Hiking in the Dordogne
Located in south-west France, the Dordogne lies between the plains of the Aquitaine Basin and the foothills of the Massif Central. For an invigorating getaway, you’ll have the opportunity to admire castles, verdant plains, sumptuous forests, bastides and vineyards. The hardest part will be knowing which trail to start on. To help you choose, we present the top 5 best walks in the Dordogne from our campsite near Périgueux.
The hike from Pont du Garrit to Pont d’Allas
Just an hour from La Cigaline 3-star campsite in the Périgord, you’ll find the Garrit bridge. It is over 120 years old. After crossing it, head downstream towards Allas. This medieval village has some remarkable points of interest. Its Romanesque bell tower and the remains of its castle are among the most famous sites in the Dordogne. To take full advantage of this environmental diversity, spring is the best season to discover them. The hike is fairly easy, covering 11 kilometers and taking around 3 hours.
The Boucle de la Forêt Nord de Campagne
The Boucle de la Forêt Nord (North Forest Loop) is an excellent way to discover the Dordogne‘s little jewel: the Château de Campagne. It’s actually a 345-hectare forest divided into two massifs separated by the departmental road 35. Starting from the forest parking lot on the Saint Cyprien road, discover the majestic beauty of the Château de Campagne and its remarkable park. This is a medium-difficulty trail, 5.5 kilometers long, with a vertical drop of 148 meters. However, beware of slippery sections.
The path of earth and water by Harrison Barker
Designed for experienced hikers, this itinerary lasts 5 days. From Sarlat train station, you set off in the direction of Domme. This route is around 73 kilometers long, and descends for a few kilometers to the Dordogne river. Along the way, you’ll encounter spectacular views from the Domme bar and Castelnaud castle. You can even go canoeing. Next, you’ll pass through the typical village of Saint Germain: Belvès. To finish on a high note, on the last day you’ll reach the village of Le Buisson and its railway station.
The gold trail in Jumilhac
The village of Jumilhac le Grand, with its imposing château, is well worth a visit. With its impressive architecture, the subsoil holds many surprises and discoveries. The hike is of medium difficulty . It stretches over 6 kilometers in an idyllic setting, with a vertical drop of 194 meters. It’s the perfect activity for geology enthusiasts.
The great Périgord Limousin park loop
The long loop in the Regional Nature Park is for experienced hikers only. With 200 kilometers of walking, you’ll cross the plateaus and valleys of the Périgord, the Limousin boulders and chestnut forests. You’ll also pass through breathtakingly beautiful scenery. However, physical preparation is highly recommended.
