Dordogne: one of the medieval hearts of France

About the destination: Bordeaux is an exhilarating and sprawling city where wine still flows and churches still stand. Attractive shopping arcades and handsome 18th century riverfront facades decorate its streets. This city is a paradise for wine lovers and it’s a perfect choice for a romantic gateway. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Cathédrale St-André is the wide variety of flying buttresses that encircle it. To the right of the main portico is a 16th century buttress composed off a string of slender columns. Adjacent to the Church of St-Michel is the equally beautiful, free-standing bell tower, an imposing and hollow shell. If you ever wondered what Flamboyant Gothic was all about, these edifices provide an unsurpassed definition of that style. Also not to be missed is Bordeaux’s Romanesque representative, the Church of Ste-Croix, with its richly ornamented façade. And of course you cannot leave Bordeaux without visiting the Maison du Vin that offers free tastings of regional wines. The city is also within striking distance of the sublime, immensely enjoyable Dune du Pilat, a gargantuan mountain of silken sand that seems to bring out the acrobat in everyone.

About the destination: Sarlat-la-Canéda, or simply Sarlat, is a commune in the Dordognedepartment in Aquitaine in southwestern France. The most famous town in the region and one of the most renowned and visited in France. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The old town, dating from both medieval and renaissance times. • The cathedral was originally the church of Sarlat Abbey. Over the centuries it has been added to and transformed and is now a mix of Roman, Gothic and other styles. • The cour du cloitre and the nearby cour des fontaines and the cour des chanoines were all originally part of the abbey. • The jardin des Enfeus just above the cathedral is the ancient abbey cemetary and there are several sarcophagus and 'enfeus'. • 'Le Présidial'. This attractive 17th century building has an original lantern structure on its roof and was the headquarters of the royal court in the 17th century. It is now a well known gastronomic restaurant.

About the destination: La Roque-Gageac is a picturesque village located in the Dordogne region of France. Nestled between towering cliffs and the winding Dordogne river, this village is a popular destination for tourists seeking a taste of rural France. Visitors to La Roque-Gageac can marvel at the stunning architecture of the village's historic buildings. The ancient stone houses and narrow cobbled streets give the village a timeless charm that is sure to enchant visitors. In addition to its beautiful architecture, La Roque-Gageac is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The village is situated in the heart of the Dordogne valley, which is known for its rolling hills, verdant forests, and tranquil rivers. Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride down the Dordogne river, or explore the surrounding countryside on foot or by bike. One of the most popular attractions in La Roque-Gageac is the Château de Marqueyssac. This stunning 17th-century chateau boasts magnificent gardens, which feature over 150,000 meticulously manicured boxwood trees. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're seeking history, nature, or simply a taste of rural French life, La Roque-Gageac is the perfect destination for your next vacation. With its charming architecture, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, this village is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.

About the destination: Rocamadour is a commune in the Lot department in south-western France. It lies in the former provinceof Quercy. Rocamadour has attracted visitors for its setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, and especially for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims from every country, among them kings, bishops, and nobles.

About the destination: Bordeaux is an exhilarating and sprawling city where wine still flows and churches still stand. Attractive shopping arcades and handsome 18th century riverfront facades decorate its streets. This city is a paradise for wine lovers and it’s a perfect choice for a romantic gateway. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Cathédrale St-André is the wide variety of flying buttresses that encircle it. To the right of the main portico is a 16th century buttress composed off a string of slender columns. Adjacent to the Church of St-Michel is the equally beautiful, free-standing bell tower, an imposing and hollow shell. If you ever wondered what Flamboyant Gothic was all about, these edifices provide an unsurpassed definition of that style. Also not to be missed is Bordeaux’s Romanesque representative, the Church of Ste-Croix, with its richly ornamented façade. And of course you cannot leave Bordeaux without visiting the Maison du Vin that offers free tastings of regional wines. The city is also within striking distance of the sublime, immensely enjoyable Dune du Pilat, a gargantuan mountain of silken sand that seems to bring out the acrobat in everyone.