18 day itinerary
Dordogne
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Itinerary
The Dordogne region in France is a treasure trove of history, stunning landscapes, and delightful cuisine, making it a fantastic destination for families. Here’s a fun and engaging 18-day itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and family-friendly activities. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive at . Pick up your rental car (a must for exploring the Dordogne!).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Explore the charming town of . Don’t miss the statue of Cyrano de !
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local bistro. Try some duck confit – a regional specialty!
Day 2: to
- Morning: Visit the to learn about local wines. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits!
- Afternoon: Drive to (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel and explore the medieval streets.
- Evening: Have dinner in the bustling , where you can find street performers and local delicacies.
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the (Wednesdays and Saturdays) for fresh produce and local crafts.
- Afternoon: Take a family-friendly guided walking tour of Sarlat. Learn about its history while enjoying the beautiful architecture.
- Evening: Relax at your accommodation or enjoy a picnic in a nearby park.
Day 4: Lascaux Caves and
- Morning: Head to to visit the . The kids will be fascinated by the prehistoric art!
- Afternoon: Explore and have lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner. Try a local creperie for a fun family meal!
Day 5: and
- Morning: Drive to , a beautiful bastide town. Enjoy the panoramic views from the cliffs.
- Afternoon: Head to , where you can take a family-friendly canoe trip on the Dordogne River.
- Evening: Dinner in with a view of the river.
Day 6: Beynac-et-Cazenac
- Morning: Visit the stunning . The kids will love exploring the castle grounds!
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch by the river and then take a leisurely walk through the village.
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner and perhaps catch a local performance if available.
Day 7: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
- Morning: Visit the , which has a fantastic medieval weapons exhibit.
- Afternoon: Explore the surrounding gardens and have lunch at the castle café.
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for a relaxed evening.
Day 8: Day Trip to
- Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour). Visit the famous pilgrimage site and its stunning cliffside village.
- Afternoon: Explore the sanctuaries and take the funicular for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in before heading back to Sarlat.
Day 9: The
- Morning: Explore the , visiting the prehistoric sites and caves.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic by the river and let the kids play.
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner.
Day 10: and the Dordogne River
- Morning: Visit the charming village of . Explore the market if it’s a Sunday.
- Afternoon: Rent bikes and ride along the Dordogne River. Stop for a swim if the weather permits!
- Evening: Dinner in .
Day 11:
- Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour). Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the old town and have lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner.
Day 12: The
- Morning: Visit the beautiful . The kids will love the maze!
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic in the gardens and take in the views.
- Evening: Dinner in a nearby village.
Day 13: The
- Morning: Take a scenic drive through the , stopping at picturesque villages like .
- Afternoon: Have lunch in and enjoy some time by the river.
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner.
Day 14:
- Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the famous .
- Afternoon: Explore the town and have lunch at a local bistro.
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner.
Day 15:
- Morning: Drive to , known as the "Venice of the Dordogne." Take a boat ride on the river.
- Afternoon: Visit the Abbey and enjoy lunch in the town.
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner.
Day 16: Relaxation Day
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax at your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit a local farm or vineyard for a family-friendly tour and tasting.
- Evening: Have a special farewell dinner in Sarlat.
Day 17: Last Day in Sarlat
- Morning: Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs and enjoying the local atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Visit any sites you may have missed or simply relax in a café.
- Evening: Enjoy a final dinner in Sarlat, perhaps at a restaurant with a view.
Day 18: Departure
- Morning: Check out of your accommodation and drive back to .
- Afternoon: Return your rental car and catch your flight home, filled with wonderful memories of the Dordogne!
This itinerary offers a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities, ensuring that every family member has a fantastic time. Enjoy your adventure in the beautiful Dordogne! If you have any specific interests or need adjustments, feel free to ask!