Ayen walks

This route takes you on a journey through history: the commune belongs to the Vézère-Ardoise Land of Art and History because this strategic site was chosen by the Viscount of Limoges and then elevated to a duchy by the Noailles family. As you stroll through the picturesque narrow streets, discover the heritage linked to water with its fountains and wash houses, and the imposing residences. The church of Ayen and its elements listed as historic monuments will arouse your curiosity!

Ayen, Saint-Robert, Perpezac-le-Blanc and Segonzac are among the hilltop towns of the Yssandonnais region. Located in the foothills of the Massif Central, they all share a unique geological feature: they are isolated hills with very distinctive flora and fauna that are well worth observing or photographing. Since 2011, these towns have been part of the Vézère-Ardoise region of art and history.

Ayen is a nature destination between Limousin and Périgord! In the past, these well-oriented, sunny hillsides were used for vineyards, but today they are home to fruit crops: the Limousin apple route passes through Ayen. You will cross walnut groves: Ayen, the birthplace of the Corne variety, has been listed on the "Périgord Walnut" route since 2002.

The name "Ayen" most likely derives from the Gaulish word "Agin", meaning "height". On this circular route, your eyes will be treated to unique views at every turn, right up to your arrival at Puy d'Ayen, the highest point in the Yssandonnais (377m), offering a 360° panorama. This limestone formation is known as a ‘Butte témoin’ and constitutes a rare ecosystem in need of protection (orchids, orchis, butterflies).

This is a circular route in the Yssandonnais region, alternating between footpaths and deserted roads, which allows you to admire the magnificent village of Saint-Robert and a fountain dedicated to a martyr.

A short, easy walk around the Puy d’Yssandon with some lovely views.

A short, easy walk in the hills above Objat, half on roads, half on footpaths.

This route offers various views of the village of Juillac and the surrounding area.

This route crosses the Montcheyrol forest, classified as a ZNIEFF (Natural Area of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest). This is a beautiful walk in a wooded area dominated by deciduous trees, including oak, beech, chestnut, ash, black locust and cherry, through the heart of which flows the Tourmente river, which has carved out its territory by shaping the rock. This walk can be extended with a stroll through the streets of Juillac, among its characterful houses with slate roofs.

A very pleasant walk through the forest, offering exceptional views of the Objat valley at the end of the route.Best done at the weekend to avoid any disturbance from quarry activities. User comment on 24 August 2025.(!) After the ruins of Patel, the footbridge (4) that crosses the river has collapsed and it is not possible to ford the river. A detour is signposted on site. This detour takes you to Rouffignac. Alternatively, you can follow "le chemin du Maquis", which is a little technical at at the moment. Comment from a user on 29 December 2025.The second footbridge (under the ruins of Patel) has been repaired and the path can be followed as indicated.

A pleasant walk on the heights of Voutezac, with magnificent views over the Brive valley and Voutezac.

A lovely route that takes you from the Saillant Chapel to the Chartroulle Chapel, discovering one of the rare vineyards in Corrèze, on the slopes of the Vézère in the commune of Allassac. A few steep slopes and paths that can be muddy in the rainy season, but a beautiful panorama.

This magnificent trail will allow you to discover part of the Vézère Gorges in a preserved and wild natural setting. Panoramic view of the Brive basin.

A lovely, very natural trail offering beautiful views of the countryside. There is a bit of an elevation gain to take into account, but alternative routes reduce the trail’s length from the original 11 kilometres to 8 or 6 kilometres.

A lovely walk that combines the pleasure of walking with a sense of remembrance. You will follow in the footsteps of those very young resistance fighters who stood up to the Nazi occupation and gave their lives for our freedom. Thank you to: Mario, Charles, Athos, Edouard, Raymond, Léon, André, Jacques, Jean, Marcel, Guy Jules, Gaston..... Lest we forget.

The Vézère Gorges can only be explored on foot. Follow me, you won't be disappointed... Moderator's note Hiking no longer seems possible on certain sections. See reviews

A superb walk, mostly through woodland with very little road. Walk around Peyrignac and its hamlets, enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest.

Circular route starting from the hamlet of Tranche, in the commune of Terrasson. Most of the route is on paths, starting from the hamlet where you can park your vehicle, then across the Foncillières and Brungidour plateau, well known to local hikers and mountain bikers. Woods, limestone plateaus, open views, high up at the start, then descent to the charming village of Condat, which you can visit by walking around it. Return via the D62 through Condat, then climb back up to the plateau via other paths.

A lovely ride that alternates between woodland and open countryside, leading you to discover some stunning architectural heritage.

This hike takes you on an excursion into the Pompadour National Forest.

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.

Set off from Saint-Mesmin, a hub for technical but magnificent hikes. Explore the superb Forêt Domaniale de Born and enjoy a bite to eat on a stone table by the Étang de Born. Take a tour of the hills before descending into the Auvézère valley to test your skills in the face of nature on a wild trail that will take you back to your starting point. The last part of this hike is strongly discouraged for beginners. Don't panic, an alternative, marked route is suggested in the description: don't take any unnecessary risks.

A beautiful, mostly shaded hike from the Estivaux plateau to the Vézère. Much of the hike is on paths, including theGR®46. Some sections are not marked. The hike offers views of Comborn Castle above the Vézère.

This route is reserved for experienced hikers and is as breathtaking as it is technical. From Savignac, take the wild trails along the Auvézère to Saint-Mesmin. Then return more leisurely via the plain, admiring the famous Savignac forges along the way. Some trails are steep and can be dangerous.

Feedback received on 19/12/2024. Still relevant on 25 August 2025.(!) Route impassable from La Rechèze due to a breach at the pond’s overflow. Impossible to cross the path, which is closed by municipal order.This lovely walk will take you to discover La Chartreuse du Glandier, founded in 1219, known at the time as "Notre-Dame du Glandier", destroyed during the Revolution of 1789 and rebuilt to its present state by the Carthusian Fathers in 1869.You will also discover the Étang de La Rechèze, built in 1457 to serve as a reservoir feeding the Canal des Moines (1457).Today it is a care home for people with intellectual disabilities.

Route along the Ruisseau de la Douime, from Saint-Rabier via Le Grand-Coderc. This walk encapsulates the essence of the Périgord Noir with its truffle fields, walnut trees, châteaux, streams and ponds, all set against a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills.

This loop, mainly through woodland, will take you to some of the Périgord Noir's lesser-known châteaux: Saint-Rabier, Rastignac, Larres and Le-Maine. A steep climb will take you to the heights of Larres from Taravellou. The return journey is on a gentler slope through the village of La-Chapelle-Saint-Jean. There is a bit of tarmac at the start and finish, but overall there are far more paths than roads.

A short walk on the outskirts of Brive-la-Gaillarde in a pretty woodland setting, half of which is off the beaten track and half of which is on the road.

An easy walk through the forest ends at Notre-Dame de Fournet, with a beautiful view of the Couze valley. The route also offers a glimpse of Lake Chasteaux.

This circular route around the limestone hill of Fournet offers a variety of landscapes, both on the side of the Causse lake and the listed village of Chasteaux, and on the north side towards the Vézère valley and the hills of Yssandon, Perpezac-le-Blanc and Saint-Robert. The route takes few paved roads and little-used paths and trails, with the exception of the two kilometres that follow part of the route around the Causse lake.

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.

This suggested route allows you to explore La Bachellerie, starting from the highest point in the village to enjoy the views of the surrounding valleys.

This route will allow you to discover or rediscover the traditional craft of making the ‘couade’, an iconic object of the village of Troche, which used to be found in every home.

A pleasant hike with little elevation gain, following wide farm tracks and quiet country roads.