This holiday did not start well, although not the fault of GRJ. The Eurostar was delayed by over 2 hours, which meant when we arrived in Paris the coach was no longer available to take us to the other station and we had missed our onward connection. However, Deborah somehow managed to get all 36 of us into taxis for an adventurous journey across Paris. When we arrived at Montparnasse station GRJ head office had contacted Deborah to say we could change our tickets to the next available train. We managed to board by the skin of our teeth but the air conditioning in our carriage did not work and the temperature by this time was 34 degrees! Suffice to say we were all very happy to get on the air conditioned coach to take us to our destination. We were greeted very warmly at the hotel and quickly given our keys. We were delighted to find the rooms were also air conditioned as the temperature was due to stay in the mid-30s for the rest of the week. The room was clean, tidy and had everything you could need. The tiny separate toilet was different to the UK, but we adapted! Rooms were cleaned each day and towels replaced. The hotel was very welcoming and the pool was an added bonus which several of our party really enjoyed. Trips and Restaurants: On the first day we travelled to La Roque-Gageac for a river trip, which was delightful and then on to Chateau des Milandes where we not only visited the chateau but were treated to a bird of prey display. Our visit to Sarlat coincided with market day, which was very interesting, selling lots of local produce, but the real treat came when the stalls disappeared and the medieval architecture was revealed. We cannot comment on the Rocamadour trip as we decided not to go. The evening meals included in the trip were very good, 3 courses plus coffee and wine or beer to drink. Three were taken in the same restaurant a short walk from the hotel and the menus were different each evening. The fourth was taken at a neighbouring hotel, out in the gardens, which made for a very pleasant evening. The highlight of the trip was the actual area of the Dordogne, which was fascinating to view. We would like to thank Deborah for her organisational skills, in times of great difficulty, and her expertise at keeping 36 people together. We would have no hesitation in recommending this trip.
