Etape 43 St Léon sur Vézère La douze

In the footsteps of the bargemen, this walk follows the old towpath largely along the banks of the Vézère. Throughout the walk, you’ll journey through time: from prehistory right up to the Industrial Revolution. The imposing cliff and the ancient troglodytic fort of La Roque Saint-Christophe are a perfect example of the succession of different civilisations over the centuries.A long route (14.5 km) and a short route (4.6 km) are available.

Halfway between Lascaux and Les Eyzies, Saint-Léon lies at the heart of the Vallée de l’Homme. Inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains of dwellings at the Conquil site, Saint-Léon owes its name to one of the first bishops of Périgueux. Situated near a Roman road, this village was, until the advent of the railway, primarily a thriving port on the Vézère, so much so that during the Revolution it was known as Port-Léon. From the cemetery chapel at the eastern entrance to the village, the road leads past Clérans Castle and the Manoir de la Salle to a 12th-century Romanesque church with a slate roof, a key venue for the Périgord Noir Music Festival.

A lovely walk around the village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, in the heart of the Vallée de l’Homme. A lovely walk to discover the landscapes of the Périgord Noir.

Parcours à la rencontre du temps. À partir du village historique de Sergeac, cheminement dans les collines par un sentier bordé de vestiges de la vie d’autrefois et d’un site préhistorique ouvert au public, aboutissant sur la vue panoramique de la vallée.

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.

‘Nature’ route. Starting from the hamlet of ‘La Voulperie’ in Sergeac, this circular route links the municipalities ofValojoulx, through woodland with panoramic views of the surrounding area from the ridges.

A walk around the “Thot Espace Cro-Magnon”. You’ll leave the village of Thonac and quickly climb 70 metres over a distance of 500 metres. The rest of the route is much less challenging.You’ll make your way through the countryside, passing two viewpoints and two hamlets. You’ll pass close to the “Thot Espace Cro-Magnon”.

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