Dordogne Discovery Tour

Dordogne Discovery Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Sarlat-la-Canéda

Adventure starts in Sarlat-la-Canéda, the charming capital of the Périgord Noir. Wander through its cobbled streets and picturesque squares, surrounded by beautiful architectural treasures. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the weekly market, held every Wednesday morning and Saturday all day, where you can experience the local colors, scents, and flavors of the region.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sarlat-la-Canéda
Meals: None

Day 2 Château de Commarque

After a short transfer to Marquay, begin your hike through this charming perigourdine village, known for its typical houses with lauze roofs and its 12th and 13th-century fortified church. As you walk, you'll pass through dense oak and chestnut forests, rolling hills dotted with charming hamlets, and ancient rock shelters along the River Beune. The trail leads to the stunning Château de Commarque, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the site, which includes troglodyte habitats and a prehistoric cave. Continue your loop back to Marquay and transfer back to Sarlat.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sarlat-la-Canéda
Distance: 3h15, 12km, +/-330m
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Villages of the Dordogne Valley

Today, you have the choice of two routes. Start your walk either in Beynac (longer walk), a charming cliffside village with a stunning château captured only once by Richard Lionheart, or in La Roque Gageac for a shorter route. Please inform the taxi driver about your choice when you board the vehicle. From Beynac, pass through wooded hills with beautiful views over the Dordogne River until you reach La Roque Gageac, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Here, explore historic mansions, troglodyte dwellings, ochre-colored stone houses with lauze roofs, and an exotic garden. Optionally you can also take a boat ride down the river on a traditional Gabarre, a reconstruction of an 18th-century merchant ship. After stocking up on regional delicacies at a nearby duck farm, continue your walk to Domme, a magnificent bastide town perched high on a cliff with panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley.

Optional: Enjoy a canoeing adventure on the river, take a one-hour boat ride on a traditional flat-bottomed boat, explore the stunning Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac with a via ferrata section, visit the lush Bamboo Plantation, or experience a breathtaking hot air balloon ride (must be booked in advance and is weather-dependent).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Domme
Distance: Option 1: 5h15, 18km, +650m/-550m. Option 2: 2h45, 11km, +390m/-280m
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Majestic Chateaux Milandes & Castelnaud

Start your day with a short transfer from Domme into the stunning Dordogne countryside to visit the Château and gardens of Milandes, once the home of the legendary entertainer Josephine Baker. From there, follow the scenic left bank of the Dordogne River toward Castelnaud, a village recognized as one of the most beautiful in France. Explore its impressive medieval castle, which played a key role during the Hundred Years’ War. Continue your ascent back to Domme, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through its cobbled streets, pass through the fortified gates and towers, and browse the lively covered market.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Domme
Distance: 3h20, 13km, +430m/-390m
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Through the Vézère Valley to Les Eyzies

Today's journey takes you through the picturesque Vézère Valley, leading to Les Eyzies, known as the capital of prehistory. You have two route options: a longer hike starting from Limeuil, one of France’s most beautiful villages, or a shorter route from Le Bugue. The longer trail begins in Limeuil, where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet, and winds through scenic countryside before reaching Le Bugue. From there, the route passes through shady woodlands, charming hamlets, and rolling farmland towards Saint-Cirq. Along the way, you have the opportunity to visit the prehistoric Grotte du Sorcier, known for its fascinating cave art. The day concludes in the capital of prehistory Les Eyzies.

Optional: Canoeing, prehistoric sites including Font de Gaume, Combarelles caves, Abri Pataud, Cro-Magnon, and du Poisson.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Les Eyzies
Distance: Option 1: 6h15, 23km, +440m/-430m. Option 2: 3h45, 13,5km, +190m/-180m
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Through the Heart of the Périgourdine Countryside

Start your day with a transfer to the beginning of your hike, choosing between a longer or shorter route based on your preference. This gentle walk takes you through the heart of the Périgourdine countryside, passing through lush chestnut forests, traditional farms, and small hamlets before returning to Les Eyzies. After your walk, you have the option to visit the National Museum of Prehistory, located in the center of Les Eyzies.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Les Eyzies
Distance: Option 1: 4h10, 15km, +/-320m. Option 2: 2h40, 10km, +165m/-270m
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Troglodyte Treasures & Riverside Charm

After breakfast, you can choose between two hiking options. The longer hike starts in Le Moustier and follows the prehistoric trail along La Roque Saint Christophe, an extraordinary troglodyte site before arriving at Saint Léon sur Vézère. The shorter hike begins here in Saint Léon sur Vézère, a picturesque village classified among France’s most beautiful villages. You may take a break at a café terrace, enjoying views of the river, before continuing your journey to Montignac. This charming village sits at the foot of the famous Lascaux hill.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montignac
Distance: Option 1: 5h, 20km, +/-510m. Option 2: 3h15, 14km, +300m/-290m
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

On your final day, if time allows, you can take a short loop hike that follows in the footsteps of ancestors, leading you to the renowned Lascaux II or IV cave (advance booking required). This remarkable replica showcases the oldest known human paintings and tells the story of the cave’s discovery. Your tour concludes in Montignac, with a scheduled taxi transfer to Sarlat at 4:30 PM (or at a different time if arranged at booking). Farewell, Dordogne!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 2h, 7km, +/-150m
Meals: Breakfast