The Lot Region Tour
Day 1
Pick–up from Brive Rail Station or Brive Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Beaulieu sur Dordogne.
Settle in and then be taken on an orientation around the medieval heart
of this famous town, often referred to as the 'Riviera of the Limousin'.
Marvel at the distinctive architecture, the focal point of the town, the Abbaye St Pierre with it’s famous portal and then a few meters down to the real lifeblood of the region, the Dordogne river.
One of the best-loved restaurants in Beaulieu is 'Les Flots Bleu' where you will have dinner followed by a short amble back to your accommodation. D
Day 2
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local produce sourced from regional specialist shops in town and delivered to your apartment. A mid-morning pick up will then escort you to the second most visited site outside of Paris; Rocamadour. This fascinating sacred site seems to literally hang from the cliff perched over the valley below and has been attracting christian pilgrims for centuries. As with many sites in this area of France, Rocamadour is famous as a most important stop off point for pilgrims on the famous 'Way of St James' (Santiago de Compostela). The “Black Madonna”, believed to have been carved by St. Amadour himself is believed to have inspired many reported miraculous healings over the centuries. You will have time for a light lunch at one of the many Brasseries in the area before a short drive to the Gouffre de Padirac. The most well known cave in all South-West France, this relatively recently discovered geological marvel will provide even the most ardent cave enthusiast with a jaw dropping fantasy of cave formations as you journey along a kilometre of walkways interspersed with two gondola style boat rides which carry your through this spectacular experience some 100 meters below ground. Return to Beaulieu where you can prepare for dinner at the charming restaurant right above the running waters of the Dordogne, 'Côté Dordogne'. B/L/D
Private Luxury
Escorted Tours
Day 3
Today we venture southward to two of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France'; Autoire and Loubressac. Wander through the beautiful streets and gaze at the expansive vistas all across the region from the vantage points around every corner. You will lunch at Le Relais de Castelnau Loubressac whilst continuing to enjoy the fantastic view. In the afternoon, we visit Saint-Céré. This is a delightful town which comes alive during the summer every year as it plays host to a number of festivals including the very significant Summer Music Festival which attracts world class artists to the three week long event. Heading back to Beaulieu, we make a stop at Bretenoux where we will focus on the old Bastide where you can admire this classic style of French life. We continue back to Beaulieu and a short rest before an evening at your leisure. B/L
Day 4
Today we take a short drive to the beautiful regional town of Brive. The commune was named 'Brive' until 1919, when it was renamed 'Brive-la-Gaillarde'. The word 'Gaillarde' (still used in current French) probably stands for bravery or strength in the city's name, but it can also refer to the city's walls.
The medieval centre is mainly a commercial district with retail shops and various cafés. It is also the location of the city hall, the main police station, and the Labenche museum.
We allow a couple of hours for you to stroll through it’s fascinating streets, taking in some of the beautiful atmosphere in this ancient city centre. Enjoy lunch at one of it’s delightful cafes and soak up the vibrant life.
A short drive after lunch brings us to the landmark town of Turenne (A Plus Beau Village de France), with it’s turreted Donjon and keep which forms an indelible image against the rolling hills of the Corrèze.
Returning to Beaulieu by late afternoon, we prepare for dinner at the nearby restaurant, Le Vieux Port. This is an iconic regional restaurant in an Auberge which has been run by the same family for 4 generations. Simply a must do.
You will be picked up and driven back to Beaulieu. B/D
Day 5
One of the regions most iconic sights is the town of Collonges La Rouges.
This magnificently restored town has been constructed entirely from the iron rich red local stone, creating a picture book village with a common uniformity not seen in any other town in France. Again, like many sights in this region, Collonges is an important stopping off point for pilgrims on the “Way of St James” and as such there is quite a range of accommodation available which of course double as great restaurant choices for the casual tourist. Wander through this fascinating village which of course has a large range of little shops featuring locally produced artisan pieces. There are photo opportunities at every corner.
There are many choices for lunch depending on your hunger .
Back on the road, we visit the pretty town of Curemente (Un Plus Beau Village). In addition to the round and square towers of its three castles and its 12C Romanesque church, the village also has several “noble houses” and a corn exchange dating back to the early 19C which houses a 16C cross shaft.
We next head to another “Beautiful Village”, this time it’s the village of Carennac.
On the banks of the Dordogne, this village has Renaissance houses with sculpted windows and brown roofs are clustered around an 11C Cluniac priory where French writer and prelate Fénelon once lived. Near the Romanesque church and its cloister, the Château des Doyens invites you to discover the treasures of this Pays d’Art et d’Histoire-labelled region to which Carennac belongs.
Evening dinner at “Le Beaulieu” restaurant right in the heart of Town. B/D
Day 6
Today we head west and one of the most well known towns of the region, Martel.
Wander the little side streets which all seem to lead to the old central square where the focal point, like so many towns, is the open-air meeting hall. All around the square you will find delightful cafes, restaurants and bistros, all abuzz with lunchtime activity. Why not choose one of these for a light lunch?
On our way back to Beaulieu, we will call in on the magnificent Castelnau Bretenoux where you can experience the grandeur of one of the most impressive castles in all of France. The views alone from here are stunning in all directions, but once inside you can enjoy a range of activities catering to all age groups including a guided visit to the state rooms.
Returning to Beaulieu, we prepare for dinner at Hotel de Turenne. B/D
Day 7
Heading out today, we visit the riverside town of Argentat. Sitting by the river and admiring the famous cobblestoned quays, you can enjoy a moment of repose whilst casting your mind back to the glory days when the famous Gabarres would begin the long journey from here all the way down to Bordeaux with cargo of precious local wood (mainly used for oak staves for cooperage and also for vine stakes). A short wander through the 'Old Town' will not disappoint.
We then return to Beaulieu where we will have a picnic lunch prepared for you set amongst the willows looking back at Beaulieu. A beautiful location just a five minute stroll from your front door. There is then time in the afternoon to wander the town of Beaulieu for one last time.
Aperatifs in the early evening and your own private concert of Flute and Voice French music given by your hosts.
Perhaps return to your favourite restaurant in town for dinner. B/L
Day 8
Pack up and return to Brive (Rail Station or Airport) for your onward journey
Costs: 8 Days – The Lot Region Tour
2 people $2695 AUD per person
3-4 people $2295 AUD per person
*7 Nights’ Accommodation Medieval Townhouse (19 Rue Ste Catherine)
*All Transfers. Brive Train Station or Airport
*Chauffeur driven to all sites. To and from Restaurants (out of town)
*All meals (according to itinerary) (excluding wine) (6D,3L)
*Breakfast Stocked daily with your choice of cereals, dairy, patisseries, bread
*Daily servicing of apartment
*All entry fees
**Final night (in house) private concert (French Music)
Does not include:
Airfares, Train travel from Paris, Insurance.