Archive for the ‘Dordogne’ Category

It might seem like the kids have only just gone back to school after the Christmas break but already, the Easter holidays are almost here. With early April known for its temperamental weather – including showers and snow – the two-week break might really drag if spent entirely at home.

Why not pack the family on to a plane bound for Bergerac airport and enjoy the Dordogne in springtime – very pleasant, with temperatures typically warmer than in the UK. The vast, varied scenery is lush and green. This is the perfect time for walking activities, as the sun isn’t too strong and the heat won’t be overbearing.

There are myriad places to go and things to do, too. With the sun shining, the river should be warm enough for little ones to enjoy canoeing or snorkelling. Alternatively, there are many museums, covering everything from dolls to ancient war weaponry; helping to keep the children interested. Animal lovers might prefer the Aquarium du Perigord Noir and others might love seeing the cavernous Gouffres de Padirac.

Easter in France is quite the event; far more so than in Britain, some might argue. The entire country celebrates with most shops beautifully decorated – if not the towns and villages too, typically with rabbits, chickens, bells and fish. 

To give your children a traditionally French Easter, put eggs in their bedroom for them to wake up to on Easter Sunday morning. Eggs should also be placed in nests, which the children have put outside the night previously.

It’s not just eggs though, fish and bells are important symbols of Easter in France. According to French Catholics, all church bells ‘fly off’ to the Vatican on Good Friday, taking with them the grief of those in mourning for Jesus. They ‘fly back’ on Easter Sunday, bringing chocolate and eggs. As such, you won’t hear the church bells ring between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

The importance of the fish is rather more fun, for the children, at least. Paper Easter Fish or Poisson D’Avril help children play tricks on adults on April 1st. The aim is to stick the paper fish on the backs of unsuspecting adults.

At Easter time you may be able to take part in Easter egg contests. It is tradition for raw eggs to be rolled down a slope. The unbroken egg that reaches the bottom first wins and symbolises the stone being rolled from Jesus’ tomb. Smaller children play a daring game of catch with their eggs; the first to drop theirs loses.

Another reason to visit at this time of year is to sample the fantastic local food – which is cooked to perfection. The French enjoy lamb at Easter, either roasted or in a stew, served with seasonal vegetables. A first course might incorporate eggs, like a quiche or omelette. One thing’s for sure – this meal will be served with locally-produced wine; making for a perfectly relaxing meal.

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. 

The Dordogne is a great location for families with small children. Here’s our pick of the best family activities in the region:

For adrenalin junkies

How about go-karting? There are several tracks in the departement; for example Lubserac boasts a professional circuit of almost 1000 metres and bikes or cars for everyone aged over five years. In Javerlac there are two tracks – one for adults, the other for children. If you’re nearer Bergerac, children aged seven-plus can enjoy speeding along the race tracks. Check availability in advance, however.

For braver, slightly older (six-plus years) kids, Aventures Dordogne Nature in the town of Argentat offers rock climbing, all under the guidance and supervision of a certified instructor. There are two sites to choose from – Bassignac le bas and Serviere le Château – both offering stunning views; not that the kids will care!

Les Acrobis in Bussiere Galant is an activity park that is open to children aged five and over. Essentially a playground in the trees, the park offers zip wires, climbing paraphernalia and tree top walkways, at five different levels. Bring your swimming gear, as there is also a huge lake.

For animal lovers

The Aquitaine region is the ideal place for a spot of horse riding, with 8,500 kilometres of dedicated tracks which wind through the countryside, past small villages and on the beaches. Contact the Comite Regional d’Equitation d’Aquitaine for further information as to where, how and when.

The Aquarium du Périgord Noir, in Le Buge, is a well-established family favourite and can easily occupy three hours. It features a wide variety of fish, plus an Iguana Park for those who prefer reptiles. Children can watch the snakes being fed or help feed the fish.

Le Parc du Reynou, near Limoges, is a wildlife park situated in the lush grounds of a château. Children can see lions, tigers, rhinos, giraffes, camels, monkeys and birds. Tire them out afterwards by taking one of three landscaped walks around the gardens. 

For sports stars

The region is famed for its river, hence a host of water activities occur year-round; the most popular being canoeing. There are many organisations offering lessons and excursions, so check with the Federation Francaise de Canoe-Kayak for information on the best spots nearest you.

For a lovely place to swim, Lake Ruffiac (near Payzac) is a huge lake located in the heart of a 100-hectare forest. There is a sandy beach patrolled by life guards, jetties to dive from, a zip-line for water skiing, walking trails and a restaurant.  

The Aquitaine region has many defined cycle paths, showcasing the Dordogne’s beautiful scenery, so why not hire a bike for the day and pedal around? Most bike hire shops will be able to tell you where to go, if not, check out Federation Francaise de Cyclotourisme’s website for information.

There are many other activities available besides those listed above, but hopefully they will have sufficiently whet your appetite. Have a great day out with the family!

Millions of people enjoy a French holiday every year, despite our apparent apathy for our neighbours (and vice versa). Why should this be? A recent poll has suggested that it’s all to do with quality of life.

France topped the poll, which pitched ten EU countries against each other; comparing factors such as hours of sunshine, life expectancy, income and retirement age. It found that lucky French residents can bask in well over 2,000 hours of sunshine every year.

We Brits clearly want a slice of this gateau, albeit for just a week or two. Though for some, a more permanent move could be on the cards one day, as 10 per cent of respondents cited France as their number one emigration destination.

In terms of holidays, what is it that we Brit love so much about France?

Attitude
Perceived as relaxed and punctuated by long lunch breaks, the ‘French attitude’ seems a mile away from its British equivalent. That being said, the poll found that average working hours were higher in France than the UK. The difference is that the French would appear to prize personal enjoyment over their professional life - work to live rather than the other, more typically British, way round.

Romance is in the air also, with many people going over to find love, equipped with stereotypical ideas of French men and women. Beware single travellers, flirting is seen as a harmless was to have fun in France, so don’t take it too seriously. Although just listening to ‘the language of love’ shouldn’t do to much damage!

Food
French gastronomy has been added to the UNESCO ”world’s intangible heritage” list and for good reason. It was included owing to it being a ”social custom aimed at celebrating the most important moments in the lives of individuals and groups.”

It’s not just the delicious, often organically-produced local food; in France, eating is an event. Whether it’s a picnic of baguettes and cheese, a meal at a restaurant or al fresco dining at a night market, eating in France is exciting.

Landscape
From one department to the next, there is huge variety in the landscape. Take the Dordogne region for example, through which the eponymous river meanders. From fairy tale châteaux to bustling farmers markets, ancient caves to modern boutique shopping, film sets to manicured gardens and medieval architecture to jagged cliffs – the sheer range of scenery is inspiring.

Convenience
There’s no denying that France is as convenient as it comes in terms of foreign holiday destinations. It’s the closest, for a start and with a variety of travel options, we can even reach the country under our own steam. Rather than be tied to restrictive itineraries, holiday makers can take their time, drive their own car and make their very own holiday. Plus it’s so close that a long weekend is a viable option, with no jet lag!

Additionally, pretty much all of us can muster up a few phrases in French, having learnt it at school. However rusty, with the help of a guidebook, most travellers will be able to communicate with locals and the effort – forget the accuracy – will always be appreciated.

Of course, much of this is possibly simply what we Brits think France is like. Why not take a trip over the Channel to discover the truth for yourself?

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!