Classic Dordogne Walk - a Ramble through Villages & Prehistoric Sites

Self Guided - 7 Nights/8 Days

A wonderful walk in the famous Périgord Noir area around Sarlat in the Southwest of France. The natural beauty of the Dordogne and Vézère valley is infused with the richness of heritage, culture and cuisine. Walk on gentle hiking trails along the river, through chestnut forests, walnut orchards, passing by fairy tale castles from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Mingle with locals at the lively and colourful market in Sarlat. Savour the specialties of the region: foie gras, confits, truffles, strawberries accompanied with a glass of Bergerac wine.

This CLASSIC DORDOGNE WALK takes you to some of the most beautiful villages in France plus pre-historic sites with cave drawings and troglodyte dwellings. Walks are leisurely, with plenty of time for lazy picnics.

Your Journey

Day 1: Arrive Sarlat-la-Caneda

Tour begins in Sarlat-la-Canéda the capital of the Périgord Noir with its cobbled streets, picturesque small squares and its many architectural treasures. Two nights.

Day 2: Circuit walk Sarlat to Chateau de Commarque & the Beune valley – Walking 3 hr 15 mins 12 km

Walk from Marquay, a charming Perigourdine village with its typical houses and their lauze roofs, its fortified church of the 12th & 13th century. Arrive Château de Commarque which stands on a rocky outcrop. There are troglodyte habitats and a prehistoric cave to explore.

Day 3: The Most Beautiful Villages of the Dordogne Valley
Walking 18 / 11 kms, 5 / 2.5 hrs

Start in Beynac, a pretty cliff-side village with an impressive château overlooking the Dordogne, and walk to La Roque Gageac, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Take a boat ride on the Dordogne River in a traditional old merchant ship from the 18thC then head for Domme, a magnificent bastide town perched on a vertiginous cliff, dating from 1283.

Day 4: Circuit walk Château des Milandes > Château de Castelnaud > Domme
Walking: 13km, approx. 3 hrs 20 mins

A highlight today is one of France’s most spectacular medieval fortifications, the magnificent Château de Castelnaud, on a promontory overlooking four valleys and three rivers. Return to the cobbled streets and fortified gates and towers of Domme.

Day 5: Vezere Valley Limueil > Le Bugue > Les Eyzies
Walking: 23 / 13.5km (6 hr 15 mins / 3.5 hrs)

The village of Limeuil is listed among the most beautiful in France and is where you commence your walk today. Cross picturesque landscapes to Le Bugue located on the Vézère River, then on through rural trails to St Cirq, where you can visit the prehistoric Grotte du Sorcier. Finish in the capital of prehistory, Les Eyzies.

Day 6: Les Eyzies circuit walk
Walking: 15 km (4 hrs 10 mins) or (2hrs 40 mins 10km)

Transfer to Sain Cyprien or Meyrals,  head into rolling countryside, farmyards and forests, along trails and quiet country lanes. Enter Les Eyzies and walk in the footsteps of Cro-Magnon man who lived in the area over 10,000 years ago.

Day 7: La Roque St Christophe & Saint Leon Sur Vezere
Walking: 20 / 13 km, 5 hrs / 3 hrs 15 mins

Walk on the path of prehistoric man that runs along La Roque Saint Christophe, a troglodyte site unique in the world. Arrive at Saint Léon sur Vézère, another classified most beautiful village. Continue to the charming village of Montignac, located at the foot of the famous hill of Lascaux.

Day 8: Lascaux Caves

Arrangements end or you can reserve a visit to the famous Lascaux Caves ll/lV, a complete and unpublished replica that houses the oldest paintings of humanity and traces the discovery of the famous cave with its rock paintings.

Terrain

Easy walks from 7 – 12 km plus moderate options up to 23 km per day.

Meals

Breakfast and 1 dinner

Price - 2024

Please note that pricing is per person in Euros.

1  - 31 March, 1 October - 15 November: Double / Twin Share €1285; Single Supplement €453

1 April - 30 September: Double / Twin Share €1435; Single Supplement €480

Solo Traveller Supplement: Low season €1050 / High season €1135

 

Schedule

2024:

Start any day March to 15 November

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A Walker’s World has been offering walking holidays in Europe and around the world since 1991.

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