2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Prehistoric Caves & Great Cuisine of France DORDOGNE TO THE ARDÈCHE

From the green Dordogne Valley to the spectacular gorges of the Ardèche, we bring you delightful hikes, amazing cuisine (with two dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants), and a fascinating look into a treasury of astounding cave art. Across the sublime landscapes of southern France, Paleolithic cultures created immense galleries of mystical paintings. We’ll explore World Heritage-listed caves as well as remote, off-the-beaten-path sites that few travelers see. We’ll also go wine tasting, meet chefs and artisans, hike to villages, and enjoy market day in medieval Sarlat. Our adventure concludes in the dramatic Ardèche region, with an opportunity for a hike or kayak trip on the river. Days 1-4 Saint-Émilion / Les Eyzies, Capital of Prehistory Meeting in Bordeaux, we hike through the region’s famous vineyards to Saint-Émilion, with a tasting at the Château Guadet wine estate, where we are welcomed by Guy-Pétrus Lignac, the proprietor and a descendent of the winemaker at

Château Pétrus, one of Bordeaux’s legendary wineries. In Les Eyzies-de- Tayac-Sireuil, we’ll be joined by a gifted expert to explore the twists and turns of magnificent galleries of Paleolithic art at Rouffignac, Font-de- Gaume, and special lesser-known sites. Days 5-7 Market Day in Sarlat / Château de Beynac / Lot Valley / Grottes de Cougnac We experience the lively market day in Sarlat, hike along the Dordogne River, visit the stunning clifftop castle of Château de Beynac, take a cooking class at our country inn, and visit the off- the-beaten path gem of Grottes de Cougnac, twin caves with fairytale stalagmites. Days 8-9 Aubrac Plateau / Laguiole / Michel Bras Crossing the wild moors of the Aubrac Plateau, we visit Laguiole, where renowned knives have been produced since the Middle Ages, and hike across the herb-scented hills of the Aubrac. At world-famous Michel Bras, a chic boutique hotel with a restaurant that has earned three Michelin stars, we enjoy a special dinner and a warm welcome from the Bras family. Days 10-12 Massif Central / Ardèche Gorge In the deeply rural Massif Central, we sample the famous cheeses (perhaps St. Nectaire or bleu d’Auverne), then explore the Ardèche Gorge, formed by the turquoise waters of the Ardèche River. We’ll visit the incredible Paleolithic paintings at Caverne du Pont-d’Arc, and kayak (or hike) along the river. Depart via Avignon.

ANNIE HAWKINS

on Day 12.

HIGHLIGHTS • Cross southern France from the Dordogne Valley to the spectacular Ardèche Gorge • Visit fantastic galleries of Paleolithic cave art with a celebrated expert • Savor dinners in two Michelin-starred restaurants • Visit medieval Sarlat, one of France’s most beautiful villages • Kayak or hike along the dramatic gorge of the Ardèche River DETAILS • 12-day trip begins in Bordeaux and ends in Avignon • 11 nights charming hotels and inns • All meals included except 2 lunches and 2 dinners

Our unique journey, designed by our French expert, brings you into the heart of ancient France, from its evocative prehistoric caves to hidden hilltop villages. PHOTO: GROTE CHAUVET

DATES May 14-25, 2019

Jun 11-22 Sep 10-21

TRIP COST $7795 (10-13 members) $8295 (5-9 members) Single supplement: $1080

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 Easy to moderate walks and hikes, 2-4 hours a day, van support

BERTRAND RIEGER

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