December 29th, 2011 | 
Author: 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.
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