Dordogne & Vezere Valley Walk in 8 days
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Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
Discover the beautiful French region of Perigord Noir ("Black Perigord"), which owes its name to the large number of oak forests and the richness of its truffles. Explore the Vezere and Dordogne river valleys and discover the breathtaking landscapes of the villages of Castelnaud, Beynac and Domme, which are part of the list of the most beautiful in France.
Start your adventure in Sarlat-la-Caneda, the capital of Perigord Noir. Then continue your walk among small medieval hamlets and villages, spectacularly located on limestone cliffs.
- Travel through the beautiful landscapes and paths in the Dordogne Valley.
- Discover several of the most beautiful villages in France.
- Enjoy incredible river trips on the Vezere and Dordogne rivers.
- Explore Dordogne, the region of the "1001 chateaux" ("1001 castles").
- Enjoy exquisite local dishes, such as the world-famous foie gras.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Sarlat-la-Canéda
The medieval town of Sarlat-la-Caneda is the capital of Perigord Noir and is classified as an artistic and historical town.
It is characterized by its ancient streets, picturesque alleys, Gothic or Renaissance architecture, among which are the Plamont or Magnanat palaces.
Enjoy this day getting to know the Cathedral of San Sacerdos, Boetie Castle, St.Mary's Church,or the Garden of Enfeus, buildings and tourist sites dating from the 15th and 16th century.
It is characterized by its ancient streets, picturesque alleys, Gothic or Renaissance architecture, among which are the Plamont or Magnanat palaces.
Enjoy this day getting to know the Cathedral of San Sacerdos, Boetie Castle, St.Mary's Church,or the Garden of Enfeus, buildings and tourist sites dating from the 15th and 16th century.
Overnight in Sarlat-la-Canéda
Hotel La Couleuvrine
This hotel-restaurant is located 5 minutes from the picturesque old town of Sarlat-la-Caneda. The cafe-bar offers lunch and has a more formal restaurant that also serves dinner. Both have a wide selection of wines from the region.
The comfortable rooms are fitted with antique furniture and are equipped with a bathroom, TV, space to hang your clothes, ironing facilities and some have free wifi.
The comfortable rooms are fitted with antique furniture and are equipped with a bathroom, TV, space to hang your clothes, ironing facilities and some have free wifi.
Day 2 - Saint-Vincent-le-Paluel to Sarlat 8 miles | 13 km
Saint-Vincent-le-Paluel is a French town of just 300 inhabitants, located in the Aquitaine region. From there, after a short transfer, you will start today's walk along a quiet path.
You will get to know Paluel Castle or the Church of Saint Vincent while you observe the farmland, the small communities with stone houses, and the wooded paths that are part of the landscape in this small village.
Your route will end in Sarlat, where we recommend you find out the days when its local market is open, so that you can visit.
You will get to know Paluel Castle or the Church of Saint Vincent while you observe the farmland, the small communities with stone houses, and the wooded paths that are part of the landscape in this small village.
Your route will end in Sarlat, where we recommend you find out the days when its local market is open, so that you can visit.
Overnight in Sarlat-la-Canéda
Hotel La Couleuvrine
This hotel-restaurant is located 5 minutes from the picturesque old town of Sarlat-la-Caneda. The cafe-bar offers lunch and has a more formal restaurant that also serves dinner. Both have a wide selection of wines from the region.
The comfortable rooms are fitted with antique furniture and are equipped with a bathroom, TV, space to hang your clothes, ironing facilities and some have free wifi
The comfortable rooms are fitted with antique furniture and are equipped with a bathroom, TV, space to hang your clothes, ironing facilities and some have free wifi
Day 3 - Sarlat to Domme 8 miles | 13 km
Today you will have a transfer to the town of Carsac-Aillac, which will surprise you with its beautiful landscapes of calm waters, streams and exotic vegetation, such as lotus flowers.
The region is also recognized for its walnut production, which you will see by the large number of orchards that you will come across.
Following the route, you will reach the small town of Domme, from where you will have an unparalleled view of the Dordogne Valley. Walk through the village along the cliff to the beautiful public garden.
Other highlights such as the Domme Caves, the L'Oustal Museum in Perigord or the covered market.
The region is also recognized for its walnut production, which you will see by the large number of orchards that you will come across.
Following the route, you will reach the small town of Domme, from where you will have an unparalleled view of the Dordogne Valley. Walk through the village along the cliff to the beautiful public garden.
Other highlights such as the Domme Caves, the L'Oustal Museum in Perigord or the covered market.
Overnight in Domme
Hotel L'Esplanade
It is a hotel located in the heart of the medieval town of Domme, 10 km from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and Sarlat, where the views of the river and the Dordogne Valley are second to none.
The traditionally decorated rooms feature a private bathroom with a bath or shower, a TV, air conditioning and free wifi.
The traditionally decorated rooms feature a private bathroom with a bath or shower, a TV, air conditioning and free wifi.
Day 4 - Domme to La Roque Gageac 11 miles | 18 km
Start this tour along a quiet path next to the River Dordogne until you reach the incredible Beynac Castle, one of the best preserved and most visited castles in the Perigord.
Arrive at Castelnaud Castle, built in the 12th century, where you can learn about a wide collection of medieval weapons and armour, before delighting in watching the sunset.
Continue your walk until you reach the town of La Roque Gageac, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France thanks to its exotic vegetation and unusual location at the foot of a cliff.
We recommend that you travel along the River Dordogne on the famous barges, flat-bottomed boats, commonly used in the region for the transport of goods.
Arrive at Castelnaud Castle, built in the 12th century, where you can learn about a wide collection of medieval weapons and armour, before delighting in watching the sunset.
Continue your walk until you reach the town of La Roque Gageac, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France thanks to its exotic vegetation and unusual location at the foot of a cliff.
We recommend that you travel along the River Dordogne on the famous barges, flat-bottomed boats, commonly used in the region for the transport of goods.
Overnight in La Roque Gageac
Hotel La Belle Etoile
This charming hotel is located next to the River Dordogne, in the centre of La Roque Gageac.
It is a former family establishment with 12 spacious rooms, most with river views and all with the necessary amenities such as air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a shaded terrace for sunset cocktails and high-end cuisine: the best of the Perigord's renowned traditional specialties, with an innovative and distinctive touch.
It is a former family establishment with 12 spacious rooms, most with river views and all with the necessary amenities such as air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a shaded terrace for sunset cocktails and high-end cuisine: the best of the Perigord's renowned traditional specialties, with an innovative and distinctive touch.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in Vitrac 9 miles | 14 km
To start your route, head to Vitrac, a small village with 900 inhabitants located in the heart of Perigord Noir.
Once in Vitrac, you can visit the beautiful Church of Saint Martin that appears as one of the historical monuments in the region, or Montfort, a private castle, but which is also part of its impressive architecture.
On your way back to La Roque Gageac through forests, you will find small hamlets and stunning views.
Once in Vitrac, you can visit the beautiful Church of Saint Martin that appears as one of the historical monuments in the region, or Montfort, a private castle, but which is also part of its impressive architecture.
On your way back to La Roque Gageac through forests, you will find small hamlets and stunning views.
Overnight in La Roque Gageac
Hotel La Belle Etoile
This charming hotel is located next to the River Dordogne, in the centre of La Roque Gageac.
It is a former family establishment with 12 spacious rooms, most with river views and all with the necessary amenities such as air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a shaded terrace for sunset cocktails and high-end cuisine: the best of the Perigord's renowned traditional specialties, with an innovative and distinctive touch.
It is a former family establishment with 12 spacious rooms, most with river views and all with the necessary amenities such as air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a shaded terrace for sunset cocktails and high-end cuisine: the best of the Perigord's renowned traditional specialties, with an innovative and distinctive touch.
Day 6 - La Roque Gageac to Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac 9 miles | 14 km
After a short journey, you will arrive in Saint Cyprien, a village of just under 2,000 inhabitants and founded in the 7th century.
Follow your route to Les Eyzies, known as the prehistoric capital of the world, as it has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era.
Visit the numerous caves, mainly Font de Gaume, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the National Museum of Prehistory and Comarque and Tayac castles.
Follow your route to Les Eyzies, known as the prehistoric capital of the world, as it has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era.
Visit the numerous caves, mainly Font de Gaume, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the National Museum of Prehistory and Comarque and Tayac castles.
Overnight in Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac
Hotel Moulin de la Beune
This hotel is located by the river, very close to the city centre.
The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and guests can enjoy a shared lounge and a garden. It offers a terrace, free WiFi and free private parking.
The hotel offers a continental or buffet breakfast; If you wish to dine, you must book in advance.
The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and guests can enjoy a shared lounge and a garden. It offers a terrace, free WiFi and free private parking.
The hotel offers a continental or buffet breakfast; If you wish to dine, you must book in advance.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day in Saint Cirq 7,5 miles | 12 km
Cross the River Vezere to the small hamlet of Les Plagnes. Before proceeding, we suggest you make a stop at Grotte du Cirque (or the Witches Cave), which dates back to the Paleolithic era and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
Whether you decide to make this stop or not, you will continue your journey to Saint Cirq, where you can see the charming village of Les Eyzies from the other side of the river.
Whether you decide to make this stop or not, you will continue your journey to Saint Cirq, where you can see the charming village of Les Eyzies from the other side of the river.
Overnight in Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac
Hotel Moulin de la Beune
This hotel is located by the river, very close to the city centre.
The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and guests can enjoy a shared lounge and a garden. It offers a terrace, free WiFi and free private parking.
The hotel offers a continental or buffet breakfast; If you wish to dine, you must book in advance.
The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and guests can enjoy a shared lounge and a garden. It offers a terrace, free WiFi and free private parking.
The hotel offers a continental or buffet breakfast; If you wish to dine, you must book in advance.
Day 8 - Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac
From Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac, you can take a train to Limoges to reach Paris, or to Bergerac to head to Bordeaux.
If you want to return to Sarlat, take a taxi and from there you can take a train to the city from where you take the flight to your home city.
End of our services.
If you want to return to Sarlat, take a taxi and from there you can take a train to the city from where you take the flight to your home city.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- 2 evening meals
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To get there Sarlat-la-Caneda you must first get to the airports of Brive, Toulouse, Limoges, Bergerac, Bordeaux or Paris.
From Bergerac or Bordeaux, you can take a direct train to Sarlat. From the other cities mentioned above, you can take a train to Souillac and, from there, a bus or taxi that takes you to Sarlat.
To return, in the village of Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac you can take a train to Limoges or Bergerac. From Limoges, you will easily connect with Paris; from Bergerac, you can head to Bordeaux.
If you are returning to Sarlat, it is best to take a taxi.
From Bergerac or Bordeaux, you can take a direct train to Sarlat. From the other cities mentioned above, you can take a train to Souillac and, from there, a bus or taxi that takes you to Sarlat.
To return, in the village of Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac you can take a train to Limoges or Bergerac. From Limoges, you will easily connect with Paris; from Bergerac, you can head to Bordeaux.
If you are returning to Sarlat, it is best to take a taxi.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to travel?
The summer months between June and September are the best to enjoy this charming tour. There are a variety of festivities and outdoor activities.
However, spring and autumn are also often an ideal time due to the cooler climate, the incredible landscapes with flowers blossoming or the intense red and brown foliage of the trees. In addition, it is not high season and some costs may be reduced.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is suitable for walkers in good physical condition, because, due to the presence of hills, it will be necessary to climb some short but inclined sections.
The route is signposted, however, we recommend following a map, especially in the forest stretch.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
Is this walking trail for me?
This route is ideal for those looking for distinctive gastronomic adventures in this region, taste excellent local wine, and explore typical and charming French landscapes or have outdoor picnics.
What if I can't complete a stage?
You can use public transport or a local taxi to continue and get to your next place of accommodation.
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