Dordogne Highlights

Introduction
Dordogne France
Discover the Dordogne & Vézère valleys: both rich in culture, cuisine and boasting a breathtaking diverse landscape.

From Sarlat, the town of Art & History wander on gentle hiking trails along the Dordogne River lined with beautiful castles and charming historic villages. You will walk among elegant stone houses and through rolling hills of walnut orchards and chestnut forests to the capital of prehistory: Les Eyzies. This is a walk-through the ages leaving plenty of time to explore the sights and taste many culinary treats along the way: Foie gras, truffles, confit, cassoulet and a glass of Bergerac.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Gentle walks along the river lined with beautiful chateaux: Milandes, Castelnaud & Beynac 
- Discover the capital of prehistory Les Eyzies
- Visit some of the most beautiful villages in France: Domme, La Roque Gageac & Limeuil 

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Your package includes standard accommodation (with all basic comfort and services) but it is possible to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations for an extra fee.

Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day trip - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Maison du Notaire Royal in Sarlat
Night 3 & 4: Petits Cousins du Quebec in Domme
Night 5 & 6: Menestrel Guesthouse in Les Eyzies
Night 7: Petit Monde in Montignac


Maison du Notaire Royal in Sarlat
This historic 17th century mansion is located in the heart of Sarlat. It offers 4 tastefully decorated guestrooms with ensuite bathroom and free Wi-Fi

Petits Cousins du Quebec in Domme
This charming medieval house has been recently renovated and provides comfortable bedrooms with private facilities, air conditioning and Wi-Fi access.

Menestrel Guesthouse in Les Eyzies
The spacious guestrooms are all equipped with a private bathroom. TVs are available on request.
Guests can relax in the garden or by the pool in the evening.

Petit Monde in Montignac
This small hotel has 15 comfortable and modern rooms all equipped with a bathroom, a safe, a TV and free internet access. There is a small garden with a pool where clients can cool off in the evening.



Meals
All breakfasts are included.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Walking from 7 to 12km per day with moderate options (up to 23km per day).

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 8-day program - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Your journey begins in Sarlat-la-Canéda the capital of the Périgord Noir with its cobbled streets, picturesque small squares and many architectural treasures. We advise you to start your tour on a Friday or Saturday in order to enjoy the colour and lively weekly market which takes place every Wednesday morning and Saturday all day.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Sarlat

Day 2: Chateau de Commarque & Beune Valley
Transfer to Marquay (15 min) to start your walk in this charming perigourdine village with its typical houses and its fortified church of the 12th & 13th century. You cross deep oak & chestnut forests, followed by small hills punctuated by hamlets. Along the way, you will see rock shelters dug by the River Beune, before arriving at Château de Commarque which stands on a rocky outcroop in a breathtaking landscape. The site even features troglodyte habitats and a prehistoric cave (visit included). Continue your loop back to Marquay and transfer back to Sarlat.
Hiking about 12km (3h15) +330m / -330m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sarlat

Day 3: Beautiful villages of Dordogne Valley
You have two route options today. Either you can start your walk in Beynac (longer walk) or La Roque Gageac (shorter option) - you need to inform the taxi driver when you board the vehicle. From Beynac, a pretty cliff-side village with an impressive château overlooking the Dordogne, you pass wooded hills above the river before you reach La Roque Gageac listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Franc. This village is rich in historic mansions, troglodyte dwellings, and ochre-coloured stone houses with lauze roofs. There’s also the opportunity of a boat ride down the river on a flat bottomed Gabarre, reconstructions of old merchant ships from the 18th century. Stock up on regional delicacies at a nearby duck farm, before reaching Domme, a magnificent bastide town dating from 1283, perched on a vertiginous cliff with golden stones, offering panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley.
OPTION 1 (long) Hiking about 18km (5h) +650m/-500m
OPTION 2 (shorter) Hiking about 11km (2h30) +690m/-670m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Domme

Day 4: Château des Milandes & Château de Castelnaud
A short ride 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 20hth century. You then follow the left bank of the Dordogne to Castelnaud, another 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.
Hiking about 13km (3h20) +633m/-554m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Domme

Day 5: Vezere Valley
Today’s walk takes you through the enchanting valley towards Les Eyzies. You can choose to be transferred to Limeuil for a longer walk or directly to Le Bugue for a shorter version. If you go for the longer hike, you start in Limeuil, crossing picturesque landscapes before arriving in Le Bugue located on the Vézère river. Follow many shady woods to St Cirq. Take the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Grotte du Sorcier along the way. Finish your walk in the capital of prehistory Les Eyzies.
OPTION 1 (long) Hiking about 23km (6h15) +414m / 405m
OPTION 2 (shorter) Hiking about 13,5km (3h45) +/-181m
Meals included: Breakfast 
Overnight in Les Eyzies

Day 6: Prehistoric Remains
Today’s walk is a beautiful discovery of the prehistoric remains around Les Eyzies. You leave the village and walk in the foosteps of the Cro-Magnon, crossing the Gorge d'Enfer valley. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the Vézère river on your way back to Les Eyzies. Before or after you walk you can visit the National Museum of Prehistory right in the heart of Les Eyzies (entrance not included).
Hiking about 11,5km (3h15) +/-200m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Les Eyzies

Day 7: La Roque Saint Christophe & Saint Léon sur Vézère
For this hiking day you can chose between two options. After breakfast, transfer to Le Moustier (long walk) or to St Leon sur Vezere (short walk). From Le Moustier you walk on the path of prehistory that runs along La Roque Saint Christophe, a unique troglodyte site, before arriving at Saint Léon sur Vézère. There, you can enjoy a refreshing drink or lunch on a café terrace with stunning views over the river. Then, continue walking to the charming village of Montignac, located at the foot of the famous hill of Lascaux.
OPTION 1 (long) Hiking about 20km (5h00) +/-510m
OPTION 2 (shorter) Hiking about 13km (3h15) +366m/-288m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Montignac

Day 8: Lascaux Cave
Today is your departure day, so if you have enough time you can do a short loop hike taking you on the footsteps of our ancestors and straight to the famous LASCAUX II / IV cave (needs to be booked in advance). This is a complete and unpublished replica that houses the oldest paintings of humanity and traces the discovery of the famous ornated cave. Your tour ends after your walk in Montignac.
Hiking about 7km (2h) +/-150m

Rates and Dates for Dordogne Highlights

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Sarlat
Airport: Bordeaux
Transfer:

Climate:
                                                Sarlat-la-Canéda area