Marsalès walks

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).

A mixed walk (forest paths and small roads) around the bastide town of Monpazier. A complete immersion in the undergrowth and in a countryside that has hardly changed in over 50 years. A truly remote spot. Updated at the request of a local resident, the start of this hike has been moved to Saint-Cassien, near the village church.

An easy walk whatever the season, very shaded in summer as it runs through woodland, but still manageable in winter. A gentle, unchallenging climb offering views of a landscape typical of southern Périgord: a small valley, woodland of oak and chestnut trees, a stone house with a traditional Périgord roof, a park with a château (not open to visitors) and a small 12th-century church.

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.

A very easy walk around Lake Tourliac, along the Brayssou, a small tributary of the Dropt. Plenty of birds (mallards, teals, wigeons, etc.). It largely follows the contour line along a footpath. As this is a reservoir, the walk is more pleasant in spring, when the lake is full.

A walk through the forest between Monpazier and Villefranche-du-Périgord; very easy on limestone and dirt tracks; very little walking on tarmac roads. Shaded for much of the route, though there may be a few muddy patches in wet weather. Ideal for exploring the forest of southern Périgord.

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 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.

A route starting from Urval, a typical Périgord village, on the left bank of the Dordogne in the Périgord Noir, between Belvès and Le Buisson de Cadouin. A route, mainly through woodland, with little elevation gain and few tarmac sections. Ideal for families. 

Urval is a small, unassuming village on the edge of the Bergerac–Sarlat road; there are several walking trails, marked in yellow, which are very interesting. This walk features a fairly steep climb at the start, but it’s shaded and leads to a magnificent little hamlet at the end; this is followed by a superb descent with a beautiful view before climbing up the opposite slope and passing in front of the Château de la Poujade (private); the walk ends with a descent towards the village (halfway along the route, there is also the option of taking a more direct route to the village of Urval via the road at the bottom of the valley). This route alternates between footpaths and roads with very little traffic, except perhaps in summer on the section at the bottom of the valley.

This route takes you to one of the least well-known fortified castles in Lot-et-Garonne, its fortified village and its lush green valley: Gavaudun. It passes through the hamlet of Laurenque and its elegant 12th-century church.You’ll be able to admire the evocative ruins of Saint-Sardos Priory and learn about the legend associated with it.Off the main route, you can visit the village of Saint-Avit, home to the Bernard Palissy Museum (dedicated to the potter, enameller, painter, glassmaker, writer and scholar).

An easy hike starting from the village of Born. Beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see and few roads. Plains and undergrowth. A ford at the start of the walk with the possibility of crossing without getting your feet wet.

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 route has been created by Dordogne Périgord Trail for runners and mountain bikers. Four routes are available starting from Bayac. Route No. 1 is a gentle warm-up for beginners, taking in the majestic Château de Bannes.

This route has been created by Dordogne Périgord Trail for runners and mountain bikers. Four routes are available starting from Bayac. This route allows you to complete Route No. 3 (16 km), and partway along, a circular route of 4 km enables you to complete Route No. 4 (20 km).

This route has been created by Dordogne Périgord Trail for runners and mountain bikers. Four routes are available starting from Bayac. Route No. 2 offers a lovely hike but requires a good level of fitness.

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.