Archive for the ‘Dordogne’ Category

These days, increasing numbers of us are concerned about our carbon footprint and never more so than during our annual holiday. It is an issue that is gaining more attention and as a result, many of us now consider it a deciding factor when choosing where to go.

Some holidays are specifically designed to appeal to those who are environmentally conscious, yet you can inject a little ‘green’ into most vacations, so very few options need be rejected on those grounds.

Even when travelling to a progressive nation such as France – one which is vastly aware of environmental issues – holiday-makers are still encouraged to act responsibly. You can do your bit for the Dordogne and the planet by following some of the tips below:

Transportation
Flying may be quicker, but trains and ferries are considered are more environmentally-friendly ways to get across the channel, followed by a train or bus connection. Statistics show the CO2 emission per passenger kilometre when travelling by Eurostar is 17.14g, 22.54g via ferry and a whopping 116g for a short-haul flight.

When there, why not hire bikes? Cycling along the banks of the Dordgone River is one of the highlights of any trip to the region. Alternatively, make use f the region’s low-cost bus service, the TransPerigord.

Packaging
Before embarking on your trip, remove excess packaging from items, i.e. boxes from toiletries, plastic wrappings on magazines, labels on new clothes etc. Not only does this make packing your suitcase easier, but it means that you can recycle these products at home and not burden the French system with extra waste that, let’s face it, you would probably just through in the bin.

In France, try to locate recycling facilities so that those empty wine bottles, gateaux boxes and copies of Le Figaro can be broken down and reused. Ask at the Mairie or tourist information office for information.

Utilities
We’ve all done it when on holiday – left the lights on, the air conditioning running or the tap dripping. However, just because you’re not paying the bills, it doesn’t mean you should be careless with utilities. Do as you would at home and switch off the TV when no-one is watching. Be mindful of excessive water consumption, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, etc.

Another tip is to use rechargeable batteries and bring the charger with you so that a) you won’t need to buy any horrid, un-biodegradable batteries and b) you won’t need to worry about disposing of them ecologically. 

Buy locally
Contribute towards reducing carbon emissions by purchasing locally-produced goods from independent retailers. Don’t buy your bread and cakes from the hypermarket, instead visit the town boulangerie. Purchase meat from the charcuterie and other goods at weekly farmer’s markets, which also helps you support the local economy. 

Pack a reusable shopping bag, too, in case the store you visit still uses plastic bags.

Activities
There are lots of ‘green’ activities in the Dordogne, including the aforementioned cycling. The region, famous for its winding river, is a great place for water sports like canoeing and snorkelling. Or strap on those comfy shoes for a walking tour of one of the many pretty towns. Hardier walkers might like to ramble about the lush and rolling Dordogne landscape.

There are more ways you can travel responsibly and by adopting them, you’ll help to ensure future generations can enjoy the Dordogne too.

There’s no lovelier place to spend Saint Valentine’s Day than in the Dordogne. Why not earn ever-lasting brownie points by taking your loved one away for an extra-special weekend in one of the prettiest regions in all of France?

Imagine throwing open the shutters of your holiday let and taking in the unparalleled view of medieval architecture and rolling hills, before serving up a breakfast in bed of champagne (naturally) and sweet pastries, accompanied with red roses?  

It may sound a little full-on, but France, steeped in love and passion, can turn the least romantic individual into a lovey-dovey fool. At least for the day. 

Here’s are some tips for the perfect Dordogne Valentine’s Day:

The card
Legend has it that the Valentine card originated with a Frenchman – Charles, Duke of Orleans was said to have written a message to his wife on 14 February, 1415 from the Tower of London, where he had been imprisoned following the Battle of Agincourt. Consequently, the Valentine’s card, or cartes d’amities, is very popular in France and you should have no problem finding one inscribed with the perfect, albeit French, message.  

Give as the French do
While the usual global conventions are followed, traditionally locals give each other homemade cookies, photo collages, love maps and gift baskets, in addition to the mandatory bouquets of flowers, talking of which…

Roses
When giving roses, apparently, the tend to adhere to symbolism associated with their colour and it’s as well to know. Red obviously means passionate love, with pink conjuring fondness. Yellow roses, however ‘mean’ infidelity.   

What is Valentine’s Day without chocolate?
The gorgeous town of Perigueux boasts lots of too-good-to-pass by chocolateries, like Chocolatier Deneuville and Delices, both in Rue Limogeanne. For the more adventurous, at L’Atelier Du Chocolat, in Rue Saliniere you can not only buy delicious treats but make your own in a chocolate workshop.

A tipple or two
The Dordogne region is famed for its wine production and a leisurely trip along the Bergerac wine route in the Purple Perigord could make for a truly romantic day out. Stop for a picnic along the way and enjoy the scenery while sampling a bottle of Aquitaine’s finest.

A stroll around a garden
One of the best gardens in France, let alone the Dordogne is the Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac and it really is a treat for the eyes. Box hedges are trimmed into amazing whorls and swirls, while the cliff top path provides stunning views of the river below. The place becomes magical at dusk, when fairy lights illuminate the paths. Quite the romantic spot. 

Romantic dinner for two
As a popular holiday, restaurants across the department indulge heavily in Valentine’s Day, many decorating their establishments with hearts and flowers accordingly. A number of restaurants give couples a rose when they order a particular variety of wine. Special menus and live music make the evening complete, although you may need to book in advance to ensure a table.

The above is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, the Dordogne offers plenty of other thoroughly romantic activities. Why not do something different for Valentine’s Day this year and discover it for yourself?

It is no secret that the Dordogne has been a popular holiday resort amongst lovers of fine cuisine, warm weather and relaxing family breaks for some time. Thousands of Brits travel to the region every year with the aim of enjoying the sun, sights and local markets.

However, what the region is arguably less well-known for is its fascinating history and depth of prehistoric monuments. Any tourists with an interest in ancient history would absolutely love exploring the wealth of attractions celebrating the prehistoric history of the town.

In July 2010, tourism chiefs set up a Prehistory Welcome Centre, with the aim of providing as much information as possible to those interested in discovering this side of the Dordogne.

This centre, called Centre D’Accuiel de la Prehistoire, is based in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac and acts as the perfect starting point for those hoping to visit the best of Dordogne’s history-based sites.

Open from 10am – 6pm in the summer, the centre features a tourist welcome and information centre, an education centre and plenty of literature on the various attractions in the area. There is also a research centre and a cultural community hub which holds regular events. Visitors are often treated to a series of entertaining slideshows, timelines and demonstrations to help them plan what they want to do during the stay in the region.

The exhibit on the origins of the human species is reportedly a particularly noteworthy element of the centre. What’s more, entry is free for all ages and the centre is open all year round.

It is perfectly located just a mere stone’s throw away from the local Prehistoric Museum. The museum boasts some of the most important Paleolithic collections in the whole of France. It also contains and impressive collection of sculpture, engravings and stone-based tools. This would appear to be the natural second step for those hoping to spend the day discovering history.

However, before leaving the Welcome Centre, it is advisable to ensure that you pick up the map detailing the locations of prehistoric caves, archaeological sites and habitation areas. This will allow you to plan your journey of learning and wonder much more efficiently!

Those hoping to learn as much as much as they can about the region could do a lot worse than ask local residents for more information. A lot of those living in the area were tourists once themselves at one point before deciding to settle down in the area. Many long-term residents are extremely proud of the area’s historical importance and are likely to be more than happy to direct curious tourists in the direction of the region’s most enthralling attractions. 

Even those who don’t consider themselves particularly interested in ancient history could easily enjoy a trip to the Prehistory Welcome Centre and the nearby museum. The two attractions are great ways to spend a rainy day in the Dordogne and have certainly help put the region firmly on the map as a diverse tourist attraction which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

As the new year begins and the frost firmly sets in, many people now turn their attentions to booking their summer holiday, in an attempt to avoid the post-Christmas blues.

With budgets still a little tight for many, 2012 might be the ideal time to think about taking a French holiday. The country is easily accessible in only a few hours, which means that families can enjoy a long weekend, if a two week vacation is beyond their means at the moment.

Getting there is easy too, with many cost-efficient options available to holiday makers. Taking the ferry and driving your own vehicle is perfectly viable, otherwise intrepid travellers could take the Eurostar or book cheap flights and hire cars.

Another great selling point is that most of us know a little pigeon French, so can get along relatively unscathed, with the help, perhaps, of a guide book.

If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, consider the world famous cuisine. Yes, world famous. So renowned is French gastronomy, that it has been granted UNESCO “world intangible heritage” status. Croissants, mussells, wine and truffles are among just a few of the delicious delights on offer.

The landscape in France is so varied, there’s bound to be an ideal holiday to suit all preferences. One such great destination is the Dordogne, in the south west of the country. Famed for its eponymous river, all manner of water sports take place during the warmer days. From sun-bathing and splashing about to canoeing and white water rafting, those who love the all things aqua will have a fabulous time.

That’s not all the Dordogne region is known for. It boasts some of the most exquisite architecture, with a plethora of fairy-tale chateaux, story-book villages and picture-postcard houses. One of note is Rocamadour, a chocolate-box village which is built on a steep cliff face, seemingly defying gravity.

Another huge draw are the ancient caves which are in abundance in the area. For example, the Gouffres de Padirac is an impressive underground chasm which is entered by boat, where visitors can marvel at the ancient rock formations while gliding along the water.

Meanwhile, the Lascaux Caves, thousands of years old, contain some of the world’s most impressive cave drawings. While entrance to the caves is restricted, replica caves have been created, enabled all to experience how our ancestors must have lived.  

If shopping is more preferable, many markets take place throughout the Dordogne, every day an event will be taking place somewhere, just check with the local tourist office for dates and times.

The farmers markets are well worth visiting, allowing hungry holiday makers to sample home-grown goodies or buy handicrafts. Naturally, there are numerous supermarches to cater for every need.

In terms of accommodation, staying in a holiday let is a great way to enjoy a real taste of France without paying for all the trappings of a fancy hotel.

Additionally, being based in a smaller, traditional French village is far nicer than being located in a touristy area, with so much more to see and experience. The owners will no doubt be able to recommend all the best places to go, things to do and the restaurants you simply cannot afford to miss!

For an easy, inexpensive and memorable holiday, France – the Dordogne is particular – is the perfect destination. 

We Brits love to talk about the weather. Or moan about it. Our penchant for that topic of conversation is well known and much-derided by many of our global brethren, who love to poke fun of us. Though why remains a mystery. Knowing the forecast is surely wise, as it allows you to prepare for any eventuality?

Consequently, one of the questions that visitors to the Dordogne ask the most is: “What will the weather be like?” In fact, ‘Dordogne climate’ is a very popular search term on Google, so let’s answer that question.

Situated deep towards the south west of France, not too far from the coast, the climate in the Dordogne tends to be slightly warmer than here in the UK. 

Winter is characterised more by rain than snow, with a brief cold period where the temperatures can go down as low as minus ten in some areas. However, the early morning frost casts a beautiful magic on the place and it’s well worth getting up early to see.

The rain tends to hit around February/March time, but only serves to make the landscape look all the lusher and greener. Very rarely are the days dull; even during the rain, the weather is still bright.

Last year, a blanket of snow covered the region, giving Christmas-holiday makers an unexpected delight – especially the younger ones. What better way to celebrate the festive season than snow outside and a warm, open fire indoors, surrounded by loved ones?

Spring brings warmer weather, reaching up to 28 degrees; however this can be interspersed with sudden periods of heavy rain, so pack the brolly. 

The summer days can get warm, but, as one travel reviewer writes, “not uncomfortably so”, making it the ideal holiday destination for families with younger children or older relatives who don’t like the sticky heat. Visitors can expect the temperature to fluctuate between around 25 – 35 degrees.

The summer holiday season reaches its climax in July and August, so crowds of people at the various tourist attractions may make the days feel hotter. June and September are more tolerable.

Come Autumn, the temperatures begin to cool but are still pleasant enough for holiday-makers to enjoy touring the region without breaking a serious sweat. It’s a good time to try out the more active offerings, such as canoeing or cycling.

September is one of the best times to take a trip to the Dordogne and so one travel writer claims, a holiday taken during this month is ”rarely ruined by rain”; though showers may occur.  

It’s worth remembering that the weather can vary from the top of the department to the bottom, there’s usually a couple of degrees in it, if nothing else.

Overall, the climate is mild, not too different to our own but with warmer springs and summers. Regardless, the Dordogne is a wonderful place to visit, year round. The weather in its many forms only helps to enhance the region’s beauty.

Boxing Day may pretty much signal the end of the Christmas season over in the UK, with New Year’s Eve nothing much more than an excuse to get totally inebriated and pay extortionate door fees. No wonder so many people choose to go away, immersing themselves in the traditions and cultures of other countries while effectively prolonging Christmas.

France is a great place for a New Year break. It isn’t not far away, most of us can speak some pigeon Franglais and their festivities last until January 6th – so why not plan a French holiday? Hop on a ferry, the Eurostar or drive yourself after Christmas and enjoy another week or so of Noel, Gallic-style!

The festivities begin on New Year’s Eve, known in France as la Saint Sylvestre. During this time, some adults open gifts then all enjoy a huge, luxurious feast (le Reveillon de la Saint Sylvestre) – which typically includes oysters, champagne and foie gras. Many restaurants and hotels will be taking bookings for this; alternatively, you could buy tickets to a ball or wangle an invitation to a family dinner.

If partying is much more your style, then rest assured that the French love to celebrate and there may well be fireworks displays and parades in the street, enabling party-goers to welcome in the new year. As the clock strikes midnight, revellers sing ‘Chanson du nouvel An’ and an adapted ‘Auld Lang Syne’ called ‘Coral des Adieux’.

Of course, there are lots of other activities and events taking place. In the Dordogne, there is a New Year’s concert in Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare; fusing rock, pop and soul music. For the more active or those with young children, there is outdoor ice skating in Perigueux and Sarlat. For a more salubrious evening’s entertainment, how about dinner and jazz in Tremolat?

New Year’s Day is known as Le Jour des Etrennes - the day of presents. As well as being a time where French people wish their nearest and dearest the best for the year ahead, it is a day filled with the exchanging of gifts or cards. Outside the home, most shops and businesses are closed, though cafés may be open in tourist areas in the bigger cities.

The twelfth night, January 6th, is Epiphany, where the Wise Men are remembered. The cutting of a cake – the galette du Rois – signals the end of the holiday period. The person who finds a trinket in this traditional pastry cake, filled with frangipane, is crowned king or queen for up to the next two weeks and is treated as such.

Other cakes that are enjoyed during this time are ice cream logs (gateau glacé) and heart-shaped cakes. These are decorated with good luck charms and symbols of winter, such as bells, chocolate coins, birds or evergreen trees. Yum!

The French certainly know how to throw a good celebration and their world-renowned cuisine means that a New Year break in France will be a treat for the stomach, too!

Make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to visit France, it’ll be one of the few worth keeping!

Anyone who has been lucky enough to enjoy a trip to the Dordogne in December will attest that the region is possibly at its most beautiful at Christmas time.

Illuminations bestow a magical glow throughout the towns, while trimmed trees and decorations add colour. Many traditional Christmas villages spring up, with rows of wooden chalets that sell all sorts of amazing – often home-made – gifts and delicious foods.

On each corner, you are bound to find someone selling either hot roasted chestnuts, steaming mugs of chocolat chaud or intoxicating mulled wine. There truly is something special in the air.

There is an absolute plethora of wonderful Christmas activities that take place annually across the Dordogne, so whether it’s shopping you need to do, something spiritual you seek or an altogether more active idea, here are a few suggestions for some great evenings out.

Sarlat
This village is picture perfect in the summer, so imagine what it looks like during the festive season; sprinkled with fairy lights and stars. Carols play incessantly and eagle-eyed visitors may notice a Père Noel or two scaling some of the buildings. Some say a visit to the town at this time of year is like “stepping into a fairy tale” and the Christmas market isn’t half bad, either!

Bergerac
Take part in the annual Torchlight Evening and Parade, as hundreds of locals walk through the town to the sound of drums. Lamps and soup are provided for those who participate. If walking isn’t your thing, enjoy the market, which features produce from 35 exhibitors; offering honey, cakes, flowers, paper, soaps and more importantly, wine!

Limueil
Join local families for a carol service at Saint Catherine’s Church in Haut Limueil, after having rummaged around either the morning or evening market in Place du Port. If you are staying for more than a few days, there is also a Christmas Praise Service and finally, Holy Communion on Christmas Eve.

Perigueux
Throughout December there is an open-air ice rink at Place Bugeaud, which always proves popular with residents and visitors alike. After skating, why not indulge in the Fish and Chip Christmas Party at the Star Inn, crackers and mince pies included? Alternatively, two days later, the Star Inn hosts a Festive Biriyani Night.

Monteton
Christmas is a time for giving, as we know and for thinking about those less fortunate than ourselves. If your conscience finds it hard to reconcile the two concepts, try the annual Marche de Noel at Monteton, which is situated close to Eymet. This Christmas market is held to raise money for Cancer Support France and among the usual craft/gift stalls, you’ll find second-hand books. Live musical performances and locally-produced food are also on offer. There’s no entry charge and visitors typically receive a free raffle ticket – all for a good cause, of course.

Most towns across the region host a Christmas market of some description in November or December, so check the local tourist office for details. You may also find local pantomimes, concerts and other exciting events taking place.

The people of the Dordogne certainly know how to spread that Christmas spirit!

Although our Gallic neighbours are only a mere 20-odd miles away at the nearest point, our customs and traditions around Christmas are markedly different. That’s what makes taking a festive French holiday so exciting.

While the celebrations commence at different times depending on the region, Christmas itself – Noel – is still celebrated on December 25th.

Whereas British children hang up their stockings in anticipation of Father Christmas’s visit on December 24th, French children leave their shoes in front of the fireplace hoping that Pere Noel will fill them with presents on December 5th – the eve of Saint Nicolas’ Day. Originally, clogs were left by the fireplace, so keen-eyed shoppers will notice many chocolate clogs on sale in patisseries up and down the country.

Those who don’t leave their shoes out on Saint Nicholas Eve do so on Christmas Eve, but in some regions, children also fear Pere Fouettard, who doles out spankings to naughty children – much like Father Christmas might leave coal for bad children in the UK.

Some adults may wait to open their cadeaux until the feast of La Saint-Sylvestre on New Year’s Eve.

A lovely touch is that it is illegal for any letter to Pete Noel to go unanswered – a law was passed in the 1960s stating that each letter should be responded to with a postcard! 

The French Christmas tree – sapin de Noel - remains the main decoration in the home. On Christmas Eve, it is decorated with sweets, nuts, fruit and small toys. Households also make nativity scenes known as creches, which form a prominent part of the celebration. Many children bring stones and branches home for finishing touches, before singing sing carols around it each night until Epiphany. 

Christmas Eve is the most important time for celebration. The true meaning of Christmas isn’t lost on the French, with many attending la Messe de Minuit - the equivalent of Midnight Mass. The church bells rings and many carols can be heard.

Having fasted all day, families then indulge in a huge feast known as La Reveillon to symbolise Christ’s birth. According to one travel expert, while some eat at home, many restaurants will remain open all night to cater for revellers. They’ll be seen offering up goose, oysters, turkey, snails or chicken with stuffing made of chestnuts and a white pudding. Naturally, all is washed down by good wine and champagne.

While on the subject of food, what’s for afters? Well, in the Perigord region, a French pagan tradition of burning wood from Christmas Eve to New Year inspired the yule log, or buche de Noel. Unlike the British version, contains delicious chestnuts in addition to chocolate. 

Epiphany on January 6th marks the end of the festive season and is commemorated with a cake called la galette des rois - the cake of kings. Much like placing silver coins in the Christmas pudding, the galette contains a favour which brings luck to the person who finds it. That person is then crowned king or queen for the rest of the day.

Why not go French this Christmas? Joyeux Noel!