The Causse de l’Isle, an exceptional natural setting in Périgord

In the towns of Savignac-les-Églises, Mayac, Coulaures and Saint-Jory-Las-Bloux there is a charming place, spread over 410 hectares of greenery and nature just 30 minutes from Périgueux. Open all year round and free, this outdoor space is ideal for having fun, exercising and relaxing with family or friends. Discover the unusual setting of the Causse de l'Isle and let yourself be captivated by its special character, you will love getting away from it all.

Photo report: Naturally Périgord

The Causse de l'Isle, an emblematic place in the region

If you like wide open spaces and stories, you will be delighted to discover the Causse de l'Isle, where several areas are classified as Sensitive Natural Areas. On a 150 million year old limestone plateau located on the heights, the preserved fauna and flora evolve freely. Wander the paths to see the small dry stone huts called bories , which, along with the low walls and foundations of a hamlet, constitute the legacy of a life in the Middle Ages. Take a step back in time through these architectural ensembles that bear witness to the agricultural life of the Causse, before putting on your sneakers for a sporting session in the great outdoors.

The Causse de l'Isle, numerous hiking trails to take

Lovers of fresh air and wooded walks, you will be won over by the charm of the different marked trails. Designed for safe walking, they are accessible on foot, but also on horseback at any time of the year. Take the route you want according to your desire, and your energy between :

• The 3 Nordic walking routes of 6, 7 and 9 km punctuated with varied exercises to view on video,
• A 2.7 km fitness trail for athletes,
• An outdoor fitness area with 8 workshops to work on muscles, cardio and stretching.

Put on your leggings and sneakers !

The Causse de l'Isle, bike rides for all levels in Périgord

What a pleasure to cycle in complete freedom in the heart of green and wooded nature. With family, friends and little ones, take the marked cycle paths :

• A 5.8 km mountain bike route accessible to all,
• 3 large loops of 14, 29 and 51 km with several levels of difficulty, labeled Fédération Française de Cyclotourisme.

Your calves will heat up on the slopes of the Causse de l'Isle !

Fun trails to discover

Young and old will love having fun on the Causse de l'Isle, free and open all year round. Beyond the hiking trails and cycling trails, you will find several surprising activities in the heart of nature :

• The Randoland loop is ideal for introducing children aged 4 to 12 to this place through different treasure hunts,
• “ Art on the Causse ” is a 3 km artistic trail punctuated with works created with natural elements. Open all year round, it evolves every spring.

Two marked cabin trails of approximately 3.5 km will take you to discover around twenty of these exceptional dry stone architectural works , largely restored by the ADDCI, an association which works to safeguard the Causse.

Escape as you like at the Causse de l'Isle, there is something for all tastes and for all ages, enough to spend a wonderful day of bonding with family or friends.

The Causse de l'Isle, everything you need to escape to Périgord

Whether you are on foot, on horseback or by bike, you have everything you need to have a great time in this exceptional place. Once parked in the car park, follow the notice boards and the colors of your marked trail to make the loop you want. Take a break for lunch, 4 picnic areas and dry toilets are at your disposal. The Causse de l'Isle is the perfect place to observe nature and enjoy a day of escape. If you are passing through the area, don't hesitate to stop by, you will love it.

Are you won over? Quickly go to the site naturelperigord.fr to find maps and plans for hiking and mountain biking to download for free, or take a trip to the Excideuil and Lanouaille Tourist Office to find them in paper version.

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