Canoeing on the Dordogne

Highlights

Safe, undemanding canoeing holiday on the most celebrated river in France. Great choice for families - all hotels have pools and you've the option to pre-book Headwater bikes for all non-canoe days making it easy to explore locally too.

Hostellerie de Meysset, Sarlat

This 3* traditional Perigord hotel, set in 3 acres of pine woods and gardens, enjoys an elevated position just 3kms above Sarlat. It offers complete tranquillity, wonderful food and fantastic views from its terrace over the surrounding valley. All 26 rooms have en-suite facilities with bath/shower, hairdryer, TV and direct telephone.

The cooking here is based on the wonderfully rich and gastronomic cuisine for which this region is famous. Expect to be offered house specialities such as magret de canard, foie gras, pommes de terre sarladaises - slices of potato sauteed in goose fat, with garlic, parsley and wild mushrooms: don't come here if you're counting the calories!

Hostellerie Fenelon, Carennac

This pleasant, traditionally Quercynois hotel is on the edge of Carennac - officially one of France's 'plus beaux villages' - next to the river Dordogne. The hotel's pool and dining terrace both overlook this mighty river.

The hotel's 15 rooms are all ensuite with either shower or bath. All are also equipped with direct telephone lines, television and hair dryers.

Further details on the hotel website.

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Hotel Grangier, Saint Sozy

The quintessentially French Hotel Grangier - run by the affable M Destannes and his family - is set in the heart of the tiny village of St Sozy. Aside from being the village's hotel and restaurant, it also houses the village 'tabac', making it the central hub of St Sozy!

The hotel only has 12 rooms, all of which are light and airy, and prettily decorated with colourful furnishings.

There is a lovely pool, with a separate table tennis area, in the gardens at the back of the hotel.

Further details on the hotel website.

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Hotel Le Quercy, Souillac

The Hotel Le Quercy is tucked away in a quiet side street, just 300m from the centre of town and a stone's throw away from the river.

Each of the hotel's 25 rooms are ensuite and have recently been refurbished and are light and airy, with a pleasant decor.

The hotel also has its own outdoor pool in the garden at the rear of the hotel.

As there is no breakfast room or restaurant at the Hotel Le Quercy, your breakfast (an extensive buffet!) and evening meal are taken next door, at La Vieille Auberge.

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Hotel Athenee, Toulouse

The 3 star Hotel Athenee has an ideal location, just 500m from Toulouse's Matabiau railway station, and a short walk from Place St Sernin, where you'll find the city's famous basilica. The hotel boasts modern yet stylish public rooms; of particular note is the pretty sitting room with its exposed stone walls which creates a cosy effect. The bedrooms too are all tastefully decorated and well appointed; all are ensuite with satellite tv, hairdryer, air-conditioning and mini-bar. The hotel also offers a laundry service and guests are welcome to use the safe at reception.

We have arranged for you to have continental breakfast here, as there is such a choice of restaurants very close by.

Further details on the hotel website.

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Hotel La Terrasse , Meyronne

The Hotel La Terrasse, ideally situated overlooking the Dordogne, is a converted C11 chateau, which has survived in spite of the turbulent history of the region. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s by the Liebus family - who still own the hotel - but it still retains many of its original features - wooden beams, exposed stone walls, stone fire places and stone spiral stairwell. Period furniture completes the impressive, yet comfortable, interior.

Your evening meal is taken in the hotel's restaurant, where the menu reflects the local specialities. If you eat on the hotel's terrace, you'll also get to savour views over the river!

Please note that this hotel is an optional upgrade for the Hotel Grangier in Saint Sozy.

Further details on the hotel website.

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Hotel Le Senat , Paris

Le Senat is a 3 star hotel but with a 4 star feel! There are just 41 rooms, all stylishly furnished and a couple of suites with terraces, if you really fancy splashing out! All have satellite television, mini bar, air-conditioning, safe and hairdryer, plus Internet access.

The hotel has its own small bar - adorned with photographs of eminent artists, being in the heart of the artists' quarter - plus a reading room with complimentary internet access.

Breakfast is taken in the basement, where you'll find a copious buffet of viennoiseries, cereals, fruit salad, ham, cheese, bread, yoghurt, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit juices, tea or coffee. If you prefer, you can have a continental breakfast served to your room at no extra charge.

Le Senat is perfectly located on a quiet side street just a stone's throw away from the Luxembourg Gardens and metro, 5 minutes walk from the vibrant Latin quarter, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants to suit all budgets.

Further details on the hotel website.

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