France - The Dordogne

Tour Code: FRA13

An 8-day holiday in search of the plants, birds and butterflies of an unspoilt and idyllic region of rural France.

8 days from
£1,995

Land only price from
£1,795

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Highlights

During this week-long wildlife holiday we will be based near Rocamadour, a spectacular medieval village, abbey and castle built into the side of a cliff. From our very pleasant village hotel, we will not only enjoy the local cuisine and wines, but explore – as much as possible on foot – the varied habitats of the surrounding countryside. This unspoilt and lovely part of France is a veritable paradise for the keen naturalist. Birds are everywhere, butterflies and other insects abound, whilst a bewildering array of wild flowers provides a sea of colour in meadows, hedgerows and woodland glades. This is southern England before the days of intensive farming and suburban sprawl … only with twice the number of species!

Daily wildlife walks – ideal for the all-round naturalist
Flowers, birds & insects in abundance
A profusion of spring flowers (including 25-30 orchid species)
Look for Hoopoe, Golden Oriole & singing Nightingales
Pretty medieval towns & villages
Typical Dordogne village hotel serving tasty local cuisine (& wines)
Expert leadership from a locally based Naturetrek naturalist

The Dordogne, one of the major rivers of France, rises from just below Puy Sancy, in the mountains of the Auvergne, and enters the Bay of Biscay by means of the Garonne estuary near Bordeaux. However, it is at the middle of its course, amongst the heartlands of rural southern France, that it is at its most beautiful, meandering so peacefully through wide limestone gorges and rolling hills bedecked with dense oak woodlands. Here, stunning ochre-coloured stone hamlets nestle in the valleys amongst walnut trees and fields of maize and sunflowers, whilst large villages cling precariously to the riverside cliffs or perch fortress-like atop hills and ridges, often huddling around an 18th-century chateau or the ruins of a castle dating back to the Hundred Years War with England.

During our week-long holiday we will be based near Rocamadour, a spectacular medieval village, abbey and castle built into the side of a cliff. Choosing a very pleasant village hotel, we will enjoy good local food and wines, and explore — as much as possible on foot — the varied habitats of the surrounding countryside. In mid May this unspoilt and lovely part of France is a veritable paradise for the keen naturalist. Birds are everywhere, butterflies and other insects abound, whilst a bewildering array of flowering plants provide a sea of colour in meadows, hedgerows and woodland glades. This is southern England in the days before intensive farming and suburban sprawl… only with twice the number of species!

One of the reasons for this great diversity is the varying density of the underlying limestone, a characteristic of this landscape being the spectacular cliffs, formed where the river’s course has been impeded by harder rock. Such broken country suits many birds of prey, including both Red and Black Kites, Honey Buzzard, Hobby, Peregrine, harriers, and even the occasional Booted Eagle, as well as Crag Martin and Alpine Swift. These limestone gorges also support a very rich flora, with orchids being particularly well represented. Most noticeable perhaps, with abundant large spikes, are the strange but beautiful Lizard Orchids, but Man, Military, Lady, Monkey, Burnt-tip, Bee and Fly Orchids are plentiful, together with Red, Sword-leaved and White Helleborines. Many other rare and beautiful plants can also be found, which helps explain the abundance of the many butterflies on the wing at this time of the year. Comma, Southern White Admiral, Cleopatra, Swallowtail, Scarce Swallowtail, Large Tortoiseshell, and numerous different fritillaries and blues are just a few of the species we should see.

Away from the river, the alkaline rocks have eroded to form a stony, mineral-rich red soil that encourages woodland, sparse grazing and just a few small cultivated fields. This is a rolling landscape of small villages and subsistence farming, absolutely brimming with wildlife. Flowery banks are everywhere, with more orchids and other plants, including Field Eryngo (Eryngium campestre), Meadow Clary (Salvia pratensis), Hoary Mullein (Verbascum pulverulentum) and White Flax (Linum suffruticosum), present. The rare cornfield weeds, Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), Corn Buttercup (Ranunculus arvensis) and Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago), can also sometimes be found in the small fields. This pastoral landcape is the ideal country for Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Wryneck, Melodious Warbler and more birds of prey, while the beautiful song of the Nightingale seems to emanate from practically every piece of scrub. Butterflies and other insects are again very abundant, whilst Green and Wall Lizards scamper away from our footsteps.

A little to the north-east of our base we will also explore the area where the river emerges from the hard volcanic rocks of the Massif Central plateau, to flow through the charming small market towns of Argentat and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. The predominant schist and sandstone rocks here give rise to acid soils, with a mixture of oak and Sweet Chestnut woodland, sandy heathland and damp boggy areas so markedly different in character from the habitats of our previous forays. Goshawk may be seen displaying on fine days and we have a chance of an elusive Hawfinch, Cirl Bunting or Firecrest. The flora is not so rich, but specialities like Summer Lady’s Tresses (Spiranthes aestivalis) and Spiked Rampion (Phyteuma spicatum) are likely to be seen. There is also a rare outcrop of Serpentine rock which has its own interesting flora.

This holiday offers the chance to enjoy a great diversity of species amongst idyllic rural scenery of a character which is fast disappearing from the rest of Europe. It also provides the opportunity to view and appreciate the superb architecture of this region, while also, of course, sampling the gastronomic delights of the food and drink for which it is justifiably famous.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Limoges/Brive and drive to the Dordogne

Day 2/7

Daily programme of natural history walks and excursions in the Dordogne region

Day 8

Fly London

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
A charming rural hotel with private facilities, serving excellent local food.
Food:
All included in the price.

Reviews

Bruce was an amazing tour guide. His knowledge was second to none and he went over and above to show us as much variety of wildlife as possible. He also arranged trips - cave and castle on the 1st 2 wet days which added interest to the holiday. The day trips were excellent- they couldn’t have been better.
S.G., Berkshire, May 25
An 8 day stay in a small country hotel which served delicious meals, was my introduction to the beautiful French countryside. We explored meadows and verges and several natural areas looking for flowers, insects and other animals. We went to a colourful market, visited a castle and a cave with Neolithic artwork. Our two guides were very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, as were many of the 9 clients. They also worked to accommodate individual interests and problems. Naturetrek has been my go-to tour operator for many years now. This was my 10th trip with them and I have loved every one of them. I really have no negative criticism, they are organized and have a stable of great guides.
S.V. Washington, USA, May 24
Having previously visited the Dordogne for two weeks of intensive French tuition, it was relaxing to just focus on the wildlife (especially the orchids) & sightseeing. I love the wildflower meadows and the pretty villages. Our two guides were excellent & complemented each other well, with one being the botanical expert & the other local guide organising our off-the-beaten-track itinerary & lunchtime picnics. Staff at the hotel were extremely accommodating & the 3 course evening meals were fantastic. Our bedroom overlooking a swimming pool was quiet, cool and the bed was comfortable. Fittings not high quality but perfectly adequate. The dining area and bar were more characterful. The countryside surrounding the hotel was unspoilt - lovely to hear cuckoos throughout the week & spot blue tits feeding their young in the brickwork of the main house! Great to see so many species & a profusion of butterflies - sadly in contrast to the UK. Another highlight was the content of an overnight moth trap, notably a Giant Peacock moth, Cream-spot Tiger moths & two species of hawkmoth. I had seen the medieval town of Sarlat during my previous visits to the Dordogne but not the clifftop Rocamadour or any of the other villages. The Naturetrek office provided detailed, personalised pre-departure information, including trip reports from previous years. We have joined several Naturetrek trips since 2018, notably to Madagascar, The Gambia, Scotland & Dorset. This latest holiday did not disappoint!
H.G. Hertfordshire, May 23

Jason, our guide, made the trip. He was very thoughtful and showed & taught us so many things in the realms of birds, flowers, butterflies, moths, insects, and even frogs! Also we had a lovely group of travelling companions and everyone shared their enthusiasms. Having a mixed interest trip was the right choice for us.
S.I. West Yorkshire, May 19

The trip took in a variety of landscapes, with a chance to find birds, butterflies and wild plants with the help of our knowledgeable guide. We were based in a small, friendly and excellent guest house throughout the week. The food was plentiful and featured local specialities. Picnics organised by our leader were varied and included local produce. Walks were not strenuous- routes were planned to cater for different abilities amongst our small group. We also enjoyed the chance to visit some of the local towns and villages.
M.R. Kent

The trip represented, not only the experience of the wonderful nature found in the Dordogne, brought to life by our fantastic tour guides Mark Galliott and Malcolm Stott, but also gave us an insight into the French way of life. The team leaders coped with all the guests’ various needs and made it a wonderful holiday for all.
V.B. Ceredigion

Mark and Sue Galliott did their very best to make this an interesting and enjoyable week. The hotel was an exceptionally good choice with excellent bird and plant life as well as a swimming pool!
M.R-F. Norfolk

The holiday was very enjoyable and the tour leader, Mark, was very friendly and knowledgeable. The only thing that prevented the holiday from being 'excellent' was the disappointing weather - and that is something none of us can do anything about. Mark sensibly rearranged some of the itinerary to suit the weather conditions and included a very interesting visit to Castelnaud. The accommodation was good and the food at dinner was superb. All the staff at the hotel were very pleasant.
J.S. Devon

Mark was an extremely affable, friendly and helpful leader. He was concerned we should see as much as possible, in spite of the inclement weather conditions. He worked hard to give us a memorable and enjoyable week - and succeeded. He was open to suggestions from the group and willing to accommodate ideas where possible. He has an impressive knowledge of the plants we saw and knows the area really well. He was a very good, safe driver.
D.S. Devon

The hotel was well placed in a lovely setting. The room we had outside the hotel was well appointed and very clean. The staff in the hotel were helpful and pleasant and the food was superb and very well served. Despite the variable weather, Mark worked very hard to provide an entertaining and informative visit.
Mr & Mrs G. Somerset

Choice of hotel excellent - warm, friendly, family-run. Location perfect. Food excellent - catered for vegetarians well. Local wines not overpriced. Walks exactly as advertised - not challenging but interesting. Jason drove well.
B.A. Australia

We were a friendly and happily balanced group of eight "Trekkers" who took an interest in all areas and aspects of the programme and showed patience, maturity and the necessary give-and-take in situations where the programme may not have been centred on their own particular interests. It turned out that we were the only two 'botanists', the others being 'birders' but this didn't seem to matter too much. Jason had great strengths in both areas - and butterflies too - and turned out to be a very good facilitator and coordinator in all three areas.
A & A.W. Dorset

Jason, our tour leader, was excellent and very informative on all aspects of the flora, birds and butterflies and the hotel staff were friendly and food was great. A really good week. Thank you.
T.S. Bedfordshire

The leader, Mark Galliott, was very good indeed. He adapted the itinerary to fit the weather conditions and was keen to ensure all the group members got maximum enjoyment. The small family-run hotel used was good too and the evening meals were good. The picnics were excellent! Certainly a trip I would recommend to others!
Y.D. Cleveland

I enjoyed the holiday. It seemed to me to provide a good combination of pre-planned walks with the flexibility to take advantage of situations as they arose. Mark's knowledge of the local topography and different habitats was really useful in order to understand the botany of the area. The orchids in the Dordogne were particularly impressive, not just because we were taken to see the rarer species, but also because the area had such a large number of the really showy species and natural hybrids.
D.R. Sussex

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Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Fri 8th May – Fri 15th May 3 £1,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Bruce Middleton

Tour Leader: Bruce Middleton

Bruce Middleton lives in Hampshire and is a botanist, ecologist, wildlife artist, wildlife photographer and a honey bee keeper. He has worked for a range of voluntary organisations such as: British Trust for Volunteers and the British Trust for Ornithology. Bruce has had over 25 years in landscape and species conservation management working for West Sussex County Council, Sussex Downs Conservation Board, South Downs Joint Committee and the South Downs National Park Authority. He is currently a freelance wildlife Consultant and surveyor. He has an all-round interest in natural history who loves botanising all over the British Isles and Europe.

2027

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 8th May – Sat 15th May SPACES £1,995

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£1,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - May 2017

Tour report - May 2016

Tour report - May 2015

Tour report - May 2014

Tour report - May 2013

Tour report - May 2007

Tour report - May 2006

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!