Walking in the Dordogne 

The Dordogne is located in the southwest of France, just east of Bordeaux. It owes its name to the river of the same name that flows through this part of France. An agricultural region, 40% of the territory is forest.  The local wealth is dependent on 3 main factors: wood (for furniture & paper making, and heating), wine (the famous Bergerac and Montbazillac), and tourism.

Enjoy the experience of travelling on foot in the Southwest of France. Admire the fairytale castles dominating the river, meander through the cobbled streets of the medieval villages, take a walk through history exploring troglodyte villages and prehistoric caves. Sample rich and delicious local cuisine. Enjoy walking in the Dordogne. 

Dordogne walking tours: a hiker’s paradise 

Our tours of the Dordogne in France begin in either the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda or Les Eyzies. The former is the capital of the Périgord Noir region, a pretty and bustling town, known for its yellow stone houses and narrow, cobbled streets and the Saturday morning market. The latter is the prehistoric capital of the Périgord Noir, with caves and museums offering an insight into a way of life of the prehistoric man. From your starting block, the hiking trails follow the curve of the Dordogne River and/or the Vézère River as they weave their way through medieval villages and past majestic castles. The elevation gain is nothing to worry about, no real steep climbs, just gentle green undulating hills. You enjoy the shade of the oak forests and the cool of the undergrowth along the walk. You pass by hamlets and farms and grazing cattle, immersing yourself in the rural French countryside. Walking in the Dordogne is to make your way from one pretty village to the next, the mirror image of the golden stone houses and their lauze roofs reflecting back at you in the glistening water.      

Walking in the Dordogne: the highlights. 

The highlights of the Dordogne valley include exploring some of the most beautiful villages in France: Beynac, with its imposing castle that was once under siege by Richard the Lion Heart, La Roque-Gageac, with its typical lauze roof houses and breathtaking views, and Domme, a perched village with an exceptional heritage where you can admire the hanging gardens and wide sweeping view of the Dordogne River which flows at its feet.

Another highlight is admiring the many castles on route, some of which you can visit, all of which are rich in history and heritage and are, quite simply, majestic.

When your walking in the Dordogne trip takes you to the Vézère valley, you are in the prehistoric capital of Europe! How wonderful to be able to walk in the footsteps of Cro Magnon man! Visit the troglodyte villages and see how they lived, delve deep into the grottos and caves of the Dordogne Périgord. Explore the listed villages of Saint Leon sur Vézère and Limeuil that invite you to rest and picnic with baguette, wine and cheese on the banks of the Vézère River

No tours of the Dordogne France would be complete without a trip to the market, an authentic experience and a real highlight! Stroll through the streets of the towns and villages and taste the local specialities: black truffles, mushrooms, Bergerac wine, walnuts and foie gras of course! Hiking Dordogne is a fascinating tour through history, with unspoilt scenery, excellent cuisine, friendly locals, great accommodation, and the Dordogne & Vézère Rivers running through.