Tastes of the Dordogne, 5 Day Wine & Gourmet Tour

Hotels & restaurants

HOTEL
Château des Vigiers Golf & Country Club
The 4* Château des Vigiers Golf & Country Club is located at Monestier near Bergerac. Known as the ‘Petit Versailles’, it’s an internationally renowned luxury hotel dating back to 1597. A producer of its own award-winning wines, it has two restaurants, the Michelin starred restaurant ‘Les Fresques’ and the Bistro des Vigiers which serves many local specialities and has magnificent views over the Perigord. It has a variety of room types many with antique furnishings, a Health Spa a heated outdoor pool and a magnificent 27-hole championship-style golf course set around the historic Chateau.

RESTAURANTS
Les Freques – Château des Vigiers Golf & Country Club
Situated in the East Wing of the Chateau,this Michelin starred restaurant is distinguishable by its elaborate cuisine made using only the freshest local and seasonal produce. The menu is redesigned each week and new dishes – as well as traditional favourites – can’t fail to impress even the most discerning palate. Inside the enchanting and elegant decor has a frescos wall, which combines warm shades of colour and picture windows to evoke an inviting and intimate atmosphere. On summer evenings, dine “Al fresco” on the terrace and experience wonderful views across the lake and vineyards.

Bistro des Vigiers – Château des Vigiers Golf & Country Club
Set in the old wine making building, this relaxed restaurant imparts the cordiality and conviviality of its origins. Inside, the restaurant’s vast vaulted ceiling and warm open fire portray rural charm.
Outside, the elevated terrace is perfect for dining in peace and tranquillity under an ancient walnut tree, surrounded by views of the lake, parkland and Château. In the constantly changing A La Carte menu you will find famous regional specialities such as Magret de Canard, Confit and home-made Foie Gras. There are also lighter lunches, dishes to share and the ‘On the Blackboard’ menu offers a starter, main course and dessert at a fixed price at both lunchtime and evening.
Cote Bastide – Ste. Foye la Grande
This Michelin rated restaurant is located a slight distance from the town centre has a delightfully discreet dining room and a terrace. The tasty cuisine moves in step with the seasons while triained sommelier Cedric chooses the best wines (notably Bordeaux) to accompany the dishes concocted by his partner Laurence. A duo that works wonders!

Le Relais de Monestier
In the heart of the village of Monestier, between the Bergerac and Saussignac vineyards, lies the gourmet restaurant Jean-François and Stéphane reopened in December 2015. Inside a bright and cozy restaurant, with a roaring fireplace in winter, outside in summer a shaded terrace overlooking the church and bell tower. A very warm welcome awaits you with a varied menu, which is changed on a regular basis.

Places & attractions

PLACES
Eymet
The medieval town of Eymet nestles in a crook of the River Dropt on a site occupied since prehistoric times. Founded in 1270 by Alphonse de Poitiers it now stands as a powerful testament to a turbulent past. Popularly known as “France’s little England” it’s the economic centre of the area with a multitude of shops, restaurants, sporting, cultural and leisure facilities. In 2011 it was featured in an ITV 1 “reality” series Little England.

Bergerac
One of the most important towns in the Dordogne region. The Old Town of Bergerac has beautifully preserved Medieval and Renaissance architecture. A sightseer’s paradise, with tiny streets and squares to explore. Amongst the historical monuments is a statue of Cyrano de Bergerac, (although he never lived there. Its numerous restaurants and open air cafes offer a mixture of traditional French cuisine and its many small boutiques feature local crafts and gifts

Saint Emilion
The scenic hill village is a very unique site were world-famous wineries, fine wine, beautiful architecture and great monuments are a perfect match. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to prehistoric times and while there is beautiful architecture in the village to admire, such as the The Pey-Berland Tower, the Saint-André Cathedral, the Porte Cailhau, the Grand-Théâtre or the Place de la Bourse. it’s what’s underground that sets St. Emilion apart. In the 8th century, a hermit named Emilion settled in a small cave with an underground spring. Over the next 500 years the cave was enlarged to create the world’s largest monolithic cathedral. This is a truly magnificent monument and one that is a must see on any visit to St Emilion. After a tour of these major historical sites, lunch is taken at the 2-Michelin-Starred restaurant at the Hostellerie De Plaisance Hotel.

ATTRACTIONS
Chateau La Croizille – Saint Laurent des Combes
This highly respected vineyard is located on the hills of the Saint Emilion plateau, on one of the richest terroirs of the appellation and was bought by the De Schepper’s family, owner of the nearby Château Tour Baladoz in 1996. Their aim was to make an exceptional wine, combining historical know-how with the latest technologies. This has resulted in the Chateau being rewarded with two Best of Wine Tourism trophies, including the 2015 International Gold Trophy.

Chateau Moulin Caresse – Saint Antoine de Breuilh
In a privileged location at the gates of Perigord, this vineyard, owned and run by the Deffarge family has been producing wine since the 18th Century. Jean-Francois and Sylvie make and exciting range of wines incorporating the very best in modern winemaking techniques. Their Montravel Sec being one of the most popular white wines.

Chateau Le Chabrier – Razac de Saussignac
Originally a medieval fortress it’s now a small vineyard owned by Pierre Carle. A producer of dry white wines, sweet, pink and red wines, Pierre’s tour through his entire operation explains the age-old techniques of wine making and the art of barrel aging. The tastings at the end including a red amongst the best in Bergerac are a real treat.

Chateau Richard – Monestier
A pioneer in the small AC of Saussignac, this half-English, half-French grower is fanatically organic and produces luscious Saussignac and a range of dry whites and reds Vins de Bergerac. Winemaker Richard Doughty has eccentric views about the ageing of wines, and is an enthusiast for old barrels.

Dordogne River Cruise
Board a 18th/19th century replica Gabare (a traditional flat-bottomed boat) at the beautiful fortified village of La Roque Gageac for a 55 minute cruise. On the 6.5 km circuit you pass by or below five of the Dordogne valley’s most impressive chateaux. The cruise with English commentary audio guide provides an insight into the history of inland water shipping and the life of the boats men and women who lived alongside the Dordogne River.

Pechalifour Truffle Farm
For those interested in or lovers of Truffle, this is an experience not to be missed. The three-hour visit covers the connection between plants, trees and truffles, the different type of truffle and the harvesting of summer and winter truffles. You join Mr. Aynaud the truffle farmer and his dogs on a truffle search and afterwards Lunch in the farmhouse where the starter, main course and dessert all feature the truffle.

General tour information

Below is some helpful information about this tour and the Dordogne in general.

YOUR FLIGHTS
All return flights are direct and we have recommended those that you get the most from your experience.

London Gatwick to Bordeaux Airport
Departing Mondays at 0.835 and arriving at 11.20 (local time) and returning at 15.00 (local time) arriving at 15.45
EasyJet flights from Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, Luton & Manchester airports to Bordeaux are subject to seasonable availability on request.

London Stanstead to Bergerac Airport
Departing Sundays at 12.05 arriving at 14.50 (local time) and returning 10.25 (local time) arriving 11.05
BA offers some flights from London City airport availability on request.

YOUR ITINERARY
These are subject to availability and will be confirmed with you at the time of booking. There are minor differences in the itineraries for guests taking the Bordeaux or Bergerac flights. Please discuss your requirements and we will recommend the best option for you.

As with all Gastronomy Club tours the pace is relaxed allowing you ample time to appreciate the places you visit and the experiences you have. Your tour guide will be on hand to recommend the best way to spend the free time you have.

THE DORDOGNE
This is a department in southwest France, set between the Loire Valley and Pyrenees mountains and is one of its most beautiful and popular regions in South West France. With its medieval towns and villages, sites dating back to prehistoric times and stunning châteaux, it is a most picturesque area. It has its own particular style of cuisine based on the bounty of woods, countryside and rivers, so expect to eat wild mushrooms, duck, lamb and foie gras and sample some of the great wines produced in the region.

It’s also got its fair share of historical sites to visit such as the cave paintings in the Vézère Valley, like those in Lascaux Cave. The town of Périgueux is home to the Cathedrale St-Front, with its 5 domes, and the Vesunna Museum, built around Roman ruins. The medieval town Sarlat-la-Canéda centres on the Rue de la Republique and the Cathédrale St-Sacerdos.

However, the main draw for the hundreds of thousands of tourists, and the many Brits who have made their home there, is the laid back lifestyle. The balmy climate is perfect for sitting in pavement cafes people watching and almost every town and many villages will have regular markets where you can pick up a bargain or a memento. On this tour you will have plenty of time to explore and immerse yourself in the history, culture and relaxing way of life.