Rocamadour, The Dordogne & Hot Air Balloon Festiva

Day One
Early morning home pick ups as we travel to Dover for the ferry across to Calais and continue to the Paris area for an overnight stop. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day Two
We continue our journey this morning, heading to the Dordogne and our hotel in Rocamadour where we spend the next 4 nights on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis.

Day Three
A free day today - Rocamadour is a stunning medieval village in southwestern France and is dramatically located on a cliffside overlooking the Alzou Valley. Known for its sacred sanctuaries and rich history, cobbled streets, ancient pilgrimage sites and panoramic views, Rocamadour offers a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Explore the medieval village with a stroll through the shops and workshops of local artisans, whose main street has been voted the second most beautiful street in the world, alternatively take a ride on “Le Petit Train” (tourist train) which connects the Alzou Valley to the heart of the Sacred City.

Day Four
Today is the highlight of the tour when you witness a host of hot air balloons take to the skies, creating a mesmerising spectacle against the backdrop of the medieval village and its UNESCO-listed sanctuaries. The festival features two daily launches—at sunrise around 8:00–8:30 AM and in the late afternoon at 5:00 PM—offering breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon and the surrounding valley. In addition to the balloon flights, the event includes entertainment and a brocante (flea market), culminating in a fireworks display.

Day Five
An included excursion today featuring A scenic drive through some of the Dordogne’s picturesque medieval towns including Martel, Sarlat and Domme. In Martel, known as the “Town of Seven Towers,” stroll along its cobblestone streets and discover impressive architecture and scenic views. Sarlat, with its well-preserved medieval charm, captivates visitors with its narrow alleys, elegant squares and rich history and nearby Domme stands perched on top of a hill, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Dordogne Valley, along with its stunning bastide layout and atmospheric streets. Together, these three towns provide an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.A guided walking tour has been included in Sarlat where a local guide will highlight the town’s rich history, showcasing landmarks like the Place de la Liberté, a lovely square surrounded by wonderful buildings and a view towards the bell tower of the cathedral, Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral and the Maison de La Boétie. Learn about Sarlat’s evolution and it’s role during the Renaissance together with its famous gastronomy. Stroll along the pedestrianised Rue de la Republique which runs the length of the old town, with mazes of narrow streets either side.

Day Six
Depart after breakfast for our homeward journey, stopping once again in the Paris area for an overnight stay

Day Seven
After breakfast, continue our journey home, driving towards Calais and take the early afternoon ferry back to Dover and then head back to the North West for approx. 9pm

Other Information

Hotel du Chateau Rocamadour * * *

A charming 3-star family-run hotel nestled in a 2-hectare wooded park, just 200 metres from the historic Chateau de Rocamadour and just a few minutes' walk from the tourist elevators that lead to the city centre. There are 57 comfortable bedrooms, lift, outdoor swimming pool, garden, shaded terrace, restaurant serving traditional and local cuisine. With its tranquil setting and proximity to the medieval town centre, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the region.