The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, an unmissable destination in the heart of nature

Hiking, nature walks, visits, workshops, gourmet experiences, or swimming – there's something for everyone at the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, located in the heart of the triangle formed by Périgueux, Angoulême, and Limoges. Spanning 1,900 square kilometers, it offers a multitude of opportunities for a getaway that perfectly suits your taste, nestled between the Haute-Vienne and Périgord regions. Discover a park rich in natural and cultural heritage, designated a "land of trees and water," a unique protected natural area that celebrates 1,000 years of Occitan history.

Cover image: The Dronne River - Philippou Hole in St-Saud-Lacoussière - ©Déclic&Décolle

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, breathtaking landscapes in the Dordogne

The park is a living, breathing place that changes throughout the year, shifting from green to golden hues with the seasons. Magnificent, verdant, and wooded, it's far from flat, inviting you to discover rolling hills with unique and colorful panoramas. Get a first glimpse by exploring the website of this incredible park in the Périgord region !

Varied landscapes in a protected area

A thousand years of history and agricultural practice have created this incredible landscape diversity, encompassing the Limousin bocage, a landscape of meadows and pastures happily irrigated. On the park's higher ground, the Feuillardiers forest rises majestically between rivers and ponds, with vast meadows and chestnut coppices. Further on, the Jumilhac plateaus and the Isle Valleys surprise nature with fast-flowing rivers bordered by wetlands and wide plateaus, while the Périgord Valleys enchant with over thirty varieties of orchids.

Impressive natural environments

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park boasts a magnificent oak and chestnut forest, home to numerous mammals across 68 hectares of wooded land, and wetlands, prevalent in the Limousin region, creating a unique verdant landscape in this part of the park. Water is omnipresent, with three watersheds and numerous rivers feeding ponds and lakes. It's no wonder that wildlife thrives in this protected area, rich in preserved biodiversity.

Are you curious? You will love discovering serpentinite, a meteorite crater, quartz or kaolin scattered throughout the various areas of the park.

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park: miles of 100% natural escape

Lace up your hiking boots or hop on your mountain bike to explore the many safe and marked hiking trails crisscrossing the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park. One of the most popular is the Grande Boucle (Great Loop), which allows you to admire the beauty of the park in its entirety, from plateaus and valleys to hedged farmland and forests. Allow 7 to 10 days on foot to cover the 200 km, or 3 to 4 days if you prefer cycling. Don't have time to do it all? Want to break it up into shorter excursions? Good news: numerous public transport options and greenways border the park, allowing you to complete the Grande Boucle at your own pace, following the route that suits you best. Visit the Tourist Offices or the Park Visitor Center to pick up the park brochure, which details the park's unique features and introduces you to some of the legends and iconic figures of Périgord-Limousin.

A 103 km cycle route loop tested and approved by children and a 2 km "Terra Aventura" geocaching route around the Maison du Parc are also accessible if you are discovering the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park as a family.

Do you enjoy cycling? The Flow Vélo cycle route, which connects Sarlat to Île d'Aix, passes south of the park, entering via Thiviers. Get in the saddle!

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, a breath of fresh air in the heart of nature

Relaxation, sports activities, a refreshing break, or an exciting encounter – discover the park the way you like it ! Its 1,900 hectares of greenery, ponds, and rivers invite you to experience unique moments with family, your loved one, or friends. Put on your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in one of the park's 12 beaches, such as the St-Saud-Lacoussière lake or the Saint-Hilaire-des-Places recreational lake. Most have picnic areas for a revitalizing outdoor lunch after the water activities on offer. Some leisure centers, like Espace Hermeline in Bussière-Galant, offer other activities such as rail biking, treetop adventure courses, or giant zip lines. Take a break at the area's educational farms for a donkey ride after petting the goats.

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park: Discover a rich heritage

Numerous charming villages and towns make up the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, offering history enthusiasts the chance to appreciate the preserved treasures of this remarkable area. From the Château de Rochechouart, Château de Montbrun, and Château de Jumilhac to the Tour de Piégut, as well as manor houses, abbeys, and churches, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to enriching your exploration with fascinating visits in the heart of the park. Local artisans are also delighted to showcase their unique skills, a local art form represented by Nontron knives, Saint-Yrieix porcelain, Saint-Junien gloves, and even gold panning. Take this opportunity to discover Occitan culture, a heritage preserved for over a thousand years that has shaped the region and its identity.

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, with numerous events organized throughout the year

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park is a vibrant place, thanks to its diverse flora and fauna as well as the activities organized throughout the year, from exhibitions and creative workshops to farm visits and gourmet walks. The Park offers a wide variety of events, inviting visitors of all ages to discover the beauty and richness of this protected area. Food lovers will be delighted by the numerous markets held in the towns and villages, offering a chance to indulge in local specialties and products, and a special opportunity to connect with regional artisans and producers. From truffles and foie gras to Christmas markets, some are held several times a year, so don't miss these unmissable culinary events in the Dordogne !

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, that's a destination you'll love !

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