a plug adaptor. It’s so often forgotten but the absence of this tiny electrical item can spell big trouble. How else can you charge your camera and take beautiful photos of the Dordogne many châteaux, picture-postcard villages and stunning landscape? Also, in this age of constant communication, can you bear to live a week without the use of a fully-charged mobile phone? Don’t for get the adaptor, nor your appropriate device chargers.

Hopefully the above will help your holiday go off without too much of hitch. Though we can’t be held accountable for the kids’ tantrums or dad’s insistence on wearing socks with his sandals!

The contrasting atmospheres of the Dordogne through the seasons is one of the reasons why so many people feel like they have to visit more than once.

Although a number of popular holiday destinations can become completely deserted, this area has a range of activities wide enough to still be attractive to tourists in the winter – and usually at cheaper rates.

Travel

You are likely be able to grab a flight to Bergerac at much more reasonable prices during the winter, especially if you travel on a whim and book a last minute deal. Driving is a much more pleasurable experience without the baking hot summer temperatures. 

One of the things that attracts a lot of people to the Dordogne in the winter is the added tranquility which comes with lower amounts of tourists residing in the south west of France. You can travel to your favourite attractions more easily in the winter.

Atmosphere

This added space gives the local markets and the countryside are far more soothing atmosphere which makes the region perfect for a romantic getaway with the partner or as a peaceful winter break from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

Although the temperatures can remain low and some rainfall should be expected, a lot of tourists enjoy booking a villa for their Christmas holidays and having fun with their friends around an open fire.

Bookings in March and early April are also popular due to the beautiful spring blossoms in the Dordogne countryside highlighted by subtle daylight which is less harsh than in the summer. The blossom on the fruit trees, the first sights of flowers sprouting from the ground and the calm flow of a relatively evacuated Dordogne river arguably makes the area a perfect location for a romantic stroll or bike ride.

Attractions

The winter is the perfect time to enjoy a short walk, long hike or a fun cycle. Many find they are unable to enjoy these activities to the fullest in the summer because of the baking hot temperatures.

Activities such as canoeing, swimming and fishing are, of course, subject to good weather conditions but many of the region’s famous caves remain open during the winter regardless of the temperatures.  The Lascaux Caves and the Grotte du Grande Roc are just two of the attractions you can explore and marvel at some fantastically unique cave art and learn about their history. 

You may also enjoy exploring the beautiful markets and restaurants of Sarlat, Domme and Montignac during a period when they are less busy. The region’s fantastic food and wine tastes incredible no matter what time of year it is. 

The River Dordogne is arguably one of the most picturesque in France, if not the whole of Europe, and can be used by tourists for a number of fun activities including canoeing, fishing and swimming. It flows west for around 293 miles, sourcing from Massif Central and flowing all the way down to connect with the river Garonne, so there is plenty for hundreds of locals and tourists to enjoy.     

Its strikingly beautiful surroundings and calm, peaceful flow sum up exactly what attracts so many people to the area.

Canoeing

The impressive width, depth and calm flow of the river make it a perfect location for a peaceful canoe ride. There are plenty of canoe companies based on the banks of the river which offer canoe hire at competitive prices and can ensure that all rides are completed safely. Most canoe hire companies offer the choice of a whole day or half a day’s canoeing.

Canoe across the river and you can sail past Bergerac, Beynac and many other nearby towns. A canoe ride is a perfect way to relax during a hot summer’s day. Just make sure you bring adequate amounts of food, drink and sun cream.

Fishing

There are dozens of areas which are hotspots for fishermen during the spring and summer months, with plenty of grayling, carp, pike, trout and zander available to catch and cook.

Don’t go fishing without studying the regulations imposed on anglers and ensure that you have the necessary permits.

Swimming

What better way to cool down on a hot summer’s day than by taking a dip in the famous river. There are several beaches along the river where many families go to play, sunbathe, paddle or dip. Most of these beaches are arguably as good as those on the coast of France and have qualified lifeguards as well as various amusements, entertainment and food for sale.

The whole river Dordogne is arguably clean and pure enough to swim in, although some areas towards the lower reaches of the river may be too wide and fast for safe swimming. There are plenty of lakes leading into the river, which are great for a dip even if there are no beaches surrounding it.

It’s not difficult to see why the river Dordogne is one of the main tourists attractions of the region . The range of activities which it allows tourists to partake in has been driving visitors to the area for hundreds of years.

There are several ways of reaching the Dordogne – what you choose depends on budget and time constraints. Here are the options:

Flying

The Dordogne region is served by Bergerac airport, although Toulouse and Bordeaux are also viable options, depending on times and fares. Many budget airlines fly to Bergerac, including Ryanair, Jet2 and Flybe, with flights ranging from around £44 to £200 per person, depending on departure point and time of year.

The advantage of flying, naturally, is that it is far quicker than any other form of transport.

Eurotunnel

This option does involve driving to Folkestone, but will get you to Calais for as little as £22 per car, one way if you can get a good deal. This covers up to nine passengers with no limits on baggage. The journey only takes 35 minutes and leads motorists out on to France’s motorway network.

Ferry

There are several crossings from the UK to France: Dover to Calais, Newhaven to Dieppe, Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Caen, Le Havre or St Malo and Plymouth to Roscoff. Booking in advance is essential if taking a car, this can also save you some money. The crossings vary in duration, from 1 hour 30 minutes right up to eight hours.

Eurostar

You don’t have to start your journey in London to catch the sleek train to Paris, as Eurostar has joined forces with several British rail operators. This means you can get on in Liverpool, Aberdeen or Birmingham, if you wish. Once arrived in Paris, reaching the Dordogne can be achieved through hiring a car, getting the train or flying to Bergerac. If travelling by train, it’s possible to book and print SNCF (French railways) tickets before leaving the UK.

Driving

Bear in mind that France’s motorways (autoroutes) are gated by a series of tolls, so make sure you have some small change available. One travel website estimates that it costs approximately €35 to get from Calais to the Dordogne.

Check fuel prices prior to leaving. Like anywhere else in Europe, France has experienced price fluctuations. It might be pertinent to fill up the tank on British soil, to save a few pounds, but do make doubly sure. You can find this sort of information out easily on the internet.

If you are going to drive, there are several rules and regulations you must ensure you adhere to, some of which have been mentioned in this blog previously. Aside from a GB sticker, headlight beam deflectors and getting used to driving on ‘the other side’, motorists must ensure they carry their full driving licence, registration certificate and insurance. A kit containing spare bulbs, high visibility jacket and warning triangle are also essential.

From Calais, the drive is about 450 miles, which should take around six and a half to seven hours to complete. The route is fairly straightforward, following the major roads south: E15, E5 and the E9. Factor in a couple of good stops to allow the driver to rest and children to stretch their legs. 

The advantage of driving, of course, is that you are not restricted by a timetable, nor will you be affected by any delays. You can take your time and take in the changing scenery. You can also, of course, visit other historic towns and villages on the way down.