Albuquerque International Association – Past Trips Abroad

In 2024, the Albuquerque International Association offered members a curated French immersion experience titled Village Life France, scheduled from May 2 to 10, 2024 and also from September 12-20, 2024. This trip centered around a week-long stay in the medieval village of Sarlat-la-Canéda, nestled in the scenic Dordogne region—also known as Périgord Noir—famed for its beautifully preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. Participants were accommodated at the elegant Plaza Madeleine Hôtel & Spa, providing a comfortable base for exploration.

The itinerary included specially arranged excursions that highlighted the region’s historic and natural wonders: from browsing Sarlat’s vibrant open-air market to visiting the pilgrimage site of Rocamadour, discovering prehistoric cave art at Cap-Blanc and masterpieces reproduced from Lascaux and Rouffignac, to taking a scenic boat cruise on the Dordogne River and sampling the area’s distinguished wines. The program’s emphasis on immersive experiences allowed members to truly unpack once and deeply engage with the provincial character, historical treasures, and natural beauty of rural France.