The weather is pleasant and sunny! Today we explore more of the Dordogne region. The two-lane highways wind through green acres of countryside estates and plant-life. Cows graze and deer skip about. You can almost picture children in their best summer clothes running through the grass, the world right in their backyard.
Our first stop, high up in the hills, is Rouffignac Cave, appropriately referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Prehistoric World.' We board a train that takes us nearly a mile deep into the dark, chilly cave. Our guide periodically stops to illuminate drawings of horses, bison, and rhinos that have been amazingly preserved. Unfortunately photos aren't allowed inside, but here is the cave entrance.
The highlight of your day is likely to be the canoe trip down the Dordogne River. Don't worry if you have never canoed before; the water is very shallow and calm, and the canoes sturdy. Your two-hour, seven-mile journey will take you past fortified hill-towns like La Roque-Gageac (where we first stop for lunch) and castle-topped Castelnaud, before culminating in the village of Beynac. You will paddle past chateaux, glide under bridge arches, and likely wave "bonjour" to the locals canoeing next to you.
A market greets us upon arrival. My friends and I pick up various items for a picnic, including cheese and baguettes, sun-dried tomatoes with garlic and mozzarella, dried sausages (there are even blueberry and donkey varieties for the adventurous), macaroons, and fruit cake.
Locals play boules, a popular pastime in France.
This looks like a fun way to do some adventurous calorie-burning...
We are rewarded with colorful scenic gardens, countryside homes, and sweeping vistas. I am delighted by the bouquet of smells around me: rosemary, flowers, food...
Back in town, we meet the locals: a sweet old lady who was flattered we would want to take her picture; a family that peacefully watches the boats go by; and a friendly puppy who mingled with us throughout our entire lunch.
We drive further north, strap on our life jackets, prep our water-proof
disposable cameras, and set sail down the Dordogne.
Hey, this town looks familiar...
When you tire of paddling, simply lay back and let the current take you down the river. Look up at the clear blue sky and watch the forests, hills, and rock towns glide past you. Welcome to paradise.
The canoe trip was an experience like no other, a lazy summer day in a whole new world. When we finish in Beynac, Phillipe drives us to the top of town, where we overlook the Dordogne region and all the little towns we just sailed by. The steep but gorgeous hike down affords views like no where else in the world. When we reach town, we cool off with gelato before driving back to Sarlat.
Goodbye, Beynac...
... hello, Sarlat!
My friends and I explore town before dinner.
It is dark by the time dinner is over. A late-night stroll caps off our evening.
Saturday is market day in Sarlat! The locals pour into the streets as vendors line the town with gorgeous displays of food, clothing, toys, and more. While many are on the prowl for a cute outfit, chic purse, homemade soaps, or fun finds for their children, I am on pursuit for the ingredients for a perfect picnic, which I share in a nearby park with Deb and Sam. While I could attempt to describe market day in Sarlat, I will let the pictures speak for themselves...
This little guy must have followed us from Paris. He joins us for our picnic.
The entire day is devoted to free time. However, Patrick has organized a hike through the countryside. We take the bus out of town, then follow a trail that was once the train tracks, back into Sarlat. We peacefully walk by summer homes before entering a sea of green trees and forestry. We wave to joggers and bikers who pass us; pet the cats that meow hello; notice snakes scurrying through the trees; and otherwise get to know each other during the 6-mile hike back home.
The entire day is devoted to free time. However, Patrick has organized a hike through the countryside. We take the bus out of town, then follow a trail that was once the train tracks, back into Sarlat. We peacefully walk by summer homes before entering a sea of green trees and forestry. We wave to joggers and bikers who pass us; pet the cats that meow hello; notice snakes scurrying through the trees; and otherwise get to know each other during the 6-mile hike back home.