OUR DESTINATIONS
Let us help you find your perfect holiday by phoning us on
We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Europe
- France
- Dordogne and Lot
Dordogne and Lot
The Dordogne and the neighbouring Lot Valley is one of the most
beautiful regions in France, a magnetic holiday destination for
food lovers and nature enthusiasts. The area has remained fairly
untouched by 20th century development and tourism and the rural way
of life continues very much as it has for centuries. Local farmers
seem happy to live a fairly subsistence lifestyle, and village
markets continue to flourish long after they have disappeared from
the high streets of other European countries. This is due, no
doubt, to the local taste for fresh ingredients and their disregard
for what are regarded as draconian EU health and safety laws.
Dordogne is home to over 1,500 castles as well as 150
prehistoric sites, and thus has a huge draw for history
enthusiasts. There is a popular museum of medieval warfare at the
Chateau de Castelnaud in Castelnaud-La Chapelle, and the stone
villages of Rocamadour, Domme and La Roque Gageac are akin to
stepping into a time machine.
Although medieval villages and towns such as Conques, Cahors and
Montauban are starting to be discovered by tourists looking for a
more authentic France, they have managed to retain their old-world
charm. Visitors don't come here for a busy nightlife, or indeed for
the weather (which can be wet even in summer), but are drawn to the
stunning countryside, pâté, truffles, succulent Limousin veal and
fine wine.
Information & Facts
Climate
Dordogne experiences mild winters and moderate summers, which
can be long and very warm at times, making it the best time of year
to visit Dordogne and Lot. Average summer daytime highs range from
77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C) with occasional storms and showers.
Spring and autumn are mild with a higher chance of rain while in
late spring heavy rainfall can occur. Winters are generally mild
with short periods of cold weather with frequent rain.
Language
French is the official language.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can
be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels,
though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques,
particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not
accepted.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).