Landscapes of the Dordogne
France Hiking + Walking Tours
Discover the Scenic Trails & Rich Culture of Périgord Noir: A One-of-a-Kind Hiking Adventure in Southwest France
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1101 Rates
Overview
This one-of-a-kind hiking adventure through the scenic Southwest of France features the renowned Périgord Noir in and around Sarlat. Over the course of a week, you will trek the natural beauty of the Dordogne and Vézère valleys while indulging in the region's rich heritage, culture, and cuisine.
The hiking trails are tranquil, winding through chestnut forests and walnut orchards, passing by enchanting castles from the Middle Ages and Renaissance eras, and leading to some of the most picturesque villages in France.
You will have the opportunity to explore prehistoric sites featuring fascinating cave drawings.
The colorful and vibrant market in Sarlat will be a highlight. You can mingle with locals and savor the region's specialties, including foie gras, confits, truffles, and strawberries, all accompanied by a glass of Bergerac wine.
This unforgettable journey combines the best of nature, history, heritage, exceptional food, and outstanding local vintages!
Highlights
- A joyful mix of walks, relaxation & heritage
- Gardens, castles, prehistoric caves, & troglodyte villages of the Périgord Noir
- Longer walk options on days 3, 4, 5 & 7
- A cultural break in the most beautiful villages
- Visit to the Château de Commarque included
- Les Eyzies, the prehistoric capital
- The famous market in Sarlat
- Swimming in the rivers and optional kayaking
Be sure to check out all our hiking tours!
Itinerary
Day 1: Sarlat
Day 2: Marquay - Château de Commarque - Marquay, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
Day 3: Beynac or La Roque-Gageac - Domme, 11.25 or 7 mi. (18 or 11 km)
Day 4: Château des Milandes - Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle - Domme, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 5: Limueil or Le Bugue - Les Eyzies, 14 or 8 mi. (23 or 13.5 km)
Day 6: Les Eyzies - Saint Cirq - Les Eyzies, 7 mi. (11.5 km)
Day 7: Peyzac Le Moustier - St. Léon sur Vézère - Montignac, 12.5 or 7.5 mi. (20 or 12 km)
Day 8: Montignac - Montignac, 4 mi. (7 km)Every effort is made to update the routes, however, changes can occur on the ground due to various factors such as fallen trees, adverse weather conditions, or human activity. These factors can affect path signage.
Day 1: Sarlat
Welcome to the beautiful capital of Périgord Noir, Sarlat-la-Canéda, where your stay is set to begin. As you arrive in this enchanting town, you'll be greeted by its charming cobbled streets, picturesque small squares, and numerous architectural treasures.To make the most of your visit, we recommend beginning your tour on a Friday or Saturday. That way, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the weekly market that takes place every Wednesday morning and Saturday all day. The market is a bustling affair that showcases the region's bountiful produce, including fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and wines.
As the sun begins to set, you can retire to your comfortable lodgings in Sarlat, where you can rest and rejuvenate for the days ahead.
Accommodation:
Standard: La Maison du Notaire Royal B&B
Charming: Les Cordeliers
Superior: Plaza MadeleineDay 2: Marquay - Château de Commarque - Marquay, 7.5 mi. (12 km)
After a short transfer, get ready to explore the charming perigourdine village of Marquay. You will be captivated by the quaint houses with their distinctive lauze roofs and the imposing fortified church of the 12th and 13th centuries.The walk begins as you make your way through the deep oak and chestnut forests that surround the village. As you venture further, you will encounter small hills dotted with hamlets and rock shelters that have been carved out by the Beune River over the years.
At the Château de Commarque, an awe-inspiring castle perched on a rocky outcrop. you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The site even boasts prehistoric cave dwellings and troglodyte habitats, making it a must-visit destination.
Once back in Marquay, a transfer will be waiting to take you back to Sarlat, where you can rest and recharge for the next day's adventure.
Elevation: +/-330 m
Approx. walking time: approx 3 1/4 hrsAccommodation:
Standard: La Maison du Notaire Royal B&B
Charming: Les Cordeliers
Superior: Plaza MadeleineDay 3: Beynac or La Roque-Gageac - Domme, 11.25 or 7 mi. (18 or 11 km)
Today, you have the choice of two route options. The longer route begins in Beynac, a pretty cliff-side village with a rich history, including a château that was only ever captured once by Richard Lionheart.As you begin your trek from Beynac, you'll pass through wooded hills above the Dordogne, taking in breathtaking views of the river along the way. Eventually, you'll arrive at La Roque-Gageac along the Dordogne River, France. Flickr:LaurPhil, which has been listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This stunning village is home to historic mansions, troglodyte dwellings, ochre-colored stone houses with lauze roofs, and even an exotic garden.
While in La Roque-Gageac, don't miss the chance to take a boat ride down the river on a flat-bottomed Gabarre, a reconstruction of old merchant ships from the 18th century. And before you leave, be sure to stock up on regional delicacies at a nearby duck farm.
If you opt for the shorter route, the walk begins in La Roque-Gageac itself and leads to Domme, a magnificent bastide town dating back to 1283. This town is perched on a vertiginous cliff with golden stones, offering panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley.
Please inform the taxi driver which option you are choosing.
Elevation:
Longer option: +690m / -670m
Shorter option:+690m /-670m
Approx. walking time:
Longer option: 5 hrs
Shorter option: 2 1/2 hrsAccommodation:
Standard: Les Petits Cousins du Quebec B&B
Charming: Hotel de l'Esplanade
Superior: Logis 1Day 4: Château des Milandes - Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle - Domme, 8 mi. (13 km)
A short transfer from Domme takes you into the gorgeous countryside to the Château and gardens of Milandes, the former home of Josephine Baker, legendary entertainer of the early 20th century. You follow the left bank of the Dordogne to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, another classified most beautiful village with its marvelous medieval castle which played an important role during the Hundred Years War. Continue your climb and finish in Domme, enjoy a stroll through the village’s cobbled streets,
fortified gates, towers and the covered market. Night in Domme.Elevation: +633m /-554m
Approx. walking time: 3 hr 20 minAccommodation:
Standard: Les Petits Cousins du Quebec B&B
Charming: Hotel de l'Esplanade
Superior: Logis 1Day 5: Limueil or Le Bugue - Les Eyzies, 14 or 8 mi. (23 or 13.5 km)
Today’s trek leads you through the picturesque valley towards Les Eyzies. You have the option to choose between two routes: a longer hike starting from Limeuil or a shorter version starting directly from Le Bugue. If you decide on the longer trail, your journey starts with a 40-minute transfer to Limeuil, a charming village listed among the most beautiful in France. You will then traverse through stunning landscapes and arrive at Le Bugue, a town located on the banks of the Vézère river. Along the way, you will come across shady forests, farms, and hamlets, and have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Grotte du Sorcier. Your hike ends in the capital of prehistory, Les Eyzies, where you will spend the next two nights. Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of prehistoric times!Elevation: +414m / -405 m or +/-181m
Approx. walking time: 6 1/4 hrs or 3 3/4 hrsAccommodation:
Standard: Le menestrel B&B
Charming: Cro Magnon
Superior: Les GlycinesDay 6: Option 1 (long) St Cyprien - Meyrals - Les Eyzies, 9.3 mi. (15 km) | Option 2 (short) Meyrals - Les Eyzies, 6.2 mi. (10km)
Transfer to the start of your walk, the longer or shorter version depending on how you feel for a gentle walk through the forest, past farms and hamlets and back to Les Eyzies. You are in the rural heart of the Périgourdine countryside. After you walk you can visit the National Museum of Prehistory right in the heart of Les Eyzies (entrance not included). The night is spent in Les Eyzies.Elevation: +/- 270m to +/-320m
Approx. walking time: 2 1/2 hrs to 4 hrsStandard: Le menestrel B&B
Charming: Cro Magnon
Superior: Les GlycinesDay 7: Peyzac Le Moustier - St. Léon sur Vézère - Montignac, 12.5 or 7.5 mi. (20 or 12 km)
You have the option to choose between two hiking routes for the day. If you're up for a longer walk, you can start your day with breakfast and then transfer to Le Moustier. From there, you follow the path of prehistory, leading along La Roque Saint Christophe, a unique troglodyte site. Continuing on, you reach Saint Léon sur Vézère, a classified village where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or lunch on a café terrace with stunning views over the river. You end in the charming village of Montignac, located at the foot of the famous hill of Lascaux.Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter hike, you can transfer to St. Leon sur Vezere after breakfast. From there, you can explore the village and take in the beautiful surroundings. Don't forget to indulge in a refreshing drink or a delicious meal on a café terrace with a stunning view of the river. Afterward, make your way to Montignac, where you can enjoy the rest of your evening and a peaceful night's sleep.
Elevation: +/- 510m or +366m/-288m
Approx. walking time: 5 or 3 1/4 hrsAccommodation:
Standard: Le Petit Monde
Charming: La Roseraie
Superior: BouilhacDay 8: Montignac - Montignac, 4 mi. (7 km)
Though today is your official departure day, there is enough time to do a short loop hike following the footsteps of our ancestors to the famous Lascaux Cave (needs to be booked in advance). This site is actually a complex of caves famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings, estimated to be over 17,000 years old. The cave was discovered in 1940 and opened to the public in 1948, but it was closed in 1963 due to concerns about damage caused by carbon dioxide and other pollutants from visitors. Today, a replica of the cave known as Lascaux IV is open to the public, designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the cave's prehistoric art. The replica was created using advanced digital scanning and 3D printing technology to recreate the cave's intricate artwork and rock formations as accurately as possible The paintings themselves depict various animals, including horses, deer, bulls, and bison, as well as abstract symbols and patterns. They are considered some of the most important and well-preserved examples of prehistoric art in the world. You may even consider booking an extra night in Montignac.Map
Accommodation
You are offered three levels of accommodation for this tour. Standard consists of 2-star hotels & nice B&Bs. The Charming level is a collection of 3-star establishments and the Superior level of accommodations are all 4-star hotels. Please refer to each day’s details to see the preferred hotel listed. Upon booking, any changes that need to be made due to availability will be subject to your approval before official confirmation It is possible to upgrade on certain nights.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 7 nights in standard, charming, or superior hotels
- 7 breakfasts
- Day 2 entrance Château de Commarque
- Day 2 transfer from Sarlat to Marquay and back
- Day 3 transfer from Sarlat to Beynac or La Roque Gagaec
- Day 4 transfer from Domme to Château de Milandes
- Day 5 transfer from Domme to Limeuil or Le Bugue
- Day 6 transfer from Les Eyzies to Le Moustier or St Leon sur Vézère
- Luggage transfer (one checked size bag and one day pack)
- Roadbook in English (or French)
- GPX tracks
- Emergency phone support (24 hrs)
What’s Not Included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Day 3 boat cruise on the Dordogne
- Day 8 visit Lascaux IV (needs to be booked well in advance)
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily tour starts are possible from March 1 through November 15, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Season 1: March 1 to March 31, 2024
Season 2: April 1 to June 25 | Nov 11 to Nov 15, 2024
Season 3: June 26 to October 31, 20242 - 3 ppl 4 - 6 ppl Single supplement Solo traveler Season 1 $ 1840 £ 970 $ 1,679 € 1111 kr 170498 ₪ 4567 ¥ 191932 Mex$ 20477 NZ$ 2010 NOK 13242 zł 4831 S$ 1659 kr 13213 $ 1,233 $ 1757 £ 927 $ 1,603 € 1061 kr 162825 ₪ 4362 ¥ 183294 Mex$ 19555 NZ$ 1919 NOK 12646 zł 4613 S$ 1585 kr 12618 $ 1,177 $ 638 £ 336 $ 582 € 385 kr 59083 ₪ 1583 ¥ 66511 Mex$ 7096 NZ$ 696 NOK 4589 zł 1674 S$ 575 kr 4579 $ 427 $ 3115 £ 1643 $ 2,842 € 1881 kr 288664 ₪ 7733 ¥ 324954 Mex$ 34669 NZ$ 3403 NOK 22420 zł 8179 S$ 2810 kr 22370 $ 2,087 Season 2 $ 1906 £ 1005 $ 1,739 € 1151 kr 176636 ₪ 4732 ¥ 198842 Mex$ 21214 NZ$ 2082 NOK 13719 zł 5005 S$ 1719 kr 13689 $ 1,277 $ 1823 £ 962 $ 1,664 € 1101 kr 168963 ₪ 4526 ¥ 190204 Mex$ 20292 NZ$ 1992 NOK 13123 zł 4787 S$ 1645 kr 13094 $ 1,222 $ 656 £ 346 $ 598 € 396 kr 60771 ₪ 1628 ¥ 68411 Mex$ 7299 NZ$ 716 NOK 4720 zł 1722 S$ 591 kr 4710 $ 439 $ 3281 £ 1730 $ 2,994 € 1981 kr 304011 ₪ 8144 ¥ 342229 Mex$ 36512 NZ$ 3584 NOK 23612 zł 8613 S$ 2959 kr 23560 $ 2,198 Season 3 $ 1939 £ 1023 $ 1,770 € 1171 kr 179706 ₪ 4814 ¥ 202297 Mex$ 21583 NZ$ 2118 NOK 13957 zł 5092 S$ 1749 kr 13927 $ 1,299 $ 1856 £ 979 $ 1,694 € 1121 kr 172032 ₪ 4608 ¥ 193659 Mex$ 20661 NZ$ 2028 NOK 13361 zł 4874 S$ 1674 kr 13332 $ 1,244 $ 692 £ 365 $ 632 € 418 kr 64148 ₪ 1718 ¥ 72212 Mex$ 7704 NZ$ 756 NOK 4982 zł 1817 S$ 624 kr 4971 $ 464 $ 3214 £ 1695 $ 2,933 € 1941 kr 297872 ₪ 7980 ¥ 335319 Mex$ 35774 NZ$ 3511 NOK 23135 zł 8439 S$ 2899 kr 23084 $ 2,154 Season 1: March 1 to March 31 | Oct 1 to Nov 15, 2024
Season 2: April 1 to June 30 | Sep 1 to Sep 30, 2024
Season 3: July 1 to Aug 31, 20242 - 3 ppl 4 - 6 ppl Single supplement Solo traveler Season 1 $ 2088 £ 1101 $ 1,906 € 1261 kr 193517 ₪ 5184 ¥ 217845 Mex$ 23241 NZ$ 2281 NOK 15030 zł 5483 S$ 1884 kr 14997 $ 1,399 $ 2005 £ 1058 $ 1,830 € 1211 kr 185844 ₪ 4978 ¥ 209207 Mex$ 22320 NZ$ 2191 NOK 14434 zł 5265 S$ 1809 kr 14402 $ 1,344 $ 783 £ 413 $ 715 € 473 kr 72588 ₪ 1945 ¥ 81713 Mex$ 8718 NZ$ 856 NOK 5638 zł 2057 S$ 707 kr 5625 $ 525 $ 3479 £ 1835 $ 3,175 € 2101 kr 322426 ₪ 8637 ¥ 362960 Mex$ 38723 NZ$ 3801 NOK 25042 zł 9135 S$ 3138 kr 24987 $ 2,332 Season 2 $ 2204 £ 1163 $ 2,011 € 1331 kr 204260 ₪ 5472 ¥ 229938 Mex$ 24532 NZ$ 2408 NOK 15864 zł 5787 S$ 1988 kr 15829 $ 1,477 $ 2121 £ 1119 $ 1,936 € 1281 kr 196586 ₪ 5266 ¥ 221300 Mex$ 23610 NZ$ 2317 NOK 15268 zł 5570 S$ 1913 kr 15235 $ 1,422 $ 820 £ 432 $ 748 € 495 kr 75964 ₪ 2035 ¥ 85514 Mex$ 9123 NZ$ 895 NOK 5900 zł 2152 S$ 739 kr 5887 $ 549 $ 3711 £ 1957 $ 3,387 € 2241 kr 343911 ₪ 9213 ¥ 387146 Mex$ 41304 NZ$ 4054 NOK 26711 zł 9744 S$ 3347 kr 26652 $ 2,487 Season 3 $ 2287 £ 1206 $ 2,087 € 1381 kr 211933 ₪ 5677 ¥ 238576 Mex$ 25453 NZ$ 2498 NOK 16460 zł 6005 S$ 2063 kr 16424 $ 1,533 $ 2204 £ 1163 $ 2,011 € 1331 kr 204260 ₪ 5472 ¥ 229938 Mex$ 24532 NZ$ 2408 NOK 15864 zł 5787 S$ 1988 kr 15829 $ 1,477 $ 874 £ 461 $ 798 € 528 kr 81029 ₪ 2171 ¥ 91215 Mex$ 9732 NZ$ 955 NOK 6293 zł 2296 S$ 789 kr 6279 $ 586 $ 3794 £ 2001 $ 3,462 € 2291 kr 351584 ₪ 9418 ¥ 395784 Mex$ 42225 NZ$ 4144 NOK 27307 zł 9961 S$ 3422 kr 27247 $ 2,542 Season 1: March 1 to March 31, 2024
Season 2: April 1 to June 30 | Sep 1 to Nov 11, 2024
Season 3: July 1 to Aug 31, 20242 - 3 ppl 4 - 6 ppl Single supplement Solo traveler Season 1 $ 2668 £ 1407 $ 2,434 € 1611 kr 247229 ₪ 6623 ¥ 278310 Mex$ 29692 NZ$ 2914 NOK 19202 zł 7005 S$ 2406 kr 19159 $ 1,788 $ 2585 £ 1363 $ 2,359 € 1561 kr 239556 ₪ 6417 ¥ 269672 Mex$ 28771 NZ$ 2824 NOK 18606 zł 6787 S$ 2332 kr 18565 $ 1,732 $ 1184 £ 625 $ 1,080 € 715 kr 109726 ₪ 2939 ¥ 123520 Mex$ 13178 NZ$ 1293 NOK 8522 zł 3109 S$ 1068 kr 8503 $ 793 $ 4490 £ 2368 $ 4,097 € 2711 kr 416039 ₪ 11145 ¥ 468341 Mex$ 49966 NZ$ 4904 NOK 32313 zł 11787 S$ 4049 kr 32242 $ 3,008 Season 2 $ 2883 £ 1521 $ 2,631 € 1741 kr 267180 ₪ 7157 ¥ 300768 Mex$ 32088 NZ$ 3149 NOK 20751 zł 7570 S$ 2601 kr 20705 $ 1,932 $ 2800 £ 1477 $ 2,555 € 1691 kr 259506 ₪ 6952 ¥ 292130 Mex$ 31167 NZ$ 3059 NOK 20155 zł 7352 S$ 2526 kr 20111 $ 1,877 $ 1512 £ 797 $ 1,380 € 913 kr 140112 ₪ 3753 ¥ 157726 Mex$ 16827 NZ$ 1652 NOK 10882 zł 3970 S$ 1364 kr 10858 $ 1,013 $ 4970 £ 2621 $ 4,535 € 3001 kr 460543 ₪ 12337 ¥ 518440 Mex$ 55311 NZ$ 5429 NOK 35769 zł 13048 S$ 4483 kr 35690 $ 3,330 Season 3 $ 2999 £ 1582 $ 2,737 € 1811 kr 277922 ₪ 7445 ¥ 312861 Mex$ 33378 NZ$ 3276 NOK 21586 zł 7874 S$ 2705 kr 21538 $ 2,010 $ 2916 £ 1538 $ 2,661 € 1761 kr 270249 ₪ 7240 ¥ 304223 Mex$ 32457 NZ$ 3186 NOK 20990 zł 7657 S$ 2630 kr 20943 $ 1,954 $ 1548 £ 817 $ 1,413 € 935 kr 143488 ₪ 3844 ¥ 161527 Mex$ 17233 NZ$ 1691 NOK 11144 zł 4065 S$ 1397 kr 11120 $ 1,038 $ 5202 £ 2744 $ 4,747 € 3141 kr 482028 ₪ 12913 ¥ 542626 Mex$ 57891 NZ$ 5682 NOK 37438 zł 13657 S$ 4692 kr 37355 $ 3,486 Extra Options
Extra nights: on request
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This itinerary has 2 difficulty levels. You can do only the easy hikes or if you feel a bit sportier throw in some moderate longer ones. You decide, telling your taxi driver your preferred drop-off place.
EASY: Embark on a walking holiday that requires just a little bit of effort. The easy walks provide an opportunity to breathe in some fresh air, soak in the scenic landscapes and explore various places such as cities and sites. You will be walking for around 2 to 3.45 hours per day, covering a distance of 7 to 13 km on a terrain that is slightly hilly but easy to navigate. You might have to climb up to perched villages and monuments, but rest assured, you don’t have to be an athlete or an expert walker to complete these itineraries.
MODERATE: This level is designed for individuals who exercise regularly, be it through walking, cycling, aerobics, or any other form of physical activity. If you are in good shape and do not mind scrambling a little to get to certain stages of the itinerary, then this level is perfect for you. You are accustomed to walking uphill at a slow pace for a relatively extended period, and you enjoy going for day-long hikes. The hikes range from 13 to 23 km.
The hikes cover various terrains, and although no technical skills are required, it is recommended that you wear good and reliable walking shoes and make use of hiking poles.Airport Info
Fly to Bordeaux International Airport (BOD)
Local Travel
From Bordeaux Airport, you can take a train to Sarlat. Travel time is 2 1/2 hours.
To return to Bordeaux Airport from Montignac:
BUS
From Montignac, you can catch a bus to Périgueux (approx 1 hour) TRAIN
From Périgueux to Bordeaux Airport (approx 1 1/4 hour)Climate
The Dordogne region of France has a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers. The region experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being November and December.
Recommended
To ensure smooth travel, please make sure that your luggage is tagged with your name, surname, and cell phone number. It is recommended that you travel with as little baggage as possible, taking only the essentials. Each person is allowed one piece of luggage weighing around 23kg, as is customary with most airline companies, as well as one day pack. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage, as most hotels and guest houses do not have elevators and may not provide baggage-carrying services to your room, except for 4/5-star hotels. Your luggage will be transferred from one hotel to the next throughout your trip. When leaving a hotel, please leave your bags at the reception by 10 am at the latest. If you wish to modify a transfer, please contact the taxi in advance as soon as possible. Any extra costs incurred due to these modifications will be at your own expense and must be paid directly to the taxi.
Important to know
Passport/Visa Information
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented, will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit.
Extra Stay
If you would like to add a day or two before your tour or after, please let us know. You can also request extra nights within your tour itinerary. Pricing on request.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by WalkInn.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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