Vegan France: Castles, Caves & Elephant Sanctuaries
Imagine sipping vegan wine in a French vineyard, then canoeing past a medieval castle—all before lunch. That’s what we did on our magical Paris to Dordogne group tour with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. This unforgettable trip is the focus of Episode 192 of The World Vegan Travel Podcast.
Episode 192 – Mini-Series Part 4 🌟
Why the Dordogne is a Vegan Travel Gem
The Dordogne region in southwestern France is full of charming villages, green hills, ancient castles, and delicious food. It may not be known as a vegan hotspot, but we discovered that with the right planning and the right people, it absolutely can be!
Paris to Bordeaux: A First-Class Vegan Journey
Our trip began in Paris with a private breakfast at Maison Mère. Then we hopped on a train to Bordeaux—well, after a short delay! Luckily, we had Land & Monkeys vegan sandwiches and first-class seats. From Bordeaux, we traveled by coach into the countryside.
Château Feely: Sipping Vegan Wine in the Vineyards
One of our first stops was Château Feely, a biodynamic vineyard run by a kind South African woman. We tasted vegan wines, nibbled vegan cheese, and learned about the importance of soil health. This peaceful vineyard was a perfect start to our countryside adventure.
Villa Vézère: Our Dordogne Home (and Its Tiny Star)
We stayed at Villa Vézère near Montignac. It was beautiful, surrounded by green hills and full of charm. On our first night, we were welcomed with live cello music and a rescued kitten named Looses! She quickly became the star of the trip.
Prehistoric Caves & Medieval Villages with “Sideburns Christophe”
We explored the region with our expert guide, Christophe, who we nicknamed “Sideburns Christophe.” He brought history to life!
Smoothie Grignotecque: The Only Vegan Spot in Town
In a lovely village called Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, we had lunch at a fully vegan cafe. We ate walnut cake, local strawberries, burgers, and more in a shady courtyard.
Canoeing the Vézère: Castles from the Water
Some of us went canoeing on the river, gliding past cliffs and castles. It was quiet, peaceful, and totally magical.
Lascaux IV: Goosebumps in a Digital Cave
We visited Lascaux IV, a modern replica of a prehistoric cave full of ancient art. Even though it was a digital version, it gave us all goosebumps!
Oradour-sur-Glane: A Heartbreaking History Lesson
One of the most emotional parts of our trip was visiting Oradour-sur-Glane. This village was destroyed during World War II and left just as it was. It reminded us of how important it is to remember the past.
Elephant Haven: Lunch with Rescued Giants
We lifted our spirits with a visit to Elephant Haven, a peaceful sanctuary for two retired elephants. We ate a vegan buffet under the trees while watching Delhi and Gandhi, the elephants, enjoying their mud baths. It was unforgettable.
Beynac Castle & La Roque-Gageac: Fairytale France
We explored Beynac Castle high above the river, then visited La Roque-Gageac, a village built into the cliffs. We ended the day with a champagne boat cruise—yes, really!
The Magic of Shared Travel: Old Friends & New Connections
This trip was extra special because of the people. Some travelers had joined us many times before, and others were brand new. We shared meals, played music, and danced under the stars at our farewell party. We even had a trumpet solo!
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Want to Join Us Next Time?
We’re planning this trip again in 2027 with host and partner Colleen Patrick-Goudreau!
📍 Pre-register now at WorldVeganTravel.com
Follow us on Instagram @WorldVeganTravel for more castle-filled, plant-based adventures!
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- 🚄 What it’s like to travel from Paris to Bordeaux by train (and how vegan snacks saved the day!)
- 🧀 Visiting a biodynamic vineyard for vegan wine and cheese tasting at Château Feely
- 🏡 Staying at Villa Vézère and meeting a tiny rescued kitten named Looses
- 🛶 Canoeing down the Vézère River past castles and cliffs
- 🎨 Exploring Lascaux IV’s famous prehistoric cave art (and why it gave Brighde goosebumps!)
- 🐘 Visiting Elephant Haven and enjoying lunch near rescued elephants
- 🎺 What made the farewell party so emotional (hint: live music and plant-based cooking!)
- 👫 The magic of traveling with old friends and making new ones on a vegan tour
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Vegan Retreat France: Permaculture & Conscious Living at Moulin Scalagrand | Frederique Peutz
- Mindful Gite: Vegan Retreat in Southwest France | Ingeborg Vijn
- The Ultimate Vegan Guide to France
- S4 Ep 15 | France: Not as vegan unfriendly as you might think | Natalie Lynch
- Vegan Stores… in France!
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