Caves & Castles
Small Group
Guided Archaeology Tours
& Self Catering Holidays
Dordogne, France
Cave Art & Castles Tours, Dordogne, France
Frequently Asked Questions
(and some Occasionally Asked Questions too!)
Q: How do I know my Tour will run?
A: We will only accept your deposit if we are confident that we can run a Tour. The minimum number to run a Tour at our published rates is 2 (sharing a double room) our maximum is normally 6. We will not cancel a Tour with only 2 people on it, so if you are first to book, you can confidently make your travel plans and if others book, we will give you a discount - we can’t say fairer than that! See Pricing of Tours. We will happily run a Tour for one person, but would have to charge extra. If we had to cancel your Tour for any reason, we would refund your payment(s) - request our Booking Conditions for further details.
Q: What is the maximum number of people on a Tour?
A: Our usual maximum number is 6 because some of the caves will only allow very limited numbers and we don’t want to split groups. Occasionally you may be joined on your Tour by non-residential guests, but only where we consider that it will work with a larger group
Q: What is the minimum number of people on a Tour?
A: One person, but it will cost a little more.
Q: I am travelling solo, can I book on one of your Tours?
A: We welcome solo travelers as you will see from our Visitors’ Comments. There is an extra cost, but we try to keep this to a minimum and be fair to you and ourselves.
Q: How fit do I have to be?
A: Some sites involve fairly steep walks on rough tracks, it usually takes about 10 minutes at a gentle pace and extra time can be allowed. Stopping to look at the scenery is always a good way of taking a ‘breather’. Seriously, if you’re happy walking up and down stairs, you should be ok - but contact us if you’re not sure, we’re happy to talk things through.
Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: Les Rosiers is our recently converted fermette (farmhouse). Each room has its own private facilities (shower, toilet, wash basin). Follow this link to our Accommodation page to find out more .
Q: Do you do non-residential Tours?
A: Yes, that’s not a problem - we are happy to advise you on alternative places to stay, depending on your needs or preferences. Sometimes our accommodation may not be available as we also offer Self Catering Holidays.
Q: Do you do Day Tours?
A: Yes, you can book Steve’s services as your guide/interpreter (with or without transport included) for a day or more.
Q: How do I get to you?
A: There are various ways - some people like to drive here as their time with us is part of a longer holiday and sometimes, travelling by car is simplest.
Nearest airports are Limoges or Bergerac - plus there is a new airport near Brive-la-Gaillarde which opened in 2010. To find out more - How to Get Here
Q: Do you organise transfers?
A: Yes, from/to any location - cost depends on arrival/departure point. We usually offer a free transfer from Brive-la-Gaillarde rail station (we meet trains arriving around 14.00 and the usual departure is around 14.00 at the end of your stay). This allows easy travelling from/to Paris, for example.
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance, but don’t insist on it - it is your decision. However, a good all risks policy will cover you for delays, lost luggage, cancellation and accident. It is well worth considering for the peace of mind it gives.
Q: The volcano eruptions in Iceland caused a lot of flight disruption. What if my travel plans were affected by something like that?
A: Since we are based here in the Vezere Valley, we are already in place. This simplifies things to a great extent, but whether you can get to us is another issue. There is no easy answer to this one, all we can say is that we would be as fair as we possibly can be and each case would have to be looked at individually. Let’s hope there is never the need. (It is a good reason for having travel insurance)