0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Getaways, the travel show where we go where you want us to go.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10This week we're camping in the Dordogne in the southwest of France.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14On our website we asked you for your recommendations of what to do here, and what to avoid.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17We flew from Dublin to Toulouse,
0:00:17 > 0:00:21and hired a car for the two-hour drive to our camp site in Sarlat.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25So Aoibhinn, what are you expecting of this trip?
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Well, I'm used to camping at festivals,
0:00:27 > 0:00:29so I want to see what it's like camping for a week on holiday.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32I want to see how it compares to the average camping experience in Ireland,
0:00:32 > 0:00:36which normally involves chasing a tent in high winds across a field full of cattle,
0:00:36 > 0:00:39using leaves for something nature definitely didn't intend...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Well, this area's really rich in culture and history,
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- so I'm looking forward to seeing all the sights as well.- On y va.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49'Coming up, we explore family days out close to the camp site...'
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Joe, I will kill you!
0:00:52 > 0:00:56'..sample some local delicacies, thanks to two clever canines,
0:00:56 > 0:00:58'and I take a short break in County Kerry.'
0:00:58 > 0:01:02'We're staying in a region known as Le Perigord Noir,
0:01:02 > 0:01:04'in a camp site called La Palombiere
0:01:04 > 0:01:07'where you can stay in mobile homes or in tents.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10'You've been sending us your tips, advising us
0:01:10 > 0:01:13'how to get the most out of a camping experience.'
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Andrea from Belfast said that it's really important that you get to know your neighbours.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22The success of your holiday can depend on the kids meeting
0:01:22 > 0:01:25others their own age, and if they're happy campers, then so are you.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Fiona Kingston from Macroom in County Cork suggested that
0:01:30 > 0:01:33when choosing a site, try and get one with a pool and a couple of water
0:01:33 > 0:01:36slides as it will pass quite a few hours of the day for the kids.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38This place has two of them. That should do the trick.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43You will need to hire a car to get around, but at this camp site
0:01:43 > 0:01:46you can also hire bikes to explore the surrounding area.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Plan your meals well. For my money, barbecuing is the way to go.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54There is a shop on site you can get all your supplies,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57but only ten minutes down the road is a bigger supermarket
0:01:57 > 0:01:59that is that wee bit cheaper.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Sausage, anyone?
0:02:04 > 0:02:08To kick-start your holiday, try a day trip to La Roque-Gageac,
0:02:08 > 0:02:10which is a 20-minute drive from the camp site.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15La Roque-Gageac spreads beneath the caves
0:02:15 > 0:02:17that are set into the cliffs above the village.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20It's made it onto a list of the most beautiful villages in France,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24and Aileen from Sligo, who now lives in France, says that you won't be disappointed
0:02:24 > 0:02:27if you visit any of the villages on this list.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31The downside to this is that there are bus-loads of tourists
0:02:31 > 0:02:34coming to see the place, so it gets really crowded and really noisy.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38So I recommend you come early in the morning when it's a little bit quieter.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45The views of the Dordogne are just gorgeous here.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51The village is a popular spot for picnicking,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53especially along the river bank, which is
0:02:53 > 0:02:56a perfect vantage point for another stunning view.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59La Roque-Gageac has always been an important trading point
0:02:59 > 0:03:03along the Dordogne, and goods were transported for centuries in boats called gabares.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07Now, replicas of these boats are available for hour-long cruises,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09and I'm looking forward to taking in the scenery.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21On this stretch of the river goods such as oak, chestnut, cheese and wine would be transported,
0:03:21 > 0:03:26and on the return imported goods would be brought back such as salt, wheat salted fish.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29There's a towpath that more or less follows the river along,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31and a team of up to 20 or 30 people
0:03:31 > 0:03:34would be required to haul the boat back upstream.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Now, that's a bit of a work-out.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Along the way, a commentary will fill you in
0:03:40 > 0:03:42on some of the stories behind the sights.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49This is a lovely, relaxing way to see the area
0:03:49 > 0:03:51and hear all about its history.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03While Aoibhinn explores the river, I've taken a ten-minute drive to Sarlat,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05which is the closest town to the camp site.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Il est bon, eh...?
0:04:09 > 0:04:10Karen McCarthy from Dublin told us
0:04:10 > 0:04:14you should try and get to the market around 8:30 in the morning.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19That's when all the locals go, and that's where you can stock up on some delicious local produce.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Allez, messieurs, dames, si vous voulez gouter mon vin...
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Est-ce que je peux gouter...?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Merci.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Magnifique. Merci bien.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38As you walk round the market you will be bombarded
0:04:38 > 0:04:42with just incredible aroma - flowers, meats,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46but undoubtedly the strongest of all, the cheese!
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Il faut le boire un peu plus frais normalement...
0:05:05 > 0:05:07You know what, you definitely have to come to the market,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10you will experience the real France.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Everything you're buying is probably from two or three miles away.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17You'll be able to stock up for your barbecue, or get yourself some great presents to take home.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23It's worth making a return trip to Sarlat when the market isn't on -
0:05:23 > 0:05:26it's got some great gift shops, affordable restaurants,
0:05:26 > 0:05:31and the history buffs among you will enjoy wandering its medieval streets.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36This is newly opened. It's a glass lift to the top of this building
0:05:36 > 0:05:39which apparently affords you the best view of the town.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40Let's go check it out.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Blimey. That is one fantastic view.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Oh... That's quite weird.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Because look up... No roof on the lift.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Kind of like a moving balcony up.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08While Joe enjoys the views of Sarlat from above,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10I'm still exploring the river.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16You advise us that we can't go on holiday here without taking a trip on a canoe down the Dordogne -
0:06:16 > 0:06:18apparently it's one of the best ways to see the river.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21And when you think about all the people and stories
0:06:21 > 0:06:23and events that the river's witnessed over thousands of years,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27I think I'm really going to enjoy gliding along it for a couple of hours.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35This is something really special.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38You're passing villages and scenery from a totally different perspective.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51You can hire these canoes for 15 euro a day on their own,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53or pay extra for a guide.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00I really, really enjoyed that,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04it's such a chilled-out way to see the river. It's just beautiful,
0:07:04 > 0:07:08the birds and the trees...but your arms will be sore at the end of it.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13If you'd prefer something with a bit more adrenaline, why not try this?
0:07:20 > 0:07:21Hey, all you thrill-seekers.
0:07:21 > 0:07:2616-year-old Daniel from County Antrim has holidayed here with his parents three years in a row,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29and he highly recommends a bit of a tree-top adventure.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31So we're going to go for a walk in the trees,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34and I haven't done it before, but it looks pretty easy from here.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- These harnesses are good. - They're really comfortable.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- You're wobbling this, aren't you? - I'm not.- You are!
0:07:41 > 0:07:42Just keep looking straight ahead.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45I can feel you just staring at me, making it wobble.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46JOE SINGS NONCHALANTLY
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Good work.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Joe, I will kill you.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58What, what am I doing? I'm not doing anything, look.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Well, there's loads of different levels here
0:08:00 > 0:08:03so the kids would happily spend an afternoon here.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05And even if you're afraid of heights like me,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07you still don't to feel like you're too high up, and let's face it,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11who doesn't want to spend the afternoon acting like Indiana Jones?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Acting like something else, I think, as well.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18This might be a little off the beaten track, but my next trip
0:08:18 > 0:08:22is an interesting way to explore one of the region's specialities.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Truffles are a bit of a delicacy here.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29If you want a bit of a foodie day out,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33you can come along to a place like this and discover how they're found.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38This is Edouard la Truffe, or Edward the Truffle -
0:08:38 > 0:08:41he is a man notorious in the area for having the greatest truffles.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Edouard - regarder dans la boite?
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Oui. Vous allez sentir.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48I've never actually seen a truffle in my life.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- Et voila.- That's a truffle?
0:08:52 > 0:08:56Look at the size of that fella there!
0:08:56 > 0:08:57Wow.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03'Edouard has two faithful friends to help us on our expedition.'
0:09:03 > 0:09:06On va prendre les chiens, puis on va aller chercher les truffes.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- Oh. You take the dogs, we go look for the truffles.- OK?- All righty. Tito!
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Allez, Tito. On y va. - Allez. On y va.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19'Truffles are a very expensive delicacy that grow underground.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24'You can accompany Edouard and his dogs on a truffle-finding trip to see how they are unearthed.'
0:09:27 > 0:09:29It's incredible to watch.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33Because he trains them with little treats from when they're very small pups,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35they get a little container with truffle oil in it.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37So when they smell the truffle oil, if they find it,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40he'll throw it in the house, they go and get it.
0:09:40 > 0:09:41Cherche...
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Yeah...
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Yeah!
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- Look at that. Very nice. - C'est tres bien, ca.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Bien.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Your money, please.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- How much?- Money...
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- I helped find it, so we split down the middle?- Couper en deux?
0:10:03 > 0:10:04No, no...!
0:10:10 > 0:10:12There are many castles to visit in the region,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15but you recommended Chateau de Castelneau,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17which is around a 30-minute drive from the camp site.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26This area is steeped in history and warfare.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29The French and English fought over the possession of land in the Hundred Years' War,
0:10:29 > 0:10:33and the Catholics and Protestants fought in later religious wars.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Wealthy families would build grand castles on high ground
0:10:36 > 0:10:38to strengthen their power and independence,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42and these were incredibly important in all of the conflicts.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47The castle is really a museum of medieval warfare, and one of
0:10:47 > 0:10:49the star attractions that your kids might enjoy
0:10:49 > 0:10:52are the demonstrations of ancient weaponry.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00Well, this is a trebuchet, it's been in the Middle Ages the best war machine,
0:11:00 > 0:11:05and for this demonstration we have a target about 20 metres over there
0:11:05 > 0:11:10which is a little castle, and we have to throw a ball on it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13There are very precise steps to respect
0:11:13 > 0:11:15because it's a very dangerous machine.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Three, two, one!
0:11:24 > 0:11:28OK - maybe it's a bit of an anticlimax after the dramatic build-up,
0:11:28 > 0:11:30but there's lots of other things to see.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35The castle is vast and it's got some really good exhibitions.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39The kids will enjoy the weaponry, and you'll enjoy the view.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42But if camping isn't your idea of a great holiday,
0:11:42 > 0:11:44you might prefer a short getaway closer to home.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51This week I'm at the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry to see what it has to offer.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54I'm starting my journey in Tralee,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57and first up is a visit to one of the area's newest tourist attractions,
0:11:57 > 0:12:02the Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre which opened in 2012.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06Tralee Bay is an internationally important wetland,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09especially for migratory birds.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11The Centre has been built for visitors
0:12:11 > 0:12:13to appreciate the area and its ecosystem.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17But you're not exactly going to entice the kids by telling them
0:12:17 > 0:12:22this is a centre of excellence in learning about the Irish wetlands - no, sirree, Bob.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26But there's also a series of fun activities - including this, the safari boat trip.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30My guide through the Kerry Everglades is Dr David McCormick.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37So David, for anybody unfamiliar, what exactly is a wetland?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Well, I suppose the simple answer to the question is it's a wet land.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43It's basically any kind of landscape
0:12:43 > 0:12:46where water is the most important factor, I suppose.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51But what we've tried to do is create as many different
0:12:51 > 0:12:55kinds of wetland habitat in the small space. We've only nine hectares here,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58so you get different flora and fauna in each area.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00After the educational boat trip there are a lot of other
0:13:00 > 0:13:03water-related activities, which could potentially involve a soaking
0:13:03 > 0:13:06but definitely involve having a laugh.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10On the activity lake there's a host of things to do,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12from rowing boats to pedalos, and my personal favourite,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14water zorbing.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26If you're not too exhausted after all these activities, you can
0:13:26 > 0:13:28go up the 20-metre-high viewing tower
0:13:28 > 0:13:31that gives panoramic views over Tralee Bay.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39My next stop is the Kerry County Museum.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42History museums can be a bit of a hard sell when it comes to kids,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45but if you tell them they can walk through a medieval village,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48that might perk up the wee devils' interest.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52The medieval experience allows you to stroll
0:13:52 > 0:13:55through the streets of Tralee in 1450.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02And back then you did have to watch your step when you were walking around.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Part of the museum is dedicated to one of Kerry's most famous sons,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13the celebrated explorer Tom Crean.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Crean survived two hazardous missions to the South Pole
0:14:19 > 0:14:21with Scott of the Antarctic, as well as being
0:14:21 > 0:14:25part of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance expedition team.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31And the museum's hands-on approach really helps you to identify
0:14:31 > 0:14:33with these intrepid tales of adventure.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Of course, this is the home of the Rose of Tralee Festival,
0:14:40 > 0:14:44and they've just unveiled a glass wall in honour of the Rose finalists.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Now, if you come here you can't miss the Rose Garden -
0:14:48 > 0:14:49not only is it a beautiful garden,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52but it has a great play area for the kids.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55But I have my own particular reason for coming here.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03There she is, there's our girl there. Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain,
0:15:03 > 0:15:09winner 2005. And to think she went on to work with me.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10Living the dream!
0:15:14 > 0:15:17You don't have to travel far from Tralee to find fantastic beaches
0:15:17 > 0:15:21and world-class scenery, and my next stop is the magnificent
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Inch Strand, which stretches for five kilometres out into Dingle Bay.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31This was the setting for the classic romantic drama Ryan's Daughter.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35The beach has Blue Flag status,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37so it's popular with swimmers, surfers
0:15:37 > 0:15:41and, I'm told, the occasional nudist.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43But it's too cold for any of that old lark today,
0:15:43 > 0:15:44so I'm heading into town.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52The main tourist area is Dingle town centre itself,
0:15:52 > 0:15:56it is a hub of activity. Also a very famous watering hole.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59There are over 50 pubs, famed for their live music,
0:15:59 > 0:16:03their seafood chowder, and of course, the black stuff.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07None of these attractions compare
0:16:07 > 0:16:10to Dingle's most famous flippered friend, Fungie the dolphin.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11Everywhere you go around here,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14there's evidence of his celebrity status.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19The other thing the tourists flock here for is Murphy's ice cream.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Think of it as the Haagen-Dazs of Dingle.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27What is so famous about Murphy's ice cream?
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Well, we've built it up over a long period of time I suppose.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31One of the things we've done is
0:16:31 > 0:16:35we've always used really, really good ingredients.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Very rare I think in these days with ice cream to actually still use cream,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41it's very expensive to use, and we're one of the few people
0:16:41 > 0:16:43that still use a lot of cream in our ice cream
0:16:43 > 0:16:45and I think that's what makes it taste good.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- I want to try the Irish brown bread...- Excellent.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- ..and the Guinness.- Excellent.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- I've got to try the black stuff. - OK. Well, we have it here.
0:16:53 > 0:16:54Oh, there we go.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Yeah. And the brown bread's not as weird as it sounds.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59We caramelised it with dark brown sugar
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- so it gives it sort of a nice deep, sweet flavour.- Mmm!
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Oh, man. It's delicious. Thank you ever so much for having us round.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Well, thanks for coming in. Enjoy your time in Dingle.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14If you come to the Dingle peninsula, there are lots of accommodation
0:17:14 > 0:17:16options, either in the town of Tralee
0:17:16 > 0:17:18or the tourist centre of Dingle.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20You've a great choice of hotels, B&Bs,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23guest houses and hostels all year round.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30We're taking a camping getaway in the Dordogne region of France,
0:17:30 > 0:17:32and our next stop is to one of the local towns
0:17:32 > 0:17:35that has become a must-see destination.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Rocamadour, which is over an hour from the camp site,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40will make a great day trip.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45This is our guide to spending the perfect day here.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50Take a trip on the train, which runs through the town every 15 minutes.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Amble along its narrow streets,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54with lots of quirky shops and restaurants.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00And be a pilgrim for a day by visiting some of its shrines.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Every year more than a million visitors come here.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08Rocamadour is an important pilgrimage destination,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10and has been for a thousand years.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12It's built on a shrine to the Madonna,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14and apparently has healing powers.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17And pilgrims used to climb all of these steps on their knees.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Call into La Chapelle Notre-Dame,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26with the Black Madonna, just one of the many chapels to see.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32However, if you've done enough climbing, drive about five minutes
0:18:32 > 0:18:36outside the time to L'Hospitalet, to enjoy the stunning views.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40When you come up here you can really see why people pay it a visit.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Now, it does get really busy in high season,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45but I think it's definitely one to put on your list.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49And close to here you'll find La Foret des Singes,
0:18:49 > 0:18:52which might entertain the kids for a few hours.
0:18:53 > 0:18:59Here you'll find 130 Barbary apes, roaming around in freedom.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02The aim of the park is conservation, and as a result
0:19:02 > 0:19:07so far 600 young monkeys have been reintroduced to North Africa.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11So what do I need to know when I'm visiting the park?
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Well, first it's very important not to touch the monkeys,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- because for them it's a sign of aggression.- Oh.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Then the popcorn I'm going to give you is the only food allowed in the park.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30They're actually kind of cute.
0:19:30 > 0:19:31Want a bit more? Last one...
0:19:33 > 0:19:34It is a bit mad feeding them,
0:19:34 > 0:19:38it's like having a child who just grabs everything.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50No - not very comfortable with that.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54I think it's great that there's conservation and research
0:19:54 > 0:19:56going on here, and the monkeys seem really happy in their habitat.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58The kids would absolutely love it.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01But I was bit nervous, so I didn't find it very relaxing.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06The Murphy family from Dublin suggest that we visit Le Bournat,
0:20:06 > 0:20:11a 1900s theme park which is a 45-minute drive from our camp site.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14It's basically an open-air museum that lets you experience
0:20:14 > 0:20:17typical rural life in the early 1900s.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21It might be a wee bit gimmicky, but I'm curious to see what it's like.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27As well as seeing displays of vintage machinery,
0:20:27 > 0:20:29you can also play some old traditional games.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36'Admission to the park costs 40 euro for two adults and two children.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39'You'll find craftsmen here that make bread, walnut oil
0:20:39 > 0:20:44'and other products using authentic 19th-century tools.'
0:20:44 > 0:20:46It's delicious. Very light.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47Well played, sir. Well played.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00That is the best thing since...
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Hang on, what came before sliced bread?
0:21:02 > 0:21:06Whatever came before sliced bread - that's the best thing since it.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16The staff are in character at all times, and if you're there
0:21:16 > 0:21:21at the right time of day you'll spot a gaggle of geese strolling along.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26And while wandering around the park, I bumped into someone from home.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31This little spot is lovely, and great for my son, toys to play around on,
0:21:31 > 0:21:34but it doesn't feel like Disney, it feels sort of the real deal.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- It does, doesn't it?- Nothing plastic about it, it's great.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45They even have an old fairground here -
0:21:45 > 0:21:48that merry-go-round back there is from the year 1900.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52And listen - kids still love it. KIDS LAUGH AND SHOUT
0:21:52 > 0:21:55If you want to get away for an afternoon from the camp site,
0:21:55 > 0:21:59this is a great place to come, cos it is literally a different world.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07This area is famous for its caves and prehistoric sites,
0:22:07 > 0:22:11and I'm going to see the cave drawings of Lascaux too.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14The cave, which was given the title "the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory",
0:22:14 > 0:22:18was discovered by four teenagers who were looking for their dog in 1940.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21It contains some of the most impressive prehistoric paintings,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and became a major tourist attraction.
0:22:24 > 0:22:25But unfortunately,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28with that volume of visitors, the paintings started to deteriorate.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32So an exact copy was created, using the very same materials,
0:22:32 > 0:22:34and was opened here in 1983.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40I know you might feel cheated because this is a replica,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43but if you do get a chance, you should really visit here.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46It's actually quite moving to think that people were painting
0:22:46 > 0:22:49images like this over 20,000 years ago.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Whilst Aoibhinn is enjoying some prehistoric artwork,
0:22:54 > 0:22:55I'm going for the wow factor,
0:22:55 > 0:23:00and visiting one of the most spectacular caves in the region.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Gouffre de Proumeyssac has a few tales of its own to tell.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Apparently back in the 18th century it was used to dump rubbish,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09bodies of dead animals, and indeed people.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12And in winter, like rivers, you get a mist kind of coming up
0:23:12 > 0:23:15out of the hole, so it was widely regarded as being...
0:23:15 > 0:23:17DEEP SCARY VOICE: ..a gateway to hell.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Look, I know it's not the greatest sales pitch in the world,
0:23:20 > 0:23:22but let's go have a wee look at it.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25The first explorers of these caves
0:23:25 > 0:23:27were actually lowered down in a barrel.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29I'm about to take a similar route,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32but I'm hoping health and safety will have improved since then.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49Would you imagine, 1907 - being winched down here in a barrel,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51with just a candle?
0:23:53 > 0:23:55These caves were formed millions of years ago,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57when water absorbed minerals
0:23:57 > 0:24:01and cut through limestone to form great chasms like this.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Stunning, isn't it?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07It's almost like you're on a completely different planet.
0:24:07 > 0:24:102,000 people come through here every day, so if you want the more
0:24:10 > 0:24:13intimate experience, indeed to use the basket to come down here,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I would suggest booking ahead.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19You can see why it's called the Crystal Cathedral, can't you?
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Now, normally I'm not one to visit gardens,
0:24:32 > 0:24:35but Les Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac
0:24:35 > 0:24:38are close to the camp site and cost just 12 euro to visit.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45This is a very formal, very regimented but very stylish garden
0:24:45 > 0:24:47and there's six full-time gardeners here.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51And get this - they trim everything with hand shears.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55No electric shears because they might damage the leaves.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57That is care and attention.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Regardless of where you go in this area you're probably going to have to
0:25:09 > 0:25:12drive by these gardens - don't just drive by, call in,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15have a look around for an hour or two.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24For our getaway in the Dordogne
0:25:24 > 0:25:27we've been staying on a camp site, and I've met up with some
0:25:27 > 0:25:30holiday-makers to find out if they're happy campers.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33It's a small camp site.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36There's not too many pitches, it's nice and quiet and peaceful
0:25:36 > 0:25:38and calm in amongst the trees.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40It's fantastic value for money,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43but for the accommodation and also the flight here and car hire
0:25:43 > 0:25:45it still works out very good value.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49- And is the area good for children as well?- Oh, fantastic.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52I mean, the girls have something to do every single day.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53The canoeing, they loved.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57We went also to a 1900 theme park. They loved it.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Oh, brilliant. What did you think about the theme park?
0:26:00 > 0:26:04It was really cool, cos there's old toys
0:26:04 > 0:26:09- that the 1900 children would play.- Lovely.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11And here's our verdict.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13The mobile homes are what you would expect,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17with all the utensils you'll need, including a barbecue.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21If you don't want to bring your own towels and bed linen, you can hire them here.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24And I have to admit the weather hasn't been brilliant while we've been here,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26but if you do get a bit of the sunshine
0:26:26 > 0:26:27you could have a real holiday.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Hey, neighbour.
0:26:29 > 0:26:34The mobile homes have an open-plan sitting room, fully equipped kitchen
0:26:34 > 0:26:37and two or three bedrooms. They can cater for families of up to eight people.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51For a more authentic camping experience you can hire tents,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54which also have all the mod cons you need for your stay.
0:27:04 > 0:27:05If camping isn't your thing,
0:27:05 > 0:27:09then about ten minutes from Sarlat you could rent this converted farmhouse,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13also known as a gite, which will give you a taste of rural France.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15The gite can sleep up to ten people,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and the swimming pool would definitely keep the kids happy.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33We booked our camp site with Canvas Holidays, and flew with Aer Lingus.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35There are several airports in the area,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38or you could take the ferry to France and drive to the Dordogne.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42If you'd like any more information about our holidays,
0:27:42 > 0:27:43you can visit our website.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Joe, what did you enjoy about the trip?
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Well, the weather wasn't as good as we wanted,
0:27:53 > 0:27:57but to get out and see something like the Gouffre de Proumeyssac
0:27:57 > 0:28:00was outstanding, I would highly recommend it.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Going round the market sampling the local food and produce, highlight.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07Well, the medieval towns I thought were just gorgeous, they're so pretty,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10and there's so much history to the area,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13but my favourite thing was the canoe down the Dordogne. I recommend everybody do that.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15That looked incredible.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18If you're willing to go out and explore, this will make the perfect family holiday.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20We will see you next time on Getaways.