Whether your idea of a perfect holiday involves horse riding, music festivals, wine tasting or simply lounging by the pool, a summer holiday in the Dordogne can accommodate your every need.

If you’re worried about running out of things to do on your holiday in the Dordogne here are a few of the top events throughout summer 2013.

Bastille Day

La Fete Nationale – known in England as Bastille Day – is celebrated on 14 July each year. The French national day commemorates the storming of the Bastille fortress, which symbolises the birth of modern France.

The holiday is marked by a whole raft of events including firework displays, parades and other festivities.

Bonaguil festival

Renowned for its impressive fireworks display, this summer festival takes place in the beautiful and ancient castle of Bonaguil. The event has been taking place since 1962 and although its roots in music, it is now predominantly a theatre festival.

Bordeaux Wine Festival

Although not in the Dordogne, if you happen to be in the area between 28 June and 1 July, you would be well advised to experience Bordeaux Fete le Vin.

Celebrating what is perhaps the best-known wine region on the planet, this festival packs a punch. Spend the day making your way down ‘Wine Road ‘, which stretches over 2 km along the banks of the Garinne. With pavilions featuring the 80 appellations from the Bordeaux and Aquitaine regions, it is a challenge to make it from one end to the other without feeling slightly tipsy.

The festival also includes international music from rock and jazz to folk and classical. This year the line-up includes Lou Reed, Dianne Reeves, Stacey Kent and more.

However this is just the start. There is a thrilling sound and light show, incredible fireworks, wine tasting sessions, literary events, competitions and more.

If you love wine, you will love the Bordeaux Wine Festival.

Souillac Jazz

If you are one of those who hears the notes that are not being played then perhaps this is the festival for you. This small Jazz Festival, known to some as the Festival Sim Copains, takes place around the end of July and sees jazz musicians and lovers from around the world gather together to enjoy jazz music at its finest.

Marche Nocturne (Nocturnal Markets)

Several Dordogne towns that host markets are renowned for their quality of produce and vibrancy of atmosphere; however, if you are visiting during summer months you will have the opportunity to visit one of the night markets, known locally as Marche Nocturne.

The nocturnal markets are very special events where community members come together to celebrate local produce and support local traders, as well as celebrating the summer and its riches. You will need plenty of time to wander around the market and carefully select which of the tantalising food stalls to source your evening feed from. After shopping, you can find a table to sit at and watch live music, while you enjoy a glass of Bergerac wine.

The evening allows fun and laughter along with the opportunity to purchase hand crafted treats or gifts for your return home. The night markets are a family friendly and inexpensive way to truly experience the Dordogne in all its glory.

Fete de la Madeleine

A lively festival in Duras, celebrating Mary Magdalene – one of the most important female characters in Christianity. The festival, which takes place in July, is four fun packed days on wine, music and fairs, ending on Monday evening with fireworks.

Regardless of when you visit the Dordogne, you will find something fun to do. There are events in and around the Dordogne throughout the year and if you miss something, it is a great excuse to come back the year after. Click here for a full schedule of Dordogne festivals and events.

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However, the Bergerac and other areas have almost identical climates and similar soil types to Bordeaux. In fact, Bergerac was once considered part of Bordeaux but over time, the delineations between Gironde and the Dordogne became more pronounced and Bergerac was given a separate identity. 

While Bergerac wine will probably never compete with the commercially successful Bordeaux, which is just 30 miles down the Dordogne River, the quality of wine coming out of the Bergerac region these days is often on par with Bordeaux’s offerings. Bergerac wines often use the same variant of grape as the Bordeaux, so Bergerac wines carry the same inherent qualities at a fraction of the price.

The only tangible difference is perhaps the density of the vine coverage. Vineyard regulations state that Bergerac wines must come from vineyards planted to a minimum of 300 vines per hectare, compared to 6500 in most of the Bordeaux appellations. The density of planting means that the vine has to dig deeper for nourishment and water. This results in a more structured, complex and flavourful fruit. This is a significant part of what wine lovers call ‘terroir’.

Other than that, the Bergerac variants are strongly related to their Bordeaux counterparts and can offer outstanding value for money. 

Like the offerings of the Bordeaux region, these vines are influenced heavily by the Atlantic as opposed to the Mediterranean and so tend to have a similar build (light to medium bodied).

A two week holiday in the Dordogne could easily be spent visiting the vineyards of the Bergerac, never-mind the appellations further beyond. Below are a few favourites in and around the Dordogne that are certainly worth a visit.

Housekeeping notes about Bergerac Wines

Most of the wines in the region are sold as AOC Bergerac, however there are a total 13 appellations within the region. Cotes de Bergerac is essentially an appellation for the finest quality whites and reds that come out of the Bergerac region. Wines labelled as AOS Cotes de Bergerac must be 0.5 per cent stronger in alcohol content and have a ten per cent lower permitted maximum yield.

The red wines must also be produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Merille or Fer Servadou. The whites must come from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Ondenc, Chenin Blanc and Ugni Blanc. The amount of Ugni Blanc produced must not exceed that of the Sauvignon Blanc. 

Local to the châteaux and worth a visit

Château Le Bourdieu This vineyard offers fantastic reds with well balanced acid-alcohol-tannin. With a solid structure, excellent length and high drinkability, this is a great vineyard to have just down the road.

Château Tour Des Gendres This is an organic vineyard which produces some stunning Bergerac Semillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle. The wine itself is not only particularly fruity, well-balanced and fresh but the process of making the wine is a very natural one, where the vinter strives to utilise nature to create a rich wine.

Domain de Laulan This vineyard was bought by Gilbert Geoffroy, who is known to critics around the world as ‘the pope of Sauvignon blanc’, in 1974. Since then, he has grown the size of the vineyard by 30 hectares.

Geoffrey produces a sublime Cotes de Duras Sauvignon which is finally balanced between Loire styles and those grown in the South Americas. Clean, refreshing and rich with straw colouring and fresh aromas of gooseberry, elderflower and cut crass. White wine at its best.

Perfect wine for your holiday

However refined your pallet, whether you just enjoy a glass with your dinner or you are a full fledged connoisseur, a holiday in the Dordogne is a fantastic wine experience. While it may not share the same commercial success as its brother down the river, the Bergerac region is producing some wonderfully complex wines that are rich with character.

‘Wine is one of the most civilised things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing’ ~ Ernest Hemingway

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If you are anything like the vast majority of men in the world, there will be two versions of the proposal. The one in your head, which takes place in a vineyard or some other exotic location. Your girlfriend is caught completely by surprise, is bowled over with the romance of the moment and says yes in a fit of joyful tears.

Then there is the proposal that will most likely transpire in reality, probably in the backyard, after a night at your local pub. You will feel a bit daft on one knee and she will have seen it coming a mile off because you have been acting ‘all weird’. She’ll still say yes because she loves you, but you will spend the rest of your lives knowing that the proposal was, frankly, a little bit…rubbish.

The distance between these two realities is not one of money; it is simply one of planning. 

Follow these three simple steps and you will have a surprise proposal to cherish forever.

Step 1: Pick a date and stick to it

Give yourself time to plan. While anything is possible for someone who is appropriately motivated, giving yourself at least two months to get everything in place is a good idea. Pick a week when you know that your partner’s calendar will be quite empty.

Next, you’ll likely need to put a call into her employer. Politely ask to speak to her direct superior; explain the situation and ask if she could have the week off. You’ll find that most managers will be more than happy to oblige.

Start paying attention (if you don’t already) to the clothes that your partner wears. What does she wear on a night out, on a sunny day or when she is lounging around the house? Which hair straighteners does she prefer? Start making notes on everything because when it comes time, you will be packing the bags!

Step 2: Get accommodation and flights booked

Once you have the week clear, you are halfway there. Next job, is to get accommodation booked. The Dordogne is the perfect place to plan a surprise proposal. Why? For two reasons: First, it is one of the most romantic locations in the world. The language, the landscape, the wine, the climate and the ambiance all lend themselves to a successful proposal. The cottage is secluded, surrounding by beautiful vineyards and has its own private swimming pool. Imagine the champagne cooling in a bucket of ice as you pop the question at the end of a warm day in the Dordogne.

Second, it is literally on the other side of a little river called the Channel. This close proximity means that you can keep the element of surprise on your side.

Once you have the accommodation booked, get your flights booked too. The drive is a beautiful one but for this journey, it may be best to fly so that you arrive in the Dordogne as fresh as possible. Both Ryan Air and easyJet operate flights from London Stansted to Bergerac or La Rochelle and you can rent a car from either airport. If you really want to soak up the atmosphere, why not hire a convertible for the week?

Step 3: The ring

With the trip booked, the next step is the engagement ring. This can be a daunting task for many men. First step, get her ring size. While many have tried printing off ring charts from the internet, the most effective way to get an accurate measurement is by taking a ring she already wears (on the same finger of her right hand) to the jewellers. If you will be unable to escape with the ring without getting busted, place it on one of your own fingers and mark where it falls to. Then take your finger down to the shop and have them size it from the measurement.

If she doesn’t wear a ring, then you may well have to resort to the old sleep measurement. Be very careful if she is a light sleeper as there is no worse way to get caught than with a piece of string wrapped around her ring finger! 

So now you have the week off, the itinerary, the accommodation and the ring taken care of, all that is left is to reveal the surprise. How you do this, will depend on the timing of your holiday and your own personal taste, but do your best to add a bit of theatre to the moment. For example, take her to dinner close to the airport. Tell her it is a special treat and make sure you are both dressed for the occasion. Then take her to a decidedly average and underwhelming restaurant. Eat your meal and then give her a present – a cheap bottle of wine – better yet, one she doesn’t like. Do everything you can to make her believe that you are an under prepared, disorganised fool who doesn’t know what kind of wine she likes.

Leave it until the very last moment before the big reveal – she will be blown away and of course, she will say yes.

Good luck.

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So now it is time, as it inevitably always is when one is on holiday, to go home. Please don’t cry; not yet at least. As the French say: ‘A quelque chose malheur est bon’ – or loosely translated, ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. Your trip home can be filled with just as much magic as your trip down. Between home and the Valley of a Thousand Castles is one last destination. Paris, of course.

Of all the cities in Europe that are steeped in millennia of history and shining with the sheer beauty that only a cultural epicentre can emit, there are few that are quite so historically significant or quite so beautiful as Paris.

Located on the river Seine, the metropolitan area of Paris is one of the largest in Europe with over 12 million inhabitants. By the 12th century, Paris was one of the most important centres of learning, culture and arts in the known world. Nine hundred years on and it still is. There are few places on the planet that blend music, art and scenery with romance, food and splendour quite as effortlessly as Paris does. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get going:

Choosing a place to stay

Make no mistake about it – Paris is not a cheap place to visit. The price of accommodation can vary wildly depending on a variety of factors. The time of year, the arrondissement (district) that you stay in and of course, the accommodation that you choose, can all play a role in how much accommodation will cost. From designer boutique hotels to penthouse flats, there will be something to suit your requirements.

Many people make the mistake of booking a hotel near the famous Eiffel Tower, when in fact the district is a suburban one which is relatively quiet at night.

If you’re ready to jump in at the deep end of Parisian culture, the Latin quarter is a great place to base yourself – specifically Saint Germain des Pres. Home to La Sorbonne University, this a place for the thinkers to philosophise about – everything.

If you are a drinker, not a thinker, the historic Marais has become one of Paris’ most vibrant night spots in recent years. With a thriving gay and lesbian scene, Marcais is great fun for adults.

There are plenty of small self catering apartments in the heart of the city, which can be a great way to familiarise yourself with the shop culture, as you stock up with the perfect bread, cheese and wine.

Eating out

There are approximately 73 Michelin star restaurants in Paris so if high-end dining is your thing, you will be in heaven. Prices can differ significantly and waiting lists can extend into months - for example if you want to dine at 58 Tour Eiffel (the restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, as the name suggests), you’ll want to be booking well ahead of time.

While it is nice to do the Michelin thing once or twice in Paris, the truth is that the real soul of Parisian food is on the streets. If there is one piece of advice that you should adhere to, it is to get out and try things. It doesn’t matter if you have been once or a thousand times; you will always discover a new boulangerie, patisserie, poissonnerie, confiserie or cafe. Paris, is simply too big and too wonderful to run out of new places to eat.

Things to see

Like London, New York, Tokyo and a handful of other cities, Paris is a place that a tourist will never experience in its entirety. One can live there for decades and still be delighted by its charms. Therefore it is advisable on a short break, to try to split your activities between the ‘touristy’ bits of the city and the not so well know attractions too. That way, you will begin to get a feel for the ‘real’ Paris. This guide is not going to tell you to visit the summit of La Tour Eiffel, admire the Mona Lisa at the Musee du Louvre or meander up the Champs-Elysees. After all, you will likely do those things whether or not this guide tells you to. Instead, here are a few less well-known suggestions.

Musee Rodin

After the Louvre, the Museum of Modern Art and Musee d’Orsay, you may not have had your artistic fill. One of the lesser known museums in Paris, this gem lies within a stunning mansion, with acres of beautiful gardens. The Musee Rodin would be worth visiting even if it had been stripped of art. As it happens, it is full of delightful sculptures made by the famous French Sculpture, Auguste Rodin.

Visit the Shakespeare & Co bookstore

There are very few independent bookstores left in the world that have history fossilised into them like this one does. Opened in the 60s by George Whitman, this book shop is about as original as they come and well worth a quick visit for the bookworms.

Visit the Place des Vosges

One of the oldest and most beautiful squares in Paris, the Place des Vosges was built by Henry IV over 400 years ago. Home to Victor Hugo, the square is an ideal place to find a little cafe and amble away the afternoon, sipping wine and reading the books you just bought.

Experience the Catacombs

Well known by many but still not visited by all, are the Catacombs of Paris. Beneath the capital is an underground city, with hundreds of miles of networked tunnels, known as the mines of Paris (carrieres de Paris). Dating back to the 14th century, these underground mines were the source of minerals and wealth for hundreds of years. By the end of the 18th century, the cemeteries of Paris were overflowing and so it was decided to create on ossuary within the mines.

Today, the remains of more than six million people lay in the Ossuary. The underground city beyond is closed to the public and those caught down in the tunnels are heavily fined. That is not to say that there are not people down there – for there are many. An entire subculture is said to exist below the streets of Paris. Police have even discovered fully functional underground cinemas.

Of course, rather than break the law and risk getting lost in the maze of tunnels, it is recommended that you visit parts open to the public; namely the Ossuaire Municipal, where the remains of the dead are still on display.

Visit the Statue of Liberty

Most people know that the Statue of Liberty was given as a gift to the Americans by the French. However, not everyone knows that Paris has its own Statue of Liberty. On the river and under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, the statue stands a mere 37.9 feet tall (compared to New York’s 305 feet). Although not quite as spectacular as her bigger sister, this is certainly a quirky site.

Home time

So now your journey is complete. From London to Maidstone, through the Loire Valley, via Le Mans, to Rochelle, a relaxing holiday in the Dordogne, a flyby through Paris and now, unfortunately…home. 

C’est la vie.

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Wait! Why not make the drive part of the experience? Why not stop off in some of most beautiful parts of France. There are 614 miles between you and your destination. You are about to drive through beautiful cities steeped in history, stunning countryside and world famous wine districts so instead of driving flat out for the next 12 hours, why not slow down and make the holiday about the journey and not just the destination?

First stop – Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Of course you are desperate to get across the channel and immerse yourself in French culture, but before you get to the valley of a thousand castles, make sure to visit Leeds Castle. This stunning castle and grounds was described by Henry VII as the most beautiful castle in the world.

Tour of the Loire Valley

Once you are across the channel, spend some time in the Loire valley (Vallee de la Loire). It spans over 310 square miles and is known as the Garden of France thanks to the endless vineyards, fruit orchards and fields of artichokes and asparagus.

It is advisable to seek council in the valley because there is simply too much to see and taste. Having a guide who knows the area can really allow you to get a taste of France, sampling some of the very best wine and eating French food at its most authentic.

Le Mans

There are two things any family must do when they visit Le Mans. First, take a trip to La Nuit des Chimeres in the old town. You will want to be there for around 10pm as walls of the cathedral and beyond have a light show of such beauty projected onto them, it has to be seen to be believed. Princes, princesses, dragons and more dance along the walls in one of the most breathtaking displays in earth.

If you are either very lucky or very organised you just may be in town for the world famous ’24 Heures du Mans’. Held annually since 1923, this 24 hour endurance race is the oldest of its kind. Race teams have to balance speed against time – last car and driver standing wins.

The race is held from the 22nd to the 23rd of June this year and more information is available from lemans.org.

If your timing is not that fortunate, fear not; the racetrack is open to visitors all year round. Also, be sure to visit the Musee Automobile de la Sarthe. This is a petrolhead’s paradise, with over 100 years of car history and some of the rarest and most valuable cars on the planet.

Angers

Don’t be put off by the violent sounding name. Angers is a beautiful city, steeped in culture and history. This is thanks in part to its museums and universities. The medieval town centre is dominated by the château of the Plantagenets. The city sits on the edge a world heritage site, Val de Loire as well as the Loire-Anjou-Touraine natural park, making the views particularly stunning.

Nantes

Next stop, Nantes – the sixth largest city in France. Known as the art and history city, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what to expect in this beautiful place. Time magazine described Nantes as the ‘most liveable city in Europe’.

In 2010 the town was named a hub city in the Innovation Cities Index and holds the title for European Green Capital.

If you are a fan of model cities, this one definitely worth a visit.

La Rochelle

Last stop before the Dordogne is La Rochelle. On the Atlantic coast - the Bay of Biscay – this city’s history is entwined with the ocean. With a heavy presence of the Knights Templar, it is difficult to not be transported back in time when you visit this gorgeous city. At the heart of the town is the ‘Vieux Port’ – the old harbour.

As well as beautiful gardens and a natural history museum, the city also has an impressive aquarium.

If you are after a tasty sea food dining experience, visit Richard Coutanceau, the town’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant. Or if you after something slightly less grand (but in the opinion of many, equally tasty) check out Le Thiers Temps. Be sure to book well in advance for both.

Finally, a leisurely drive down the coast before you cut back inland and wait for those five magic satellite navigation words:

“You have reached your destination.”

Paris anyone?

On your way home, it is unlikely you will want to revisit old ground. Instead, change tack and head towards Paris. This route will take you up through Orleans, where you can visit attractions such as Cathedrale Ste-Croix.

A day in the country’s capital is always a nice way to round off a trip to France, but as for what to do…that is another guide entirely.

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However, for those looking for something a bit different, the long Easter weekend presents a fine opportunity for holidaymakers to treat themselves to a few days in the sun. For example the Dordogne, a southwestern region of France, could be an ideal location for families looking to celebrate Easter in a more pleasant climate.

Easter decorations

As soon as holidaymakers step out of Bergerac airport and make their way to their hotel, the first thing they will notice are the small cultural differences with regards to how Easter is celebrated.

While Easter is a popular holiday in England, France tends to make the step up when it comes to celebrating the event. Many shops celebrate by adorning their whole store in Easter-themed decorations while residents cover their towns and villages in various Easter paraphernalia – think rabbits, eggs, fish and various other connotations.

Yes, you read that correctly – fish. While not directly associated with Easter, the tradition of Poisson d’Avril falls on April 1, which is Easter Monday this year. Traditionally a day for children, Poisson d’Avril is a day for practical jokes with many kids creating colourful paper fish and sticking them on the back of as many adults as possible. The kids then run away yelling “Poisson d’Avril” (paper fish). Certainly a day to keep children occupied.

Easter egg hunts, much like in Britain, tend to be very popular in France. It is traditionally believed the chime of the Easter bell flees to Rome on Maundy Thursday, where the pope blesses them, but return on Easter Sunday with chocolate and eggs. This tradition means families are unlikely to hear any church bells during their stay – at least until Easter Sunday. When the bell ‘returns’ on Sunday, children can go out on the prowl for eggs, so it could be a fun idea for adults to set up a mini-Easter egg hunt for their kids.

Activities

It’s important to note that while most businesses and shops are open on Good Friday (Vendredi Saint), all stores around France close for Easter Sunday (Dimanche de Paques) and Easter Monday (Lundi de Paques) as they are public holidays.

As a result, adults should avoid the shops/markets and soak in some of the other escapes on offer instead. For instance, kids will love a day trip to the nearby Aquarium de Perigord Noir and Prehisto Parc theme park. Elsewhere, local history buffs will want to check out the medieval town of Sarlat and the castle at Beynac-et-Cazenac. However, those travelling via car should be aware that most petrol stations will be closed on public holidays, so fill up before embarking on an adventure.

Imagine the sun shining on one of the Dordogne’s rushing rivers, conjuring a gorgeous shimmer, as you sit back with an ice cold drink watching your children frolic on green grass; there really is no better place to spend Easter than the Dordogne.

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Unfortunately, it is not logistically viable to bring a freshly pulled pint of ale from England over to the south of France, so this may have to be a comfort that holidaymakers will have to do without. However, bringing over your favourite brand of baked beans or that Melton Mowbray pork pie you just cannot live without is perfectly acceptable.

Try the local cuisine

On the other hand, one of the best things about going away is sampling some of the culinary delights a destination has to offer. In this respect, the south of France is one of the best places to visit. However, combining the food from the Dordogne with food exported from home could also be cost-effective for those holidaying on a budget.

While it is rare that holidaymakers in the Dordogne will spend much more on a supermarket shop than back in Britain, there are certain foods and delicacies that vary in price.

For example, baguettes and croissants are low in price. A baguette can cost as little as 40c depending on the choice of supermarket which – combined with some cheddar or stilton from home – helps make a cost-effective breakfast sampling the best of both worlds. Furthermore, UK-style bacon is a rarity in France so bacon aficionados may want to bring a couple of packs with them. By cooking the meat in some lovely French olive oil, holidaymakers can recreate the taste of home with an exotic holiday touch.

However, other meats like chicken and beef tend to be a tad more expensive in French supermarkets than back in Britain. However, first-hand accounts suggest that with the additional price comes with additional quality, akin to meat from a butchers over a low-end supermarket.

Beer and wine

Those who enjoy the odd tipple while abroad will be pleased to hear that beer and wine is generally cheaper in French grocery stores and supermarkets than in Britain. For example, a crate of 30 bottles of Kronenbourg beer can retail for 11 euros (£9.50) in some French supermarkets, but Tesco online prices 15 bottles of Kronenbourg at £12 – a marked difference!

The Dordogne in particular is home to a few well known vineyards like Bergerac and Monbazillac, with the latter regarded as a sweet white wine to be drunk to mark special occasions. What could be more special than a week away with a loved one in the sunny climate of southwestern France?

Overall, it is perfectly reasonable to bring the taste of home into France. While cheeses like roquefort, brie and camembert are in plentiful supply and are well worth trying, sometimes there is nothing better than a slice of good old stilton. Bring a bottle of sparkling wine from Sussex but don’t forget to sample some of the world famous Dordogne wine. This way, holidaymakers can enjoy both worlds.

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On February 13th, each and every year, men across Britain come to the stark realisation that they (once again) have forgotten the most important day of the holiday calendar: Valentine’s Day.

It’s not through lack of being reminded, for their beloved has reminded them on more than one occasion. Nor is it an intent to disappoint. Instead, it’s an inherent flaw that plagues the male gender. Granted, not all men are affected by the flaw. Many diligently dote on their wives and girlfriends – with flowers arriving at office, accompanied by fusillade of singing barbers. 

So instead of racing out to buy an overpriced ‘guilt present’ on Wednesday evening this year, why not do something that is unexpected? Why not plan the perfect Valentine’s Day present? Why not take a trip to the Dordogne?

The feeling of romance is never too far away in Dordogne, an area steeped in centuries of history. With castles, wine, and fine dining – what more could you or loved one ask for?

Your private villa will be the perfect base as you soak up a the very best pleasures that life has to offer. Breakfast is a truly celebrated meal in France, but there is no need to start the day too early. When you do eventually get up, why not sit on the sunny veranda and enjoy warm croissants, rich butter and fine coffee – all produced in the local area. Sounds good right?

There is so much to do on your back doorstep:

Explore the caves. Some of the most intricate cave systems in the world run through the Dordogne and are woven into the history of the nation. The Gauls took refuge from Julius Cesar. Lascaux Caves contain paintings dating back 17,300 years.

Vineyards. Enjoy wine-tasting at some of the finest vineyards in France, from full-bodied reds of Bergerac to the sweet white Monbazillacs – you will come home with knowledge akin to a sommelier.

Bastides, Churches, village markets and more. Authentic French culture is all around you in the Dordogne. Beautiful architecture, beautiful food and beautiful landscapes are impossible to escape.

Mardi Gras. In 2013, Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday), conveniently falls on February 12th. Don a wild and seductive mask, head over to Périgueux and celebrate Shrove Tuesday with carnivals, food, drink and partying all night long.

If you’re after more of a ‘feet up’ break, why not simply spend the day enjoying the vista with a barbecue? Whatever you do…it’s your choice. On this holiday, there are no rules. You might as well leave your watch at home.

Some of the finest food in the world is well within reach. A candlelit dinner and a few bottles of local red wine will be the perfect way to wind down from the perfect Valentine’s Holiday in the Dordogne.

And just remember this simple phrase as you toast under the stars: ”Bonne Saint Valentin mon amour. Je t’aime.”

Or you can buy another box of overpriced chocolates and flowers. The choice is yours.

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Here are just some of the main reasons you should take the chance to book your summer break during the first month of the year…

Gives you a few months to save money
Booking your vacation several months in advance gives you adequate time to save some spending money and funds for any other essentials, like car hire, day-trips or travel insurance. Whilst you may have to pay for your air fares upfront, you may only have to pay a deposit on your accommodation and transfers, so you’re also afforded a good chunk of time to save money to complete the transaction. You may even find you save more than you need, which you could use to buy some new clothes before you go, or add it to your pot of spending money.

Leaves you with plenty of time to plan
Booking a few months in advance gives you lots of time to plan the details of your trip, such as what attractions you’ll visit each day or the restaurants you want to earmark for a visit. Although some people simply like to see where the trip takes them upon arrival, others like to map out each detail meticulously; leaving them well-prepared for what lies ahead. Why not strike an easy balance; finding some restaurants and attractions you’d like to visits, but waiting until you get there to decide what you’ll do on each day?

What’s more, knowing far ahead of time when you’ll be away means you can book the adequate holiday from work and arrange for any pet-sitting or house-sitting you might need. Friends and family members are much more likely to help you out if they know far in advance when their services will be required; if you spring it on them two weeks before, they might have other plans or may be left peeved that you didn’t ask them earlier.

You may get better value for money
Often, straight after Christmas, companies will hold January sales. Those working in the tourism industry are no different, with many airlines offering discounted fares on flights booked by a certain date (usually at the end of January or February). Plus, you may be able to secure a good deal on any day-trips you fancy, or your car hire. If your chosen supplier isn’t offering a discounted rate, why not try your luck by asking if they can throw any extras in? That way you’ll get more bang for your buck and if they say no, you haven’t lost anything.

Provides time to learn the language
If you’re heading out on a French holiday, or taking a break in somewhere like Spain, you may want to learn the basics of the local language. After all, those who live there will appreciate it if you at least try to speak their language. If you don’t, there’s always a chance that you won’t be treated as well. No-one’s saying you need to become a bilingual whizz – but if you have a few months to gradually learn enough so that you can hold a decent conversation, it’s definitely worth doing.

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2. UK workers beat January blues by booking 2010 holidays at work
3. Visitors to Dordogne should indulge this January and February