The Mitchell Art Gallery
Travel Program to the Dordogne
The Mitchell Gallery sponsored its first travel program with a trip to the Dordogne River valley in France in May 2011. “Village Life in the Dordogne” captured the traditional rhythms of daily life in this beautiful valley, an enchanting world of rich culture and history, fine food, and one of the few places on earth where we can see the work of the first human artists.
This was a small-group travel experience, limited to 20 participants. Our group stayed in the charming family-owned Plaza Madeleine in one of Europe’s most beautiful and intact medieval villages, Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Visits to the spectacular cave art of Rouffignac, Lascaux and Cap Blanc—three UNESCO World Heritage sites—were followed by retracing the steps of medieval pilgrims to the sacred cliff-side village of Rocamadour. We also visited the ramparts of a 12th century castle, the beautiful 17th and 18th century gardens at Manoir d’Eyrignac, sailed aboard a traditional gabare on the Dordogne River, and explored Sarlat’s lively outdoor market. A Pre-Program to Bordeaux was also offered.
Pamela McKee, membership chair for the Mitchell Gallery, notes that the destination and details were chosen for the inclusion of a visit to Cap Blanc, rare for a group tour. “I’ve visited Cap Blanc twice before, and it takes my breath away. This beautiful sculpture of horses, bison and reindeer was created over 15,000 years ago, and is the only frieze of prehistoric sculptures open to the public in the world. Cap Blanc is perhaps the birthplace of artistic composition by humans on this planet.”
For further information about the Mitchell Gallery’s next travel program to Tuscany, Italy, please contact Pamela McKee, at 410-263-2610 or pmckee7@verizon.net.