Along the Dordogne and through the vineyards from Branne

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This is a pleasant walk that starts at the water's edge and returns a little further inland through the vineyards. It is not demanding, as it is on flat ground, and offers beautiful views of the hills opposite, on the left bank of the Dordogne.

06/06/2024: Hike modified between 8 and 10.

Details

n°3895881
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.57 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 11 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 11 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 11 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m
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Photos

Market hall
Eiffel Bridge
The Dordogne
The tidal bore

Description of the walk

Park in the Branne Town Hall car park, opposite the war memorial.

(S/E) Walk north along Rue Lamothe.

(1) At Place du Marché, turn right and walk along the market hall. Cross Rue Emmanuel Roy (D936) and turn left towards the Eiffel Bridge, which you will cross very carefully.

(2) Immediately after the bridge, go down the steps on the right and turn right towards the Dordogne. Turn right, go under the bridge and walk along the river.

(3) Continue straight ahead and follow the Dordogne for about 3.5 km, ignoring all turnings on the right.

(4) At Bernachot, turn right and continue for about 800 m.

(5) At the T-junction, turn right.

(6) At the crossroads, turn right and continue straight ahead.

(7) At the T-junction, turn left and stay on the tarmac road until the next fork.

(8) Turn left, ignore a path on the left and reach the D122.

Continue to the right and follow this road until you reach the junction with the D936.

(10) Turn right, cross the bridge and follow the path you took earlier in the opposite direction to return to Branne Town Hall (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 11 m - Branne Town Hall
  2. 1 : km 0.13 - alt. 9 m - Market hall
  3. 2 : km 0.42 - alt. 6 m - Eiffel Bridge
  4. 3 : km 0.75 - alt. 5 m - Carrefour of the Circular Route - Dordogne (river)
  5. 4 : km 3.94 - alt. 5 m - In Bernachot, turn right.
  6. 5 : km 4.79 - alt. 4 m - At the T-junction, turn right.
  7. 6 : km 6.24 - alt. 4 m - At the crossroads, turn right.
  8. 7 : km 6.77 - alt. 5 m - T-junction
  9. 8 : km 7.97 - alt. 5 m - Turn left at the fork.
  10. 9 : km 8.5 - alt. 5 m
  11. 10 : km 9.05 - alt. 7 m - D936
  12. S/E : km 9.57 - alt. 11 m - Branne Town Hall

Notes

In Branne, you will find three restaurants, a bar-tobacconist, a butcher's, two bakeries, a newsagent and various shops, including a Carrefour supermarket. Market every Thursday morning in the covered market.
Please note: closed on Mondays.
Brannais Tourist Office: Route de Cabara 33 420 Branne, tel: +33 (0)5 57 74 90 24.

Worth a visit

(S/E) Branne Town Hall, in the tradition ofthe 19th century: Justice of the Peace, flanked by the Municipal School for Girls and Boys.

(S/E) The war memorial commemorates the wars of 1870-71, 1914-18, 1939-45, and Indochina (1946-54). Inaugurated in 1903, four cannons adorned its perimeter, now replaced by four shells. The bronze cast iron statue is the work of sculptor Onésyme-Aristide Croisy. Unfortunately, the tone of the paint with which it is currently coated is highly questionable. The deportation memorial was unveiled in January 2019.

(1) This vital trading centre has been listed in the land registry since 1672. Here we see its last19th-century cast iron market hall.

(2) Crossing the river at Branne dates back to the time of the barbarian invasions; until the17th century, people crossed on a pontoon bridge, then on a wooden suspension bridge built inthe 19th century.
In 1911, it was joined by the Eiffel Bridge, which was destroyed by the retreating German army on 24 August 1944.
It was rebuilt and widened after the war, taking on the appearance we know today.
Since you are "close by", take the time to observe the technical aspects of the structure...

All along the 3,500 metres that run alongside the river, on your right you will see a succession of pleasant holiday homes, vineyards, meadows, crops and fallow land.

On the left, on the water side, there are beautiful views of the opposite banks. You can also see numerous carrelets (fishermen's huts), most of which are unfortunately disused.

About 2 km from the start, between Grange Neuve and Lacayot and at the top of the wooded hillsides, you will see Château Montlau. At this location, formerly known as "Mont des Lauriers" (Mount of Laurels), there are Gallo-Roman remains on which a fortified castle was built during the English occupation. Today, we can see the result of centuries of incessant work.
The estate now produces an excellent Bordeaux Supérieur AOP wine.

Finally, if you are lucky, depending on the time of day, you may encounter the "mascaret", a wave formed by the meeting of the natural downstream current and the rising tide, which leaves behind striking ripples. The phenomenon subsides shortly after Branne, 135 km from the ocean...

The return journey by land is a peaceful stroll through unspoilt countryside, with nothing to obstruct the view...

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.2 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
codje
codje

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike, but a major downside was having to cross private property.
Although the author of the hike indicated that it was further on, we were caught by the owner as soon as we passed the sign. The owner confirmed that there were traces of hikers passing through his land and that he had reported it to the authorities, to no avail.
We turned back and reached the banks of the Dordogne via the vineyard.

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marybleu
marybleu

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Route along small, quiet roads once you pass the first houses on the banks of the Dordogne.
Taken in the evening, pleasant with a light breeze.
The return journey is a little monotonous.
A quiet and easy ride.

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LINETTE.P.BX 33
LINETTE.P.BX 33

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 17, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Done on a Sunday in good weather. A lovely walk enhanced by historical and geographical commentary, which makes the walk all the more interesting.
No difficulty, a leisurely walk. Worth repeating in winter.
Thanks to the author.

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Lilas33
Lilas33

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 29, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the author of this route.
It is a truly beautiful walk and very well explained.
It just needs to be extended to about 9 km.

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MANU BX33
MANU BX33

Hello, and thank you for your message.
I am sometimes criticised for this approach (see comments and my replies).
The law does not require owners to fence off their property to indicate this, but a 'private property' sign does not constitute a prohibition...
So, as long as you don't get too close to houses or other buildings, there is a degree of tolerance in the countryside. Can you really forbid respectful (or even embarrassed) pedestrians from crossing a field or a vineyard?
I don't think so, otherwise we would only be able to hike on roads, and why not motorways! We prefer nature. However, in France, there is more private land than public land, apart from mountains and forests...
So, here as in everything else, it's a question of common sense and respect, of which hikers are the ambassadors, without going to the other extreme...
Finally, "going to the main crossroads" is certainly less pleasant, but in no way "safer"; this road is quite busy and can be very dangerous at certain times of the day...
Thank you for your attention, and see you soon on other local hikes (8) without any "worrying" signs!...

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MANU BX33
MANU BX33

Hello, thank you for your comment.
Admittedly, the return journey is less picturesque, especially at this time of year... But we have to get back somehow! And I find the "opposite direction" rather tedious...
See you soon on other hikes!

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dominique pelegry
dominique pelegry

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 01, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

From point 8 onwards, the description is not very clear. It is very difficult to ignore the sign saying 'propriété privée' (No trespassing - private property). The same applies to the other option: 'follow the path through the vineyard'. You will inevitably end up on private property.
It is better to continue along the small road until you reach the main crossroads. It is less pleasant, but safer.

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PETIT OURS PAUL
PETIT OURS PAUL

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 02, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

A very easy hike... not very interesting in my opinion... the first few kilometres are nice along the banks of the Dordogne, but after that, nothing special...

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Mamou11
Mamou11

Thank you,
I'm glad I have this app; it's very useful at times. Have a nice day.

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MANU BX33
MANU BX33

Hello Mamou 11, and thank you for your comments.
Reading maps does indeed require a great deal of attention and a minimum of "feeling" and "sense of direction". Unfortunately, we are not all equally skilled at these exercises...
I highly recommend downloading the Visorando app on your smartphone, whose GPS function (among others) is extremely useful...
Have a nice day.

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Mamou11
Mamou11

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 26, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Sorry, as I did both hikes in Branne, the vineyards of SAINT EMILION and this one, my previous comment is irrelevant. Same downside as the previous comment: private property, we ended up on the road. Otherwise, a very pleasant hike with beautiful early autumn colours.

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Mamou11
Mamou11

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 26, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely stretch near the Dordogne, although very poorly maintained. Then we got lost, and I must admit that I'm not very good at reading maps. I'll do it again, paying more attention to the instructions, but the views are beautiful. Thank you all for your hikes, each one more enjoyable than the last. Thank you, VISORANDO, for publishing them.

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MANU BX33
MANU BX33

Hello, fellow travellers,
No, you haven't missed any paths.
The "private property" is actually fenced off a little further on ("go around the fence"), which makes the path public property. Taking it means going around the vineyard... without getting your feet wet!
Not being particularly brave myself, I might have had the same hesitation, so I will make a reassuring correction on the map, as the road can be dangerous at this point.
Thank you for your cooperation and enjoy your walks (I have seven others in the area!).
MANU BX 33

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lous camins
lous camins

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 25, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The waterside is magnificent with the autumn colours.
The only problem arose at point 8: a sign saying "private property, no trespassing" at the "hairpin bend".
We don't like to break rules, especially as a group...
So we continued on to the main road and took the side of the road and the rows of vines.
But perhaps we had passed the "engraved path"?

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Other walks in the area

Walking The Saint-Émilion vineyards via the Dordogne and Vignonet

Visorando member
Le vignoble de Saint-Émilion par la Dordogne et Vignonet
↔9.29 km ↗+20 m ↘-21 m ◔2h 45 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Branne (Gironde) (Gironde)
Here is a pleasant walk that starts along the water’s edge, returning further inland through the vineyards. Although it is nearly 10 km long, it is not particularly strenuous as the terrain is entirely flat. It is somewhat the western counterpart to another walk suggested to the east of the Branne bridge (Visorando no. 3895881).

Walking Route of the hamlets south of Branne

Visorando member
Circuit des hameaux au Sud de Branne
↔10.57 km ↗+201 m ↘-206 m ◔3h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Branne (Gironde) (Gironde)
Through vineyards and woodland, local hamlets and villages, this undulating route takes us on a journey through the peaceful, green countryside south of Branne.

Walking Boucle de la Dordogne depuis Branne

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↔20.98 km ↗+272 m ↘-276 m ◔6h 45 ▲Difficult
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Parcourez les chemins du vignoble de l’Entre-Deux-Mers et découvrez la Dordogne sous différentes facettes grâce à de nombreux points de vue sur ses méandres.

Walking Lyssandre circular to Engranne

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↔23.33 km ↗+276 m ↘-270 m ◔7h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lugaignac (Gironde)
Throughout this hike, you will have the opportunity to contemplate varied landscapes combining hills, vineyards and forests. These bucolic settings offer a multitude of remarkable views. Along the way, you will also discover a rich architectural heritage. Castles, fortified houses and picturesque hamlets will punctuate your journey.

Walking From Lyssandre to Engranne via Coiffard

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↔18.49 km ↗+218 m ↘-215 m ◔5h 55 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Lugaignac (Gironde)
This alternative offers a shorter version of the circular Du Lyssandre à l'Engranne, where you will have the opportunity to admire rolling hills, vineyards and woodlands, offering many different views. As you explore these charming surroundings, you will discover châteaux, fortified houses and picturesque hamlets.

Walking From Cabara: viewpoints and the banks of the Dordogne

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Depuis Cabara : points de vue et bord de la Dordogne
↔8.10 km ↗+63 m ↘-65 m ◔2h 30 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Cabara (Gironde)
A beautiful viewpoint, a stroll through the vineyards and along the banks of the Dordogne in the fields.

Walking The Gabariers Circular Walk in Cabara

Tourist office
Boucle des Gabariers à Cabara
↔4.37 km ↗+62 m ↘-58 m ◔1h 25 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Cabara (Gironde)
The Cabara circular walk offers beautiful views, particularly of the meandering Dordogne. The Port of Cabara, with its old warehouses, serves as a reminder that the village was centred on river trade in the 19th century. Its port was very busy. As a testament to those prosperous times, the houses and shops of the many craftsmen and fishermen still stand on the riverbank.

Walking Around Saint-Aubin-de Branne

Visorando member
Autour de Saint-Aubin-de Branne
↔9.06 km ↗+96 m ↘-98 m ◔2h 50 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Saint-Aubin-de-Branne (Gironde)
The route is slightly hilly and quite varied, taking in a riding centre, castles, vineyards, viewpoints and charming little hamlets.

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