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 $ 1850 £ 967 $ 1,659 € 1111 kr 170320 ₪ 4572 ¥ 189669 Mex$ 20687 NZ$ 2032 NOK 13348 zł 4891 S$ 1651 kr 13272 $ 1,215 $ 1766 £ 924 $ 1,585 € 1061 kr 162655 ₪ 4366 ¥ 181133 Mex$ 19756 NZ$ 1940 NOK 12747 zł 4671 S$ 1577 kr 12675 $ 1,160 $ 641 £ 335 $ 575 € 385 kr 59022 ₪ 1584 ¥ 65727 Mex$ 7169 NZ$ 704 NOK 4626 zł 1695 S$ 572 kr 4599 $ 421 $ 3132 £ 1638 $ 2,809 € 1881 kr 288364 ₪ 7740 ¥ 321123 Mex$ 35025 NZ$ 3440 NOK 22599 zł 8281 S$ 2796 kr 22470 $ 2,057 Season 2 $ 1916 £ 1002 $ 1,719 € 1151 kr 176452 ₪ 4736 ¥ 196498 Mex$ 21432 NZ$ 2105 NOK 13828 zł 5067 S$ 1711 kr 13750 $ 1,259 $ 1833 £ 959 $ 1,644 € 1101 kr 168787 ₪ 4530 ¥ 187962 Mex$ 20501 NZ$ 2013 NOK 13228 zł 4847 S$ 1636 kr 13153 $ 1,204 $ 659 £ 345 $ 591 € 396 kr 60708 ₪ 1629 ¥ 67605 Mex$ 7374 NZ$ 724 NOK 4758 zł 1743 S$ 589 kr 4731 $ 433 $ 3298 £ 1725 $ 2,959 € 1981 kr 303694 ₪ 8152 ¥ 338195 Mex$ 36887 NZ$ 3623 NOK 23800 zł 8722 S$ 2944 kr 23665 $ 2,166 Season 3 $ 1950 £ 1019 $ 1,749 € 1171 kr 179518 ₪ 4818 ¥ 199912 Mex$ 21805 NZ$ 2141 NOK 14069 zł 5155 S$ 1741 kr 13989 $ 1,281 $ 1866 £ 976 $ 1,674 € 1121 kr 171853 ₪ 4613 ¥ 191376 Mex$ 20874 NZ$ 2050 NOK 13468 zł 4935 S$ 1666 kr 13391 $ 1,226 $ 696 £ 364 $ 624 € 418 kr 64081 ₪ 1720 ¥ 71361 Mex$ 7783 NZ$ 764 NOK 5022 zł 1840 S$ 621 kr 4993 $ 457 $ 3232 £ 1690 $ 2,899 € 1941 kr 297562 ₪ 7987 ¥ 331366 Mex$ 36142 NZ$ 3550 NOK 23320 zł 8545 S$ 2885 kr 23187 $ 2,123 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 $ 2099 £ 1098 $ 1,883 € 1261 kr 193316 ₪ 5189 ¥ 215277 Mex$ 23480 NZ$ 2306 NOK 15150 zł 5552 S$ 1874 kr 15064 $ 1,379 $ 2016 £ 1054 $ 1,809 € 1211 kr 185651 ₪ 4983 ¥ 206741 Mex$ 22549 NZ$ 2215 NOK 14549 zł 5332 S$ 1800 kr 14467 $ 1,324 $ 788 £ 412 $ 706 € 473 kr 72513 ₪ 1946 ¥ 80750 Mex$ 8808 NZ$ 865 NOK 5683 zł 2082 S$ 703 kr 5650 $ 517 $ 3498 £ 1829 $ 3,138 € 2101 kr 322091 ₪ 8645 ¥ 358681 Mex$ 39122 NZ$ 3842 NOK 25242 zł 9250 S$ 3123 kr 25099 $ 2,298 Season 2 $ 2216 £ 1159 $ 1,988 € 1331 kr 204047 ₪ 5477 ¥ 227228 Mex$ 24784 NZ$ 2434 NOK 15991 zł 5860 S$ 1978 kr 15900 $ 1,456 $ 2133 £ 1115 $ 1,913 € 1281 kr 196382 ₪ 5271 ¥ 218692 Mex$ 23853 NZ$ 2343 NOK 15390 zł 5640 S$ 1904 kr 15303 $ 1,401 $ 824 £ 431 $ 739 € 495 kr 75885 ₪ 2037 ¥ 84506 Mex$ 9217 NZ$ 905 NOK 5947 zł 2179 S$ 736 kr 5913 $ 541 $ 3731 £ 1951 $ 3,347 € 2241 kr 343553 ₪ 9221 ¥ 382582 Mex$ 41729 NZ$ 4098 NOK 26924 zł 9866 S$ 3331 kr 26771 $ 2,451 Season 3 $ 2299 £ 1202 $ 2,063 € 1381 kr 211712 ₪ 5683 ¥ 235764 Mex$ 25715 NZ$ 2526 NOK 16592 zł 6080 S$ 2053 kr 16497 $ 1,510 $ 2216 £ 1159 $ 1,988 € 1331 kr 204047 ₪ 5477 ¥ 227228 Mex$ 24784 NZ$ 2434 NOK 15991 zł 5860 S$ 1978 kr 15900 $ 1,456 $ 879 £ 460 $ 789 € 528 kr 80944 ₪ 2173 ¥ 90140 Mex$ 9832 NZ$ 966 NOK 6344 zł 2325 S$ 785 kr 6307 $ 577 $ 3814 £ 1995 $ 3,422 € 2291 kr 351218 ₪ 9427 ¥ 391118 Mex$ 42660 NZ$ 4190 NOK 27525 zł 10086 S$ 3405 kr 27368 $ 2,505 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 $ 2682 £ 1403 $ 2,406 € 1611 kr 246972 ₪ 6629 ¥ 275029 Mex$ 29998 NZ$ 2946 NOK 19355 zł 7093 S$ 2394 kr 19245 $ 1,762 $ 2599 £ 1359 $ 2,331 € 1561 kr 239307 ₪ 6423 ¥ 266493 Mex$ 29067 NZ$ 2855 NOK 18754 zł 6872 S$ 2320 kr 18648 $ 1,707 $ 1190 £ 622 $ 1,068 € 715 kr 109612 ₪ 2942 ¥ 122064 Mex$ 13314 NZ$ 1308 NOK 8590 zł 3148 S$ 1063 kr 8541 $ 782 $ 4514 £ 2360 $ 4,049 € 2711 kr 415606 ₪ 11155 ¥ 462820 Mex$ 50480 NZ$ 4958 NOK 32571 zł 11935 S$ 4029 kr 32386 $ 2,965 Season 2 $ 2899 £ 1516 $ 2,600 € 1741 kr 266901 ₪ 7164 ¥ 297223 Mex$ 32418 NZ$ 3184 NOK 20917 zł 7665 S$ 2588 kr 20798 $ 1,904 $ 2815 £ 1472 $ 2,526 € 1691 kr 259236 ₪ 6958 ¥ 288687 Mex$ 31487 NZ$ 3092 NOK 20316 zł 7445 S$ 2513 kr 20201 $ 1,849 $ 1520 £ 795 $ 1,364 € 913 kr 139966 ₪ 3757 ¥ 155867 Mex$ 17001 NZ$ 1670 NOK 10969 zł 4020 S$ 1357 kr 10907 $ 998 $ 4996 £ 2613 $ 4,482 € 3001 kr 460064 ₪ 12349 ¥ 512329 Mex$ 55880 NZ$ 5488 NOK 36055 zł 13212 S$ 4461 kr 35850 $ 3,282 Season 3 $ 3015 £ 1577 $ 2,705 € 1811 kr 277633 ₪ 7452 ¥ 309173 Mex$ 33722 NZ$ 3312 NOK 21758 zł 7973 S$ 2692 kr 21634 $ 1,981 $ 2932 £ 1533 $ 2,630 € 1761 kr 269968 ₪ 7246 ¥ 300637 Mex$ 32791 NZ$ 3220 NOK 21157 zł 7753 S$ 2617 kr 21037 $ 1,926 $ 1557 £ 814 $ 1,396 € 935 kr 143339 ₪ 3847 ¥ 159623 Mex$ 17410 NZ$ 1710 NOK 11233 zł 4116 S$ 1390 kr 11170 $ 1,023 $ 5229 £ 2735 $ 4,691 € 3141 kr 481526 ₪ 12925 ¥ 536230 Mex$ 58487 NZ$ 5744 NOK 37737 zł 13829 S$ 4669 kr 37522 $ 3,435 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?
Photos
Have you been on this tour?
Please leave your feedback