Kid friendly

 

With kid friendly activities galore, the Dordogne Valley is a one stop shop for anything from canoeing to discovering wildlife, introductorycave dives or rock climbing. Here are some other great ideas to keep them active and busy:

 

GEOCACHING, HIGH-TECH TREASURE HUNTING

Bringing the family together with mobile phones, Geocaching has taken off the world over. 100% free, it’s an outdoor high-tech combination of clue hunting and orienteering with a bit of help from GPS!

It has become very popular in the Dordogne Valley andthere are around twenty ‘caches’ in English available for download from the free App ‘Terra Aventura’. Anyone with a smartphone can play. Adventure seekers just need to follow the GPS trail to unveil the clues that lead ultimately to the geocache treasure - which contains a log book and trinkets such as collectable badges. While visiting an ancient medieval town it’s a fun way to get children involved in exploring it too. There are a number of great caches to play in English, scattered throughout the Dordogne Valley and many at key historic sites such as Sarlat, Brive, Terrasson, Domme, Beynac, Rocamadour and Pompadour. While caching, it’s impossible not to learn something about the destination!

The puzzles in Martel for instance even impart some fascinating history on the English occupation of this part of France while seeking out the treasure.

www.terra-aventura.fr/?langcode=en

 

KNIGHTS AND PRINCESSES

For those with potential princesses and knights in tow, eager to buy a replica sword or bow and arrow there are some excellent kid friendly places to take note of:

  • Tours de Merle

Included with the entry fee during the summer months is a medieval show aimed at children with demonstrations, games, sword play and horse stunts. In French, but still enjoyable and funny even with no understanding of the language. www.toursdemerle.fr

 

  • Parc Durandal

The French version of the Excalibur myth, the show is loosely based around the miraculous sword ‘Durandal’. A light hearted and amusing medieval tale, with lots of sword play, jokes and spectacular horse stunts. www.parcdurandal.com

 

  • Château de Castelnaud

This medieval fortress was a strategically important castle for the French forces when fighting the English in the 100 Years War. Visits involve a real life history lesson as original armour, swords and crossbows from the 11th-16th centuries are displayed throughout every nook and cranny of this magnificent castle. Just outside, huge catapults form the backdrop to a variety of medieval shows and demonstrations that take place from April but particularly in July and August. Crossbow demonstrations, the real life firing of a Trebuchet catapult and actors dressed in medieval garb performing walkabout shows make for a great day out. www.castelnaud.com

 

FREE SUMMER SARLAT FUN

Throughout the summer months, the cobbled streets of Sarlat are being constantly visited by artists and musicians who roam through the heart of this Renaissancetown putting on shows. Jugglers, clowns, living statue artists, accordion players and musicians of all stripes will be wandering around with no fixed abode and nofixed playing time. Children are sure to be entertained if a visit to another Renaissance architectural masterpiece is one too far. www.en.sarlat-tourisme.com

 

PARC ANIMALIER DE GRAMAT

With an emphasis on European animals, but not exclusively, this sprawling park has extensive large enclosures throughout. Over 1,000 animals including wolves and some very big bears, and a conservation programme for endangered domestic species. www.gramat-parc-animalier.com

 

LA FORÊT DES SINGES

Right next to Rocamadour is the home to a colony of Barbary Macaques monkeys. It’s hard not to be charmed by the setting and the monkeys that live in complete freedom, fed popcorn straight from the hands of visitors. www.la-foret-des-singes.com/en