Overview
Trace an arc across southern France, from the green Dordogne Valley, famed as the world’s treasury of prehistoric art, to the wild uplands of the Massif Central, la France Profonde (“deep France”) of traditional ways and quiet farm villages. In the Dordogne, we’ll be joined by a celebrated expert in Paleolithic art as we view cathedral-like galleries of mystical paintings created by extraordinary artists 30,000 years ago (and see some special caves that few travelers ever discover). On our culinary explorations, we’ll sample all the regional delights (jambons crus, saucissons, wild boar, peppery Le Puy lentils, luscious bleu d’auvergne, and cantal cheeses), and savor two special dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants. Our walks bring us to hilltop villages and hidden realms scented with herbs and wildflowers, and we’ll spend a magical market day in medieval Sarlat, with its ancient honey-colored stone houses along the Dordogne River. One overnight in the Massif Central will be at the extraordinary inn of Michel Bras, one of France’s most famous chefs, and we finish our adventure admiring the wild beauty of the Ardéche Gorge. This unique journey will bring us into the heart of France. Allons-y!
This trip far exceeded my expectations! Just superb. The selection of activities—caves, walks, wine tasting, old medieval towns and castles, and the archaeology guides—were great.
— Teri H., Montrose, CO
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Saint-Émilion / Les Eyzies, Capital of Prehistory / Lascaux
Meeting in Bordeaux, we hike through vineyards to the ancient wine town of Saint-Émilion, with a tasting at Château Guadet. In Les Eyzies, we’ll be joined by a gifted expert to explore the twists and turns of magnificent galleries of Paleolithic art at Lascaux II (by torchlight at Lascaux to see the paintings in flickering natural light!). We’ll also see Rouffignac, Font-de-Gaume, and lesser-known caves.
Days 5-7
Market Day in Sarlat / Château de Beynac / Lot Valley / Grottes de Cougnac
We explore the lively weekly market in Sarlat’s Old Town, hike along the Dordogne River, visit the clifftop castle of Château de Beynac, and discover the off-the-beaten-path gem of Grottes de Cougnac, with its fantastic display of stalactites and 25,000-year-old frieze.
Days 8-9
Laguiole / Aubrac Plateau / Chemin de St. Jacques / Michel Bras
Visit Laguiole, where renowned knives have been produced for two centuries, and walk on the Chemin de St. Jacques, a stretch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail in the wild Aubrac Plateau. At world-famous Michel Bras, we enjoy a special dinner and a warm welcome from the Bras family. Michel Bras’ son Sebastian, the chef, gave back his three Michelin stars in 2017 to gain more culinary freedom.
Days 10-12
Massif Central / Ardèche Gorge / Vallon Pont-d’Arc
In the bucolic Massif Central, we pass through historic villages and sample the rich local cheeses. We then head to the dramatic Ardèche Gorge, where we visit the perfect replica of the Paleolithic paintings at Caverne du Pont-d’Arc and savor our hotel’s setting among lavender fields. Depart via Avignon on Day 12.
Prehistoric Caves and Great Cuisine of France
