TOULOUSE.
The old town built of rose coloured brick has a unique
atmosphere of joie de vivre enhanced with boutiques and
inexpensive cafes, oyster bars and a Sunday flea market.
The two 13th century cathedrals are architecturally stunning
and the tree lined quays with the pretty Pont Neur over
the River Garonne are the perfect place to end the day
just relaxing and watching the world go by.
BRANTOME.
Probably the most attractive village in the Dordogne region
set with river bank cafes and pretty gardens by Dronne.
Brantome's Abbey has a wealth of medieval and renaissance
buildings including the oldest belfry in France.
CAHORS
& ALBI.
Encircled by the River Lot Cahors the town's fame stems
from its wealth of history including the 12th century
cathedral of St Etienne, a 14th century fortified bridge
and the Pont Valentre with its triple towers and seven
pointed arches considered a masterpiece and much loved
by artists and photographers. In ALBI the provincial
capital on the Tarn River was home of Comte Henri Toulouse-Lautrec.
It has as its focal point a red brick fortress cathedral.
HAUTEFORT.
The town makes an ideal spot for family holidays with
lots to do from cycling and rambling to pony trekking
or canoeing. This area of the Dordogne or Perigord is
also famous for it's one hundred chateaux's, one of the
best is Chateau de Hauteford that dominates the hill above
this feudal village, constructed with beautiful domes
and towers set in lovely gardens.
SARLAT.
The medieval town of Sarlat has been declared as a living
museum with a maze of tiny arcaded lanes whose ochre coloured
stone buildings transports you back to by gone days. The
most notable buildings are the Cathedral St Sacerdos and
the Lanterne des Morts Tower and something not to miss
is the Saturday morning market held in the Place de la
Liberte. Activities on offer include lake fishing, horse
riding and Kayaking. A visit to the surrounding Lavender
fields during summer and autumn are a pleasure not to
miss.
THE
RIVER LOT & TARN.
The broad River Lot meanders leisurely through vineyards
and orchards past picturesque medieval villages and forest's
renown for their truffle hunting, then continues on through
Cahors to meet the River Garonne. The River Tarn further
south cuts a dramatic path through the mountainous countryside
creating over thousands of years magnificent gorges much
loved by canoeing and rafting enthusiasts. The area has
more than 900 different species of flora and fauna.
SOUILLAC.
This small picturesque village has been extensively restored
in recent years, allowing the visitor the pleasure of
wandering through ancient streets transformed to the former
glory. Worth a visit are the Abbey St Marie and the Friday
flower market.
BERGERAC
& ST FOY LA GRAND.
Situated on the Dordogne River these two villages are
noted for the sweet Montbazillac wine and the 13th century
architecture.
ANGOULEME.
A colourful town with many cultural events and is known
locally as the La Cite des Festivals. It was once inhabited
by the Troglodytes as well as the Roman legions whose
occupations left the town with an interesting history.
ST
EMILION.
Famed for the full blooded flavour of its red wine, St
Emilion was once an important stopping place for pilgrims
on their way to the Spanish City of Santiago de Compostella.
