Rates Note:

Transfer Option:

Day 1   We will meet at the Birve train station at 2:30pm to begin our journey to the Perigord Noir. After gathering together we will travel to St Leon. This is an idyllic little village and a wonderful introduction to the French countryside. Nestled in a bend on the river, St Leon Sur Vezere was once a stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Compostela and the Romanesque church stands over the river like a lone sentry.
By late afternoon we have made our way to Le Relais de Cote de Jor near the village of St Leon. Welcome.
Lodging – Le Relais de Cote de Jor
Day 2  We will leave the inn by foot this morning and enjoy a quite wooded walk along the river to our van and the put in on the Vezere River. At first the river is broad and in an open valley, but soon it tightens up and like a ribbon winds through the woods.
By mid afternoon we have paddled our way back to St Leon. We will have time this afternoon to visit the prehistoric site at Castel Merle. Here we will get a glimpse of life over 25,000 years ago with cliff dwellings, artifacts and amazing paintings and carvings.
We look forward to returning to the inn in the late afternoon and perhaps going for a short walk or enjoying the spectacular view of the river and valley from the quiet gardens. We will gather for dinner and again enjoy a fine meal.
Lodging -- Le Relais de Cote de Jor
Day 3  After breakfast and packing our bags we will once again walk down to the river to our waiting canoes and continue down the Vezere. We settle into the rivers gentle pace as it weaves its way through this tranquil valley. Mid day finds us nearing La Roque St Christophe. This is a sheer cliff a half-mile in length, which is sliced into five shelves, one of which is the largest terrace in Europe. At one point in history these tiers were home to up to 3,000 people. It is truly a fascinating place and we will leave our canoes by the bank and take time to visit this very interesting site.
By mid afternoon we have paddled ourselves to Les Eyzies, ‘the capital of Prehistory.’ It is near here that the bones of Cro-Magnon man were found, and it is home to the Musee Nationale de Prehistorie. We will have time to settle into the Hotel du Passeur before walking to Grotte Font de Gaume. This is a truly remarkable cave with some of the finest prehistoric paintings in the area and the country. The cave walls are adorned with beautiful paintings and engravings in remarkable flowing lines dating from 12,000BP(before present). Using color-blowing techniques and the natural relief of the walls the paintings are extraordinary and will worth a visit.
Lodging – Hotel du Passeur
Note -- Dinner is not included this evening
Day 4  We have planned a leisurely morning today allowing you the option of relaxing at the hotel, exploring the village shops or visiting the museum. Tucked under the overhanging cliffs that dominate les Ezyies the museum is housed in a 16th century castle. The museum does a very good job of enabling visitors to form an idea of the chronology of the distant past, and provides a basis of comparison of the cave paintings in different grottos.
By morning we will have regrouped and are ready to continue our adventure. Today is market day in Sarlat. This ancient village provides an opportunity to wander through the narrow alleywayys adn cobbled streets. The streets are a living museum of architecture and the ambiance of the shops and cafes is mesmerizing.
From the charm of Sarlat we journey across the causses to the Cele Valley. along the way we may opt to visit Gouffre du Padirac and the hanging village of Rocamadour. By late afternoon we will have made our way to the quiet village of Marcilhac where we settle in for the next two evenings.
Lodging – Chambres d'Hote de Marcilhac
Note -- Lunch in Sarlat is not included today 
Day 5  After a leisurely breakfast we are off for a full day of paddling on the Cele. We will put in new St Sulpice. This narrow valley provides ideal canoeing, where quick water, stunning scenery and quaint villages around every bend. Espagnac-Ste Eulalie is a tiny hamlet watched over by a striking bell tower. It is a wonderful spot to get out of the canoes and wander around a bit.
By late afternoon we will have canoed back to the small village of Marcilhac and Madame Menassol's B&B.
Lodging – Chambres d'Hote de Marcilhac
Day 6   We continue where we left off yesterday by walking back to the river and our canoes to continue down the Cele. Similar to yesterday the river dances and weaves its way through this charming wooded valley. We will again have the opportunity to stop along the way and visit quiet riverside hamlets and enjoy lunch at a small café along the way. By days end we will have paddled nearly the length of the Cele and find ourselves in the village of Cabrerets. This small village is dotted with Chateaux including Chateaux du Diable and Chateaux de Cabrerets. Dating from the 14th century these chateaus are rich in history from the 100 year war and were home to Dukes and Lords of Aquitane.
Lodging – Hotel des Grottes
Day 7  Before getting back in our canoes this morning we have planned time to visit Grotte du Pech-Merle. This is perhaps one of the finest prehistoric painted caves still open to the public. The cave is decorated with magnificent Upper Palaeolithic works of art. There are over 80 drawings of animals including mammoths, horses and bison. It is both a feast for the eyes and the mind. To try and imagine life over 25,000 years ago is really quite amazing.
After our time at Pech-Merle we will head back to the river and our awaiting canoes. We will continue down the last section of the Cele and out to the Lot. The two rivers join and continue their path in a charming and somewhat larger valley.
The setting of St Cirq is spectacular, it hovers 330 feet above the Lot, overlooking the kind of dramatic sheer cliffs of Romantic poets. Its architecture is pure, harmoniously medieval, and meticulously preserved. The narrow twisting streets are home to art galleries, wine shops, cafes and small lodges. There is a breathtaking viewpoint of the river and surrounding lands from a rocky perch high above the abbey.
Lodging – Hotel La Pelissaria
Note -- Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 8  Today we have some choices. Some may choose to take an easy day, have a late breakfast, relax at the inn or spend time wandering through the village.
Others may choose to don their walking shoes and enjoy a lovely walk along the ridge above the Lot and to the Chateau de Cenevieres. This enchanting walk takes us along the colorful limestone walls of the river and through quiet pasture land. Our walk ends at the Chateau de Cenevieres where we look forward to an entertaining and educational tour of this magnificent chateau, which stands like a sentry over the river.
Lodging – Hotel La Pelissaria
Note -- Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 9   We will leave the Lot today and journey on to the Dordogne. On our way to this enchanting valley we may opt for a stop at one of the many small vineyards in this area. These small vineyards produce some of the finest red wines in the region and maintain a high quality of production.
We plan to put in near Calviac and and by the end of the day we will find ourselves pulling our canoes out at Monfort and finishing our day at Hotle Pech de Malet. Overlooking a wide area of the river valley and the surrounding countryside the small village of Montfort has always been a very active place with a rich history of river trade. The growth of the wine trade to England meant the need for wooden barrels and the transport of them by Gabarres, special river barges, down river. At the end of their journye of the boats were dismantled and the wood sold.
Lodging – Le Pech de Malet
Day 10  We call this our three castles and a cave day, and we are sure there will be something for everyone. The valley continues to unfold in front of us as we paddle leisurely downstream. From a distance the riverside village of La Roque Gageac comes into view. The golden stone houses seem to be piled one on top of the other as they climb the face of their protective cliff.
This village beckons to be explored and so we may opt to pull our canoes a shore and take some time to discover it on our own. This pleasant village offers enchanting views of the river from its upper streets as well as a fine period house with a round tower dating back to the 16th century.
From here we continue a short distance downriver to Castlenaud. High above the river sits Chateau Castlenaud an impressive castle that was controlled by the English during the 100 years war. We will beach our canoes below the bridge and you will have time to explore this wonderful village and castle at your leisure. A visit to the local wine shop (the cave)is a wonderful opportunity to sample some local wines and gastronomic delights like foie gras, walnuts and pates. If you are still hungry after our tasting you will find a variety of small outdoor cafes to choose from.
It is only a short distance from Castlenaud to Beynac, so you can linger as long as you would like before paddling to Beynac and the Chateau de Monrecour. The chateau is located just outside the village of Beynac and a short walk from the river. We will settle into the hotel for our final two evenings.
Lodging – Chateau de Monrecour
Note – Lunch is on your own today.
Day 11  Beynac castle stands majestically over the village and river like a feudal lord. After breakfast the energetic can opt to walk up to the castle, while others may choose to catch a ride. Few places can give a person a stronger sense of the medieval past than the Chateaux de Beynac. As you wander the castle grounds it is easy to feel yourself being transported back nearly one thousand years. You can retrace the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart and learn how he captured the original 12th century fortress.
After our time in the castle we will meet at the canoes for one more day of paddling on the Dordogne. The valley begins to open up today and we start to leave behind the cliff side villages and remnants of ancient man. However the river continues to unveil its magic and entice us to return to discover more of this enchanting place.
We will return to Beynac and the Chateau Monreour for our last evening. The chateau's tranquil grounds offer a grand view of the Dordogne river and the valley that we just explored.
Dinner will be an array of fine French food and wine. We will have time to recapture the highlights of our trip and perhaps begin to plan our next one. All too soon it will be time to say good night and prepare to return from this magical place to our homes.
Lodging – Chateau de Monrecour
Day 12   We return to the Brive train station by 1:30pm where we will say our final good-byes before going our separate ways. Please see the trip note supplement for train and travel details.

This trip is rated easy to moderate. We will be paddling on up to class II rivers, and hiking in open fells and mountains, 2 to 7 miles per day, following footpaths and carrying only a daypack. The paddles and hikes will range from 4 to 9 hours in length, with stops for picnic lunches. Elevations will not be high, but the hiking terrain can be rugged, with optional steep climbs over uneven ground.
This trip is appropriate for anyone in good heath, leading an active outdoor lifestyle. Generally the more difficult sections are optional and often we have more strenuous extensions available for those who desire a longer day. Please feel free to call our office, and often you can discuss the trip with a guide who has lead this trip and be able to share thoughts with you.
Travel in a foreign country requires one to be flexible and patient. Our trips are designed for flexible, energetic people who have a healthy dose of curiosity and enthusiasm about our world, and who like to be active. The most important requirements are a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude!

This list is intended to be skeletal, and we anticipate you will have your own ideas of what is "necessary." In general bring half the clothes you think you will need and twice the film.

Getting wet is always a possibility when participating in outdoor activities. Clothing has to keep you warm even when wet. Avoid cotton clothes for hiking and canoeing. The problem with cotton is that once it is wet it absorbs water and does not dry out quickly. Jeans, while fashionable and comfortable are unacceptable for outdoor wear.

The inns we have selected are informal, so “fancy clothes” are not necessary. Remember that the weather in France can change very quickly, even minute by minute. For summer trips the evenings can still be cool and possibly damp. Fall trips plan on dressing in layers, and Fall clothing should lean toward polypro, wool and/or fleece and good rain gear is important any time of the year.

· Passport (carrying a photocopy of your passport is also a good idea--just in case).
· Inns and B&B are casual so cotton or cotton mix clothing--for off river and evenings is appropriate.
· Sturdy, comfortable waterproof hiking boots .
· It does rain in France, so good quality rain gear is necessary and should include a jacket and pants
· Nylon pile, polypro or capilene undershirt and pants
· Lightweight/medium weight long sleeve top.
· Heavier weight fleece top or wool sweater for spring and fall trips
· Wide brimmed hat.
· Glasses/sunglasses with security strap.
· Sunscreen, insect repellent
· Lip balm, chapstick
· Water bottle
· Bandana
· Camera and film
· Day use backpack

Additional Clothes for Paddling
· Shorts
· T-shirts or comfortable paddling tops
· Canoe shoes that can get wet for paddling such as sandals, or booties.

Optional Gear
· Binoculars
· Pocketknife
· Swimsuit
· Collapsible walking stick
· Field guides, bird books, and travel books
· Journal notebook, pen, good book

Day 1 Le Relais de Cote de Jor
Day 2 Le Relais de Cote de Jor
Day 3 Hotel du Passeur
Note -- Dinner will be on your own this evening
Day 4 Chambres d'Hote de Marcilhac
Note -- Lunch is on your own today in Sarlat
Day 5 Madame Menassol's B&B – Chambres d'Hote de Marcilhac
Day 6 Hotel des Grottes
Day 7 Hotel La Pelissaria
Note -- Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 8  Hotel La Pelissaria
Note -- Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 9 Le Pech de Malet
Day 10 Chateau de Monrecour
Note – Lunch is on your own today.
Day 11 Chateau de Monrecour

Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. We provide three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).

If you’re traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will be charged.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.