Dordogne and the Rocamadour Hot Air Balloon Festival – NEW TOUR
-
Sarlat is a city of art and history © Déclic & Décolle
-
Dordogne-France-The-village-of-Domme-14653-©Declic-Decolle
The Dordogne region of France is renowned for its gastronomy, beautiful villages and towns, dark green forests and breathtaking panoramas. The annual “Montgolfiades de Rocamadour” (Rocamadour Hot Air Balloon Festival) takes place every last weekend in September. Surrounded by vertical cliffs and a 360° panorama, a plethora of hot air balloons from all over the world take to the air – an unmissable and unique event in Europe not to be missed!
Dates
24 September 2026
Day 1
Depart the UK
Travel to Dover for the ferry across to Calais and continue to the Paris area for an overnight stop. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Travel to Rocamadour
Depart after breakfast and continue to the journey to the Dordogne and our hotel in Rocamadour for the next 4 nights. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Day 3
At Leisure (Driver’s rest day)
Rocamadour is a stunning medieval village in southwestern France and is dramatically located on a cliffside overlooking the Alzou Valley. Known for its sacred sanctuaries and rich history, cobbled streets, ancient pilgrimage sites and panoramic views, Rocamadour offers a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely day of exploration and relaxation.
Explore the medieval village with a stroll through the shops and workshops of local artisans, whose main street has been voted the second most beautiful street in the world, alternatively take a ride on “Le Petit Train” (tourist train) which connects the Alzou Valley to the heart of the Sacred City.
Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.
Day 4
Rocamadour Hot Air Balloon Festival
Today is the highlight of the tour when you witness a host of hot air balloons take to the skies, creating a mesmerising spectacle against the backdrop of the medieval village and its UNESCO-listed sanctuaries. The festival features two daily launches—at sunrise around 8:00–8:30 AM and in the late afternoon at 5:00 PM—offering breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon and the surrounding valley. In addition to the balloon flights, the event includes entertainment and a brocante (flea market), culminating in a fireworks display.
Dinner is at the hotel this evening.
Day 5
Dordogne Scenic Drive – Martel, Sarlat and Domme
A scenic drive through some of the Dordogne’s picturesque medieval towns including Martel, Sarlat and Domme. In Martel, known as the “Town of Seven Towers,” stroll along its cobblestone streets and discover impressive architecture and scenic views. Sarlat, with its well-preserved medieval charm, captivates visitors with its narrow alleys, elegant squares and rich history and nearby Domme stands perched on top of a hill, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Dordogne Valley, along with its stunning bastide layout and atmospheric streets. Together, these three towns provide an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
A guided walking tour has been included in Sarlat where a local guide will highlight the town’s rich history, showcasing landmarks like the Place de la Liberté, a lovely square surrounded by wonderful buildings and a view towards the bell tower of the cathedral, Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral and the Maison de La Boétie. Learn about Sarlat’s evolution and it’s role during the Renaissance together with its famous gastronomy. Stroll along the pedestrianised Rue de la Republique which runs the length of the old town, with mazes of narrow streets either side.
Return to the hotel for a final dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 6
Depart Rocamadour
Depart after breakfast for the homeward journey, stopping once again in the Paris area for an overnight stay. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 7
Return to the UK
After breakfast, continue the journey home, driving towards Calais and take the ferry across to the UK.
Featured hotel
3* Hotel du Chateau Rocamadour
A charming 3-star family-run hotel nestled in a 2-hectare wooded park, just 200 metres from the historic Chateau de Rocamadour and just a few minutes’ walk from the tourist elevators that lead to the city centre. There are 57 comfortable bedrooms including 3 accessible tooms, lift, outdoor swimming pool, garden, shaded terrace, restaurant serving traditional and local cuisine. With its tranquil setting and proximity to the medieval town centre, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring the region.
| Departure date | 7 days/6 nights | Single supplement |
| 24 September 2026 | From £669.00 per person | From £208.00 per person |
Register now for 2027 for this event or alternative tours to the Dordogne area which are available year round.
