Dordogne walks

This well-marked loop, taken from the region's guidebooks, will take you through the village of Vitrac, perched on a plateau and dominated by its church and castle, as well as the medieval village of Montfort and its castle.

Enjoy discovering the village of Beynac (one of the most beautiful villages in France) and don't hesitate to visit its castle, a jewel of 12th-century military architecture that has been constantly remodelled since then. You will then be able to admire the surrounding countryside of hills, valleys, shady forests, green meadows and typical Périgord houses with their undeniable charm.

From the Vitrac quite village, this route goes up the Dordogne valley to discover the famous La Roque-Gageac clifftop village.

This hike takes you up to a higher elevation with a beautiful view of the Vézère River, and also allows you to discover two sites: - La Roque Saint-Christophe, troglodyte dwellings in a limestone cliff one kilometre long and sixty metres high, - and the village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

Brantôme, the Venice of Périgord...

During this hike, you will discover a hilly, wooded area dotted with hamlets that bear witness to a rich farming history. The forest, composed of oak, hornbeam and chestnut trees, offers a rich palette of colours. Here and there, small islands of meadow add to this mosaic.

C'est l'une des plus belles randonnées à faire autour des Eyzies-de-Tayac. Elle permet de profiter de la fraîcheur des sous-bois et offre une vue étonnante sur les falaises des Eyzies.

In Saint-Mesmin, you can see a church that houses a magnificent 17th-century altarpiece.Take the Côtes du Batissou trail with a view of the Auvezère Gorges to reach the forges and blast furnace of Savignac-Lédrier.You will pass through Bourg Savignac-Lédriers and head towards Saint-Mesmin, passing in front of the Fontaine du bon Saint-Mesmin fountain, then you will reach the "Saut Ruban" and return to Saint-Mesmin along the Auvezère tributary.

Please note that this hike was published in 2012, so check the comments before setting off. A small village with a rich architectural heritage and a hiking trail that showcases the architectural treasures of the Dordogne.

Some points of interest in the village: you will pass the Tour Pigeonnier, the Pierre à Sacrifice or Peyre d'Ermale or Dermale. Further on, there is a climbing site and a troglodytic village dating from the 12th-13th centuries. Don't miss the Peyrelevade dolmen, dating from the Neolithic period and listed as a Historic Monument since 1960, and the sculptures visible on the gate of a quarry.

The aim of this hike is to see a 13th-century chapel, admire an 18th-century château (Château du Roch), explore a group of dry stone huts (Cabanes du Breuil) and visit a magnificent, beautifully furnished château (Château de Puymartin), all along a walking route that takes you along forest paths and small country roads. A very pretty, easy walk that allows you to discover some of the treasures of the Périgord Noir.

Walk first along a greenway (cycle and footpath) and return along the Dordogne and Château de Montfort before returning via the greenway.

A short, peaceful route through the beautiful landscape of the Dordogne. You will follow a river, pass under a viaduct and cross a forest full of wildlife – a real change of scenery.

Hike through the vineyards and village of Monbazillac with a visit to the château.

A pleasant walk, first through the forest, then through the countryside and along the Dordogne. Suitable for families.Moderator's note: footbridge closed, see reviews

Majestic and imposing, Biron Castle perches on a hill, reigning supreme over the surrounding countryside. This landscape of hills, valleys, woods and fields where cows and horses graze is a haven of peace conducive to meditation.

As you follow this well-marked circular, taken from the region's guidebooks, you will discover the village of Vitrac, perched on its plateau and dominated by the church and castle. After passing through the forest, you will discover the Château de Marobert.

An easy family walk along three beautiful old Périgord villages.

The hike allows you to discover two ancient villages now united under the name of Saint-Georges-de-Montclard. The village of Montclard is dominated by the 11th-century castle, of which the remains of the tower can still be seen. The village of Saint-Georges is home to an 11th-century church and Sainte Rita. The walk takes you through the forest in a hilly area with a few steep slopes requiring a minimum level of fitness.

Or the ancient winter solstice circular. During this hike, you can see the throne of the King of the Chauzes, which, together with the Rey des Chauzes, forms the ancient winter solstice observatory: explanation on site. You can also see the Cluzeau de Borie Belet and Merovingian sarcophagi.

Easy hike passing by the small11th and16th century church of Carsac with the possibility of swimming in the Dordogne.

A hike starting from the magnificent bastide town of Monpazier in the south of the Périgord Pourpre. Small paths and chestnut tree undergrowth. The walk is quite long, but the elevation gain is low. Enough to spend a very good afternoon (or morning).

Come and discover this beautiful town with its 19th-century houses along the Dordogne. Then set off among the holm oaks, walking alongside old stone walls, dry stone huts and a wash house, with numerous views of the Dordogne as your guide. At the end of the walk, plan a short trip on a gabarre to admire this town from a different angle.

Come and discover Périgueux, capital of the Périgord region, rooted in its past but still as lively as ever. Its narrow streets and small squares are sure to charm you.

You are in the Valley of the Five Castles, and the route offers splendid views. Starting at the Ruisseau du Treuil stream, you will skirt the Massif de la Bonnat, where oak, hornbeam and boxwood trees flourish, and discover fountains, wash houses and mills.

This walk will allow you to discover a peaceful and charming village, a little away from the major tourist sites. The village of Marcillac will enchant you with its old houses with blonde stone walls and slate roofs clustered around its small church.

This hike will give you an insight into the life of the monks of the Order of Grandmont, who were only allowed to eat fish from the large pond at Saint-Estèphe. You will pass their priory, then the Menhir de Fixard and the Tour de Piégut with its history. You can also take an old Roman road and explore the discoveries of centuries past in the small villages you pass through.

A circular alternative to the walk to Saut du Chalard takes you along the rushing Dronne river on a slightly difficult path at the bottom of a wooded valley that is always shaded.

On this hike, you will visit the Vaux paper mill, two oval barns located at the "crossroads" of the three departments of Dordogne, Corrèze and Haute-Vienne. Halfway through the hike, you will discover Pont Laveyrat, which, along with the "Moulin de la Papeterie" (paper mill) marked "Moulin de la résistance" (resistance mill), is a major site of the resistance with its memorial. This path connects Périgord and Corrèze. On the way back, you will pass by the botanical trail with 30 identified trees.

A stroll around Domme, through the countryside dotted with hamlets, woods, and walnut trees. At the end of the walk, an itinerary to visit this beautiful village is suggested.

This hike takes you through the hills to the bastide town of Molières, which is well worth a visit for its charm. You will walk through the hamlets along shaded paths and return via the other side overlooking Badefols. Quiet roads and paths follow one another with beautiful panoramic views of the valleys.

This walk starts in a village located on a hill. It takes you along a ridge towards Trémolat, where you can discover the Dordogne river, before reaching the agricultural plain that borders the river. The village's charm and its church overlooking the valley are well worth a visit.

A walk in the countryside completes your visit to Saint-Jean-de-Côle, one of the most beautiful villages in France, first along the hillside, on the shaded route of the old railway line, and then on the crest of the hills overlooking the Côle valley.

With this walk, you will not only visit Beynac, the famous village clinging to its cliff, with its castle overlooking one of the Dordogne's meanders, but also Cazenac, a quiet little hamlet high up in the valley, with its small church featuring remarkable modern stained glass windows.

This hike winds its way near the Château de Montaigne, located in the commune of Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne. It is a 14th-century fortified house that was the family home of the Renaissance philosopher and thinker Michel de Montaigne. The vineyard is part of the Bergerac appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC).

A trail in the heart of the Double Forest that winds through woods and paths, crossed here and there by a small stream. Ponds will appear as you walk along. A very shaded trail, ideal for families as there is little road.

This route is not particularly "wild", but the natural surroundings here still allow you to find yourself. As a bonus, the superb Château de Bannes will amaze you.

This is a pleasant, shaded walk, away from roads, along the banks of the River Isle, at the foot of the Château de Jumilhac-le-Grand. Have fun counting the number of bridges you cross. Here's a clue: you can count them on the fingers of one hand.

A lovely walk through the rolling countryside of the Périgord Vert, well marked between meadows and woods. The route is proposed and maintained by the local association "Amis Chemin".

This circular offers a rural walk through green countryside between meadows and walnut groves. You will pass Moulin de la Borie, Château de la Roussie, along the Enéa river and a myriad of lakes. The stone houses with their slate roofs are full of charm.

The village of Saint-Avit-Sénieur is built around an old abbey surrounded by rich land and beautiful chestnut groves. There are many hiking trails around the village. This walk is inspired by one of them, but is a little shorter. This means it can easily be done in half a day. The first part follows theGR® trail and takes you through undergrowth and meadows, while the second part mainly follows paved local roads.

A circular loop to the east of the village of Carlux, mostly shaded, with magnificent views, small valleys of remarkable tranquillity, and beautiful Périgord houses. Not to be missed if you have two hours to spare.

A great day's walk, with options to visit the village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (allow an extra hour). Several places to picnic.

A beautiful circular walk on the hillsides between Le Bugue and Limeuil. A pleasant walk that offers lovely views of the village of Le Bugue and the surrounding countryside.

The route follows part of the two municipal walks around Pezuls. It is well shaded and allows you to discover the Château de Puy de Rèze, the Dreyrie lodge and the Church of Sainte-Anne. A lovely walk.

On the northern slope of the Vézère, this route offers panoramic views of the Vézère valley and the Sarladais region. Several springs and wash houses line this route, which also boasts abundant and diverse flora.

Around the small village of Montpeyroux in the Dordogne, enjoy a beautiful bucolic hike in the forest and discover a rich historical heritage. At the start, you will discover the Château de Matécoulon and the Church of St-Pierre with its view of the Forest of Saint-Cloud.

The commune of Saint-Félix-de-Reilhac-et-Mortemart offers beautiful hiking routes of varying distances, accessible to most nature lovers. The route suggested here takes you up a hill where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views, alternating between tracks and forest paths.

This short circular loop around La Roque-Gageac offers a return trip with views from the top of the La Roque cliffs and a crossing of the village from east to west.

A lovely country walk through unspoilt countryside. Along the way, you will discover the Étangs de la Double ponds, which provide a wild and unspoilt refuge for animals. Take a break at the Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame de Bonne Espérance and enjoy the famous "Trappe Échourgnac" cheese.