Dordogne is firmly in the south west quarter of France with a climate that is agreeably warm throughout a large proportion of the year making it a perfect location for training.
Sunshine hours in the region range from 1900 to 2000 annually with average summertime temperatures ranging between the high 20's and mid 30 degrees C throughout the core summer season of June, July, August and September. Whilst the early season of April, May and late season of October sees temperatures average round 20c or more in what is still an exceedingly pleasant climate to train in.
With over 20 days annually where the temperature is in excess of 30C the Dordogne region has it fair share of very hot days in July and August and whilst the summer of 2003 saw temperatures in nearby Perigueux reached a record 45c such extreme temperatures are fortunately not the norm so whilst it is warm enough to sit around in shorts and a t-shirt for a prolonged season, it is rarely so hot as to prevent you from putting in some good training.
Obviously the highest temperatures are found in the valleys so the venue benefits from slightly warmer than average temperatures at the base where the pool is located and the open water swimming takes place. But a short foray into the surrounding hills can often offer the benefit of a summer breeze and sheltered shady tree lined lanes.
Since way of life here is mostly dictated by the seasons, which are well defined and generous with sunshine, eating outside becomes the norm throughout the long summers from April to October. Even outside of the normal summer period, frequently you will be able to eat out in late October and November, even in December there are balmy warm sunny days when a picnic is perfectly feasible.
One final factor which you often have to think about in the UK, is the wind but this is not the case at Les-Stables. There is no prevailing wind in Dordogne! So you won't have to suffer the turmoil of a headwind as you make your way back from a long ride.
