The Dordogne

Wednesday 23rd – Tuesday 29th September 2026

Given the Dordogne’s lush, fertile countryside and benign climate, it’s no wonder that prehistoric man chose it as a place to live. Today visitors are also attracted by the region’s natural attractions, plus its ancient towns, stunning scenery, wonderful cuisine and glorious sunshine. With average temperatures in the mid-20s in late September, our break should provide a welcome extension to our UK summer.

The holiday is based in the charming town of Libourne, which is situated at the confluence of the River Dordogne and its tributary, the River Isle. The maze of mediaeval streets and ancient courtyards that characterise the picturesque centre are a pleasure to explore, and we especially recommend the riverside walks and taking one of the boat trips available.

Holiday highlights, aside from your time in Libourne, include visits to idyllic Brantome, St Emilion, world-famous for its wine, Lascaux and Sarlat le Caneda, widely recognised as hosting the best food market in France.

Holiday Highlights

• Luxury coach travel throughout
• Return Channel crossings
• TGV tickets – Paris/Bordeaux/Paris
• Overnight stop-over in Paris on first night
• 5-night 4* hotel accommodation in Libourne
• Buffet breakfasts throughout
• Dinner in a local restaurant on three nights
• Entrance ticket for Lascaux Caves Centre
• Full sightseeing programme – see itinerary
• Provision for driver’s gratuity

Optional Supplements

• Single room – £340
• First-class travel on TGV – £100

Combining Luxury Coach & High-Speed Train Travel

This holiday dovetails luxury coach with high-speed train travel. The train effortlessly eats up the miles at speeds of up to 200mph, while the coach offers convenience, carries the luggage and cost effectively provides the transport for all the sightseeing excursions.

TRAVEL UNENCUMBERED BY LUGGAGE

Essentially, the coach drives from Dorking to Paris, where the group overnights. The next day, in the early afternoon, the group board a TGV for the 600 km down to Bordeaux, where the coach will be waiting to meet the group off the train before driving the 50-minute journey to Libourne. Coming home, a local coach will drop the group at Bordeaux St Jean station to catch a TGV back up to Paris, where the main coach will be waiting for you. From here the group head for the cathedral city of Amiens, enjoying an extended lunch stop before returning to Calais for our homeward crossing. Once back in the UK, the coach completes the journey, arriving in Dorking at around 21:30. Overnighting in Paris, and having the main coach depart Libourne after our visit to St Emilion means we enjoy the train journeys without our main luggage, with just a light overnight bag being required for our night in Paris and last night in Libourne.

The 4* Mercure – Libourne

The 4* Mercure is brilliantly situated in the centre of Libourne, overlooking the confluence of the River Dordogne and its tributary, the River Isle. A special pleasure when staying there are the stunning sunsets this particular location affords. As you would expect, the Mercure offers a high level of comfort. All rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed with private facilities, free wifi, flat-screen TVs, hair dryer and hospitality tray (tea & coffee). The Mercure also has a bar and a small garden, while breakfast is a continental-style buffet breakfast.

The Itinerary

Wednesday – After leaving Dorking at 08.00, the coach drives to Paris to arrive at the hotel by late afternoon. Having packed an overnight bag for our one-night stay in Paris, we wave goodbye to the coach with our main luggage as it heads south to meet us in Bordeaux. This means we can travel light on the TGV the next day. Once we have checked in, the evening is free for us to enjoy the French capital. With our hotel close to the Gare Montparnasse, it is in an area that offers a wonderful choice of restaurants and cafes.

Thursday – The morning is free in Paris. The hotel will store everyone’s overnight bags until it is time to stroll the short distance to the Gare Montparnasse to catch an early afternoon TGV to Bordeaux. The journey takes around 3-hours and your coach will be waiting to meet you and drive the group the 50-minutes to Libourne.

Dinner in a local restaurant is included on the first, second & final evening in Libourne.

Friday – After the journey the day is free in delightful Libourne. It’s a lovely little town, a pleasure to stroll around, especially along the river. With a range of restaurants, cafes and tourist shops, we can particularly recommend the 2-hour river cruises that depart from the town pier.

Saturday – The programme today features a scenic trip along the valley of the Dordogne to picturesque Sarlat le Caneda for Market Day, the town’s market being widely recognised as one of the best in France. The day will include a stop to visit the Lascaux Cave Visitor Centre.

Sunday – Still keeping things relaxed, the group heads into the beautiful region of Perigord, with a visit to delightful Brantome, a beautiful town even allowing for the high standards set by the Dordogne region. The coach will set off mid-morning and return by late afternoon.

Monday – The morning features a trip to the renowned wine town of St Emilion. The coach will return to Libourne after lunch, and the afternoon and evening are free. Those who want to can stay longer in St Emilion, it’s just 6 km and one stop by local train from Libourne.

Tuesday – A local coach will transport the group to Bordeaux Station to catch the train up to Paris, where the coach will be waiting to meet the group off the train. From here the group returns to Calais via an extended comfort stop in the cathedral city of Amiens. The anticipated time of arrival back in Dorking is around 21.30.