The most beautiful walks in the Périgord

Explore the Dordogne by wandering its paths and nature trails, which are exceptionally rich and can be enjoyed year-round by the whole family. Hiking in the Périgord is one of the most rewarding activities: easy to organize thanks to a meticulously marked network of loops and circuits that lead to magnificent viewpoints, charming villages, and breathtaking tourist sites. All you need is a pair of sneakers or a bicycle for the more athletic (be warned, there are often hills!) and a map or GPS to enjoy several days of free hiking in the heart of nature. We've compiled several resources and ideas for you, particularly from the websites of the Tourist Offices, to help you plan your hikes in the Dordogne. Let's go!

Hiking trails offered by the Tourist Offices

Hiking is a very popular activity in Périgord, whether for families or athletes, and can be adapted to your level and the time you have available. Free, available year-round, and outdoors, it's also a great way to discover the four territories of the department.

Family hiking in the Dordogne, let's go!

In Périgord Vert

Of course, the Périgord Vert is a true natural paradise, thanks to the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park. Over 1,800 km² of forests, rivers, wetlands, and pastures await you. There's even a smartphone app to easily navigate the 2,000 km of marked trails: the Mon Parc Périgord-Limousin app. From Nontron, Brantôme, or Jumilhac, the Périgord Vert offers an ideal location for exploring both heritage and nature.

Naturellement Périgord is the Tourist Office of the Excideuil region, at the gates of the Périgord Limousin Regional Natural Park, where many hikes are offered.

In White Périgord

Along the Isle Valley and in the greater Périgueux area, there are numerous hikes, some more urban than others, or passing through villages nestled between wooded groves. If you're staying in Périgueux, you can easily explore the area surrounding the capital of the Périgord Blanc region, where nature quickly reclaims the urban environment. You can also enjoy the lovely greenway along the banks of the Isle River, perfect for cycling or family outings, for exploring the Périgord Blanc.

• Along the river, you'll find yourself juggling between forests, small heritage sites and charming villages; check out the hikes offered by the Vallée de l'Isle Tourist Office in Périgord.
  
• The Greater Périgueux Tourist Office offers hikes around the city, but also around Vergt and other towns in this large community of municipalities.
  
• In Périgord Ribéracois, themed hikes are offered, between wash houses, mills, ponds and pretty villages.

In Périgord Noir

The Périgord Noir is a haven for lovers of prehistory, heritage, gastronomy, and of course, hiking. Its hilly terrain is like Swiss cheese! There are surely more kilometers of trails than roads… It's a paradise for sports enthusiasts who love mountain biking on challenging paths, while taking breaks at the splendid viewpoints that the rocky peaks offer over the Vézère and Dordogne Valleys. Starting from Hautefort, Sarlat, Les Eyzies, Montignac, La Roque-Gageac, Belvès… Hikers enjoy long loops, with cultural stops at tourist sites or gourmet breaks with a hearty picnic in the heart of the forest! It's a pleasant region for families, as the hikes can also be shorter…

• Check out the hikes around Sarlat offered by the Sarlat Tourist Office. Walks and hikes are available on the Sarlat Tourism website.
  
• The Pays de Fénelon in the Périgord Noir region represents the northern part of the Périgord Noir. From Hautefort, there are numerous pleasant paths to explore.
  
• For walks along the Dordogne river, check out the website of the Périgord Noir Vallée Dordogne Tourist Office, there are lots of nature activities to do!
  
• Lascaux Dordogne Vallée Vézère is the tourist office that covers the very rich region from Saint-Amand-de-Coly to Limeuil. The entire Vézère Valley is an inexhaustible playground for family hikes.
  
• Several routes are offered by the Vézère Périgord Noir Tourist Office ; it's a change of scenery with limestone plateaus and oak forests, around Terrasson, Thenon, Tourtoirac…

In Purple Périgord

You can combine hiking with wine tourism! The Périgord Pourpre is a large territory, with Bergerac at its center, surrounded by renowned vineyards that are absolutely worth discovering! Towards Monpazier, you switch to Lot-et-Garonne landscapes, with chestnut forests.

The Top 10 Hikes in the Dordogne

Here's a Top 10 list of hikes to do in Périgord, compiled in 2020 by the Department's tourism services and the French Hiking Federation. You know that by taking one of these trails, by completing one of these loops, you're going to have a great time. There's something for everyone; click to see the routes.

In nature

• The loop from Pas de la Mignonne to Excideuil (7 km);
• The Reeds and Orchids loop in Saint-Victor (4 km);
• The Hameaux loop in Chantérac (12 km);
• The Bégonie loop in Daglan (2 km).

Fun family hikes

• The Bastide loop in Saint-Aulaye (3.8 or 5 km);
• The loop from the beach to Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt (3.7 km).

To enjoy the heritage

• The Cluzeaux loop in Mareuil (12 km);
• The Resistance loop in Bassillac-et-Auberoche (7 km);
• The Fontaine des Graves Loop in Tamniès (9 km).

You're now ready to embark on an adventure along the trails of the Périgord ! Remember, whatever the season, to bring the right equipment for safe walking. In summer, a water bottle (there are water fountains regularly marked), a hat, sunscreen, and insect and wasp repellent will be essential. In autumn and winter, wear a high-visibility vest, take a small knife and a bag (for mushrooms— you never know, have your finds confirmed by an expert!). In spring, consider bringing binoculars to observe the awakening wildlife…

Did you enjoy our article? Find more and plenty of ideas to make the most of your stay on the Guide du Périgord blog.

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