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 with a day to kayak along the dramatic Ardèche Gorge. This unique journey will bring us into the heart of France. Allons-y!
The discovery of the prehistoric cave art was more amazing and interesting than I had even expected. The opportunity to kayak on the Ardeche was a real joy—pushed me out of my comfort zone, and was truly memorable.
— Lana T., Steamboat Spr., CO
Days 1-4
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 the elegant Château Guadet wine estate. 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 to experience the paintings in flickering natural light!) and at Rouffignac, Font-de-Gaume, and special lesser-known sites.
Saint-émilion / Les Eyzies, Capital of Prehistory / Lascaux - Days 1-4
Hotel Au Logis des Remparts
Day 1 (1 night), Saint-Emilion, FranceSet in the center of the medieval city of Saint-Emilion, a World Heritage Site, this cozy hotel is actually built on the defensive walls of the town. Guest rooms are comfortable, and there are lovely gardens and a pool area where you can relax with a drink at the end of the day.
Hotel Les Glycines
Days 2 to 4 (3 nights), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, FranceJust a two-minute walk into the village of Les Eyzies, Les Glycines has large and beautiful, tree-shaded gardens along the river as well as a swimming pool. The guest rooms are comfortable, and evening cocktails can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the gardens.
Days 5-7
Market Day in Sarlat / Chateau de Beynac / Lot Valley / Grottes de Cougnac
We explore the lively weekly market in Sarlat’s old quarter, hike along the Dordogne River, visit the stunning clifftop castle of Château de Beynac, and discover the off-the-beaten-path caves at Grottes de Cougnac.
Market Day in Sarlat / Chateau de Beynac / Lot Valley / Grottes de Cougnac - Days 5-7
Hotel Plaza Madeleine
Day 5 (1 night), Sarlat, FranceLocated just at the entrance to the medieval city, this hotel has well-appointed rooms and wonderful access to Sarlat’s main square. The spa and swimming pool in the courtyard are lovely additions.
La Hoirie Hotel
Day 5 (1 night), Sarlat, FranceA mile or so outside of Sarlat with a peaceful setting, La Hoirie is an old hunting lodge that has been converted into a pleasant country hotel. The staff is friendly, the cuisine is excellent, and there are extensive gardens and a swimming pool.
Chateau de la Treyne
Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Lacave, FrancePerched above the Dordogne River and surrounded by stately gardens, this Relais & Chateau property is a picture-perfect step into the past. Guest rooms are elegantly furnished with all the modern amenities, and its restaurant serves exquisite cuisine. Go for a stroll on the lovely grounds, take a dip in the swimming pool, or just sit on the terrace and take in the absolute beauty of the area.
Days 8-9
Laguiole / Aubrac Plateau / Chemin de St. Jacques / Michel Bras
Visit ancient Laguiole, where renowned knives have been produced for two centuries, and walk on the Camino de Santaigo, a beautiful stretch of the historic 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.
Laguiole / Aubrac Plateau / Chemin de St. Jacques / Michel Bras - Days 8-9
Le Relais de Laguiole
Day 8 (1 night), Laguiole, FranceThis 33-room hotel, set in the middle of town and close to cafes and shops, offers clean and comfortable guest rooms and a friendly and accommodating staff—nothing is too much trouble for them! The spa area includes an indoor swimming pool with hot tub and sauna.
Le Suquet Hotel
Day 9 (1 night), Laguiole, FranceSet on a hilltop outside of Laguiole, this unique hotel has beautiful guestrooms with private terraces and panoramic views across the Aubrac Plateau. The sleek, modern style of the hotel blends into the surrounding environment and the hotel’s cuisine lives up to its 3-star Michelin rating.
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 (St. Nectaire, Laguiole, or Roquefort), 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 lovely hotel set among lavender fields. Depart on Day 12 via Avignon.
Massif Central / Ardèche Gorge / Vallon Pont-d’Arc - Days 10-12
Le Mas du Terme
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Barjac, FranceLe Mas du Terme is a modern hotel set just outside a charming village and surrounded by vineyards and fields of lavender. The pool area is lovely, and meals are served in a courtyard setting.
Prehistoric Caves and Great Cuisine of France
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Easy to moderate walks and hikes, 2-4 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day's hike)
