North of Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse

Park in the school car park.

(S/E) Head for the D245. At the foot of the wayside cross, take the path on the left through the vineyards, which leads you to Pressac Castle,

(1) Further up, go round the château by following the path to the left, and take a stroll along the esplanade to enjoy the view. Then head back out via the main avenue.

(2) At the exit, follow the road opposite, ignoring the Tour Pressac junction. Carry on straight ahead along the same road, passing the hamlet of Thibaud.

(3) At the first copse, take the left-hand fork in the path and carry on straight ahead. When you reach the road, take the path opposite, in line with the one you’ve just left, and follow it alongside the copse until you reach the road.

(4) Turn right towards the hamlet of Veyrac and, before reaching the hamlet, turn left. Walk along the edge of the pond, go round Château Cantin on the right, then turn left to rejoin the road.

(5) Carry on straight ahead.

(6) After the left-hand bend, take the second track on the right through the vineyards to reach the hamlet of Les Échères, which you go round on the right. Continue to the right on the D243. At the crossroads, turn left onto the D243E2 and continue for 250 metres.

(7) At the T-junction, take the path on the left straight ahead towards Tourans, cross the château grounds and follow the white path.

(8) Turn right to reach the woodland; follow the edge of the woodland until you reach the last plot.

(9) Head slightly uphill to the left and find the path on the right which will take you to the viewpoint, where you can enjoy the magnificent view over the Dordogne valley, Château Ferrand and Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse.

Leave the woods and turn right onto the direct descent towards the car park which you can see below (S/E).

Important: this route takes you off the beaten track. All the landmarks mentioned in the description (local place names, castle names, as well as high-voltage power lines, bridges, etc.) are shown on the corresponding IGN 1:25,000 map but are not always included on the scaled-down map.
It is strongly recommended that you either obtain the map in question or use a smartphone app, which will also allow you to be geolocated at all times, enabling you to track your progress accurately.
The route may cross or follow other signposted routes. It is tempting to follow the signposts! Unless otherwise specified, do not stray from the route.
Using walking poles can be very useful and reassuring; as well as providing stability, they help distribute the strain more evenly.

Pressac Castle was founded in the Middle Ages, as evidenced by its medieval gate. The castle was subsequently fortified on several occasions.
It was at Pressac Castle, following the French victory at Castillon-la-Bataille, that the surrender took place, bringing the Hundred Years’ War to an end.
Pressac Castle was a major structure comprising no fewer than 27 towers, some of which still exist as ruins.
Early 18th century
Between 1737 and 1747, Vassal de Montviel planted a noble grape variety native to Quercy in his vineyards: the Auxerrois. Owners of neighbouring vineyards followed suit. Consequently, the variety came to be known as ‘Noir de Pressac’. Later, Sieur Malbek cultivated it in the Bordeaux region, and the grape variety came to be known as ‘Malbec’.
In 1775, when Sieur d’Anglade sold the château to Jean-Marc Constantin, the notary described the château as follows: “An old château, parts of which have fallen into ruin, with a moat in front, peasants’ dwellings, wine cellars, vats, barrels and a forecourt, all surrounded by walls.” (Source: the château’s website)