The 10 most beautiful hikes to do in Dordogne

Explore the Aquitaine Basin by exploring the best hiking trails in Dordogne.

Located southwest of France, the Dordogne is a shared department between the plains of the Aquitaine Basin and the foothills of the Central Massif. This territory in rich history is discovered by visiting the cities of Périgueux, Bergerac, Sarlat or Ribérac... But not only!

For a lively getaway in the heart of the Périgord valleys, sock your hiking boots in Dordogne. You will have the opportunity to admire castles, green plains, sumptuous forests, bastides and vineyards.

Here, in every season, its color and its light. Finally, the hardest part will be to know what path to start... And how long to find out. To help you choose the most beautiful ones: follow the guide!

1. Walk to the Eyzies

The Eyzies-de-Tayac is a picturesque village offering a superb hike in Dordogne. It is one of the world capitals of the Prehistory: it is all built on a prehistoric deposit and a troglodytic village.

Located about 20 kilometers from the city of Sarlat, this trail loop You will explore the Vézère valley. It all starts rue de Taillac near the shelter Cro-Magnon where the first known burial was discovered.

After taking the direction of the bridge crossing the Vézère, continue on the path leading to the campsite to access the marked itinerary. This forest walk will allow you to contemplate sumptuous cliffs, caves and some small lakes.

When you return, you will be able to complete your beautiful journey to the ancient Eyzies Castle: it is now the National Museum of Prehistory!

2. Trail between Castelnaud and Saint-Julien

This hike in Dordogne forms a loop from the campsite de Maisonneuve. The promenade is very pleasant: you are in the heart of the fabulous Dordogne valley.

Slightly. shade and so pleasant in summer , this getaway in the hills is perfect for a family outing. The purpose of your tribe? Browse the bucolic trails, savour the scent of shrubs and explore some beautiful caves.

The cliffs of Céou will face you at the end of your journey which will end at the foot of Castelnaud Castle. Built in the 13th century, this historic monument dominates the Dordogne valley and will offer you the opportunity to take beautiful pictures.

3. From Maisonneuve to Esparoutis

This time, we offer a variant of the previous circuit. Always at the departure of the campsite de Maisonneuve, this path is sport : at the entrance of the game, a high climb awaits you. Good recommended shoes to survey this loop rather well sheltered from the sun .

The path traced in a dense forest of pines and oaks then quietly winds up to beautiful views of the region. Along the Céou, the local watercourse, you will admire the castles built by the local notables.

Some are superbly preserved and elegantly punctuate this country of Cocagne. This hike in the Dordogne will surely make you enjoy Black Perigord : in any case, it was our case!

4. The Montfort circuit

This hike in Dordogne is a must in the region: this loop is, let's emphasize it, very well marked .

Garage near Montfort Castle by the D703 and follow the yellow signs. Be careful, the first undergrowth can surprise the less seasoned hikers!

You will reach, at the price of some effort, to the sublime town of Vitrac. It dominates a natural plateau and includes a remarkable fortress. A few kilometers further, you can also observe the castle of Marobert.

Points of particular interest in the course? The cliffs of Caudon and the Perched rock, amazing natural works. Back to your starting point, visit the medieval village of Montfort: it really is worth a look!

5. The edges of L’Isle

Welcome to La Cave, a department commune with a station located along the road Bordeaux . You will have to park there to access the marked itinerary along the banks of the Isle, a quiet stream.

Nothing very difficult : Sunday walkers are welcome here. In turn, you will reach the villages of Razac and Fauveau and then you will get closer to Antoniac Castle at the end of the journey.

This hike in the Dordogne is quite ideal in spring or autumn when not too hot. Only precaution, however: take water and you go away from the mountain bikers , which share the path.

6. Green oak buckle

Clearly, this hike in Dordogne is one of our favourites: it offers the possibility to discover La Roque-Gageac , ochre village being part of the most beautiful villages in France .

From the parking lot on the edge of the Dordogne river to La Malartrie Castle on the other side of the village. Then you will have to make a fairly easy climb in the middle of a green oak wood.

Prairies, forest trails, then an ancient Roman path: the rando is to vary the pleasures. Perfectly marked and well shaded, the itinerary is ideal for lovers of race in full nature.

7. Discovery of the Garrit Bridge

The Garrit bridge, you know? All iron designed, it relies on piles of rock and beautifully enjambes the Dordogne between Saint-Cyprien and Berbiguières. This is your starting point on the side of Saint Cyprien.

After crossing it, descend along the shore towards Allas. This medieval village has remarkable points of interest. The Romanesque bell tower and the remains of its castle are renowned sites.

Throughout your journey, pay particular attention to the small signs that climb the path. Botanical descriptions on the species of plants bordering the path are presented to you. Orchids, euphorbs or centaureans decorate and scent this hike in Dordogne.

The Spring is according to us the best time to find out.

8. The blue lake of Guizengeard

Unbelievable this hike loop ! From the commune of Guizengeard, you will have to follow the D68 a few kilometers and park in the church on your right. Panels indicate the location of this mysterious place hidden in the heart of a huge Charente forest.

What a surprise on your arrival! The trail is a spectacular blue lake. But then, one of the most shimmering blues... And obviously not quite natural.

This is an ancient quarry of white clay gradually filled with rainwater. The chemical composition of soils does not allow the development of aquatic life ( or swimming ). But in fact the water remains crystalline and no matter in suspension comes to disturb it.

The sunlight gives this liquid expanse a almost supernatural turquoise color... Sensations guaranteed!

9. Hiking along the Lot

We present you a nice panoramic walk along the Lot from the small village of Bouziès. Once in the parking lot of the same name, you will go to the banks of the river following the path on the right.

The marking (red and white) is excellent quality and will lead you without pain to the belvedere at the entrance of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. What a panorama on the valley!

The return to the parking lot is made by a pleasant undergrowth path even in the summer. Attention : le parking de Bouziès est pay .

10. Alzou Gorges

This trail will make you discover the Alzou canyon dug between Gramat and Rocamadour . From the parking lot of the clearing, get down the GR6 to the Saut mill. The trail passes through it and reaches the mills of the Mouligne or Boulégou.

The ruins of more than a millennium punctuate the path in the midst of lush vegetation from March to October. The path being rather hilly, Have good shoes .

Don’t hesitate to enjoy a visit to the medieval city of Rocamadour or the observation of the sunset at the top of the gorges. Splendid, right?