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 $ 1848 £ 972 $ 1,668 € 1111 kr 170401 ₪ 4536 ¥ 186771 Mex$ 20711 NZ$ 2030 NOK 13270 zł 4906 S$ 1646 kr 13164 $ 1,220 $ 1765 £ 929 $ 1,593 € 1061 kr 162732 ₪ 4332 ¥ 178366 Mex$ 19779 NZ$ 1938 NOK 12673 zł 4685 S$ 1572 kr 12572 $ 1,165 $ 641 £ 337 $ 578 € 385 kr 59050 ₪ 1572 ¥ 64723 Mex$ 7177 NZ$ 703 NOK 4599 zł 1700 S$ 570 kr 4562 $ 423 $ 3129 £ 1646 $ 2,824 € 1881 kr 288501 ₪ 7680 ¥ 316216 Mex$ 35066 NZ$ 3436 NOK 22467 zł 8306 S$ 2787 kr 22287 $ 2,066 Season 2 $ 1915 £ 1007 $ 1,728 € 1151 kr 176536 ₪ 4699 ¥ 193496 Mex$ 21457 NZ$ 2103 NOK 13748 zł 5083 S$ 1706 kr 13638 $ 1,264 $ 1832 £ 964 $ 1,653 € 1101 kr 168867 ₪ 4495 ¥ 185090 Mex$ 20525 NZ$ 2011 NOK 13151 zł 4862 S$ 1631 kr 13045 $ 1,209 $ 659 £ 347 $ 594 € 396 kr 60737 ₪ 1617 ¥ 66572 Mex$ 7382 NZ$ 723 NOK 4730 zł 1749 S$ 587 kr 4692 $ 435 $ 3296 £ 1734 $ 2,974 € 1981 kr 303838 ₪ 8088 ¥ 333028 Mex$ 36930 NZ$ 3619 NOK 23662 zł 8748 S$ 2935 kr 23472 $ 2,176 Season 3 $ 1948 £ 1025 $ 1,758 € 1171 kr 179604 ₪ 4781 ¥ 196858 Mex$ 21830 NZ$ 2139 NOK 13987 zł 5171 S$ 1735 kr 13875 $ 1,286 $ 1865 £ 981 $ 1,683 € 1121 kr 171935 ₪ 4577 ¥ 188452 Mex$ 20898 NZ$ 2048 NOK 13390 zł 4950 S$ 1661 kr 13282 $ 1,231 $ 695 £ 366 $ 627 € 418 kr 64111 ₪ 1707 ¥ 70270 Mex$ 7792 NZ$ 764 NOK 4993 zł 1846 S$ 619 kr 4953 $ 459 $ 3229 £ 1699 $ 2,914 € 1941 kr 297703 ₪ 7924 ¥ 326303 Mex$ 36184 NZ$ 3546 NOK 23184 zł 8571 S$ 2876 kr 22998 $ 2,132 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 $ 2098 £ 1104 $ 1,893 € 1261 kr 193407 ₪ 5148 ¥ 211988 Mex$ 23508 NZ$ 2304 NOK 15062 zł 5569 S$ 1869 kr 14941 $ 1,385 $ 2015 £ 1060 $ 1,818 € 1211 kr 185739 ₪ 4944 ¥ 203582 Mex$ 22575 NZ$ 2212 NOK 14465 zł 5348 S$ 1794 kr 14349 $ 1,330 $ 787 £ 414 $ 710 € 473 kr 72547 ₪ 1931 ¥ 79516 Mex$ 8818 NZ$ 864 NOK 5650 zł 2089 S$ 701 kr 5604 $ 520 $ 3495 £ 1839 $ 3,154 € 2101 kr 322243 ₪ 8578 ¥ 353201 Mex$ 39167 NZ$ 3838 NOK 25095 zł 9278 S$ 3113 kr 24894 $ 2,308 Season 2 $ 2214 £ 1165 $ 1,998 € 1331 kr 204144 ₪ 5434 ¥ 223756 Mex$ 24812 NZ$ 2431 NOK 15898 zł 5878 S$ 1972 kr 15771 $ 1,462 $ 2131 £ 1121 $ 1,923 € 1281 kr 196475 ₪ 5230 ¥ 215350 Mex$ 23880 NZ$ 2340 NOK 15301 zł 5657 S$ 1898 kr 15178 $ 1,407 $ 824 £ 433 $ 743 € 495 kr 75921 ₪ 2021 ¥ 83215 Mex$ 9228 NZ$ 904 NOK 5912 zł 2186 S$ 733 kr 5865 $ 544 $ 3728 £ 1961 $ 3,364 € 2241 kr 343716 ₪ 9149 ¥ 376736 Mex$ 41777 NZ$ 4094 NOK 26767 zł 9896 S$ 3321 kr 26553 $ 2,461 Season 3 $ 2298 £ 1209 $ 2,073 € 1381 kr 211813 ₪ 5638 ¥ 232161 Mex$ 25745 NZ$ 2523 NOK 16495 zł 6098 S$ 2046 kr 16363 $ 1,517 $ 2214 £ 1165 $ 1,998 € 1331 kr 204144 ₪ 5434 ¥ 223756 Mex$ 24812 NZ$ 2431 NOK 15898 zł 5878 S$ 1972 kr 15771 $ 1,462 $ 878 £ 462 $ 793 € 528 kr 80983 ₪ 2156 ¥ 88763 Mex$ 9843 NZ$ 965 NOK 6307 zł 2332 S$ 782 kr 6256 $ 580 $ 3812 £ 2005 $ 3,439 € 2291 kr 351385 ₪ 9353 ¥ 385142 Mex$ 42709 NZ$ 4185 NOK 27364 zł 10117 S$ 3395 kr 27145 $ 2,516 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 $ 2680 £ 1410 $ 2,418 € 1611 kr 247089 ₪ 6577 ¥ 270827 Mex$ 30032 NZ$ 2943 NOK 19242 zł 7114 S$ 2387 kr 19088 $ 1,769 $ 2597 £ 1366 $ 2,343 € 1561 kr 239420 ₪ 6373 ¥ 262421 Mex$ 29100 NZ$ 2852 NOK 18645 zł 6893 S$ 2313 kr 18496 $ 1,715 $ 1190 £ 626 $ 1,073 € 715 kr 109664 ₪ 2919 ¥ 120199 Mex$ 13329 NZ$ 1306 NOK 8540 zł 3157 S$ 1059 kr 8472 $ 785 $ 4510 £ 2373 $ 4,070 € 2711 kr 415803 ₪ 11068 ¥ 455748 Mex$ 50538 NZ$ 4952 NOK 32381 zł 11972 S$ 4017 kr 32122 $ 2,978 Season 2 $ 2896 £ 1524 $ 2,614 € 1741 kr 267028 ₪ 7108 ¥ 292681 Mex$ 32456 NZ$ 3180 NOK 20795 zł 7688 S$ 2580 kr 20629 $ 1,912 $ 2813 £ 1480 $ 2,539 € 1691 kr 259359 ₪ 6904 ¥ 284275 Mex$ 31524 NZ$ 3089 NOK 20198 zł 7467 S$ 2506 kr 20036 $ 1,857 $ 1519 £ 799 $ 1,371 € 913 kr 140032 ₪ 3727 ¥ 153485 Mex$ 17020 NZ$ 1668 NOK 10905 zł 4032 S$ 1353 kr 10818 $ 1,003 $ 4993 £ 2627 $ 4,505 € 3001 kr 460282 ₪ 12252 ¥ 504501 Mex$ 55944 NZ$ 5482 NOK 35845 zł 13252 S$ 4447 kr 35558 $ 3,296 Season 3 $ 3013 £ 1585 $ 2,719 € 1811 kr 277764 ₪ 7394 ¥ 304449 Mex$ 33761 NZ$ 3308 NOK 21631 zł 7997 S$ 2684 kr 21458 $ 1,989 $ 2930 £ 1541 $ 2,644 € 1761 kr 270095 ₪ 7190 ¥ 296043 Mex$ 32828 NZ$ 3217 NOK 21034 zł 7777 S$ 2609 kr 20866 $ 1,934 $ 1556 £ 818 $ 1,404 € 935 kr 143407 ₪ 3817 ¥ 157184 Mex$ 17430 NZ$ 1708 NOK 11168 zł 4129 S$ 1385 kr 11079 $ 1,027 $ 5226 £ 2749 $ 4,715 € 3141 kr 481755 ₪ 12824 ¥ 528036 Mex$ 58554 NZ$ 5738 NOK 37517 zł 13871 S$ 4654 kr 37217 $ 3,450 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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