Saint-Mesmin (Dordogne) walks

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

A very shaded walk, recommended on hot days. The Étang du Merle is the lovely surprise of this walk.

An easy and pleasant path in all weathers. It offers views of numerous horses in the pastures surrounding the Chignac estate.

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.

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.

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!

On this route, you can choose between three circular walks. This walk is shaded.

Hike from the centre of Granges d'Ans, through the countryside along pretty communal paths and a few tarmac sections. Enjoy the landscapes and views of the hills. Don't hesitate to take a few detours to see the wash houses.

This is a pleasant, shaded walk, away from roads, along the banks of the River Isle, at the foot of the Château de Jumilhac-le-Grand. Have fun counting the number of bridges you cross. Here's a clue: you can count them on the fingers of one hand.