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Ancient Périgord
Nights: 7
Accommodation: La Vieille Auberge (3*), Souillac. Bedrooms here are simple, the focal point instead being the restaurant, which enjoys an excellent reputation for the delicious cuisine of Robert Véril. Day 1: choose to explore medieval Souillac, its 12th-century church and museum of automata (pay locally) or enjoy a challenging cycling circuit to the east, allowing you to explore the astonishing underground caves of Lacave and the attractive stretch of river towards Meyronne. Take time to admire the fine medieval town of Martel and views of the châteaux at La Treyne and Belcastel. (35km) Accommodation: La Vieille Auberge, as above. Day 2: leaving Souillac, you rise gently alongside the Borrèze stream to the plateau. The sleepy town of Salignac-Eyvigues, which is spread below the pepperpot towers of its château, makes a good stop for lunch. Take time to wander around the magnificent gardens at the Manoir d’Eyrignac, a rare and award-winning example of classic 18th-century French-style gardens with neatly manicured lawns, box hedges, ancient yew trees and cypresses (pay locally). You end the day with an exhilarating descent to Prats de Carlux. (27 or 32km) Accommodation: La Garrigue Haute (3* ferme auberge), Prats de Carlux. Joëlle & Daniel Boucherie welcome you warmly to their working farm, set in beautiful and peaceful countryside. The farm produces its own foie gras and pâtés, which you can buy to take home if you wish. Day 3: for your day in Prats de Carlux we suggest a circular route via the small private château at Roussie to Sarlat-la-Canéda, capital of Périgord Noir. Take time to stroll through the maze of ancient cobbled streets and courtyards, which are lined with 15th and 16th-century houses built of honey-coloured stone. If your visit falls on a Saturday, you will also have the chance to see the weekly market, where stalls sell geese, mushrooms, truffles and walnuts according to season. (22km) Accommodation: La Garrigue Haute, as above. Day 4: a lovely combination of rolling countryside and riverside trails, today’s route takes you through peaceful hamlets as you cycle south to meet the mighty Dordogne. The final section follows a wonderful cycle trail along the north bank of the river. (23.5km) Accommodation: Villa Romaine (3*), Carsac. Enjoy two nights of luxury at this beautifully furnished stone-built hotel that looks across the River Dordogne to the cliffs on the other side. There is an outdoor pool in which to cool off. Day 5: if you can tear yourselves away from the Villa Romaine, today’s suggested circuit is perhaps the highlight of your week’s journey, taking in two of the most celebrated and beautiful villages in the whole of France, as well as some memorable views of the Dordogne Valley – both from close quarters along country lanes and from magnificent viewpoints in the hills. There are a couple of steep climbs, which are balanced by some exhilarating descents, and you also have the option to extend your route to a third lovely village, Beynac-et-Cazenac. You cycle to a superb viewpoint then follow the river past the handsome village of Vitrac to La Roque-Gageac, where overhanging cliffs shelter ochre-coloured houses. From here, you continue to the fortified town of Domme, which boasts an unrivalled panorama of an entire, lazy loop of the Dordogne. (41km or 47km) Accommodation: Villa Romaine, as above. Day 6: leaving Carsac, you head east along the Dordogne's pretty south bank, with the option of taking a paddle downstream in a canoe (pay locally) to gain a different perspective on the landscape. Once back in the saddle, stop to admire the impressive château at Fénelon before returning to your starting point, Souillac. (30km) Accommodation: La Vieille Auberge, as above. Recommendations for extra nights: Villa Romaine (Carsac) for a day of relaxation. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: Dordogne Valley (grade 2), Timeless Tarn (grade 1-2), Danube Castles & Vineyards (grade 1-2) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airports: Limoges & Toulouse Extra night prices 2008
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back > Booking
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Heading north-west from the bustling market town of Souillac, the rolling landscape of farmland and woodland has an unspoiled and sleepy charm. Here, families have earned a living from their land and livestock for generations, and continue to supply fresh produce and delicacies such as foie gras, pâté and truffles to the region’s gourmet restaurants (as well as those of the world beyond). The ever-changing scenery, outstanding viewpoints, picture-book towns and sheer variety of accommodation are real highlights.
La Vieille Auberge, Souillac 
