Hikes and Walks in the Dordogne
Hiking: Sure, but who’s it for?
Hiking in the Dordogne is an activity you can enjoy on your own or with friends, starting from a Dordogne recreation center and following the markers along hiking trails and routes. Hiking is also one of those wonderful experiences to enjoy as a couple or with children during a camping trip in the Dordogne. Whether you take a short trail or tackle a multi-day long-distance hike, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a diverse array of breathtaking landscapes during your vacation in the Dordogne.
The Dordogne Valley and the Vézère Valley are must-see destinations in the department. In this region, hikers can explore forests, rivers, and sandy or pebble beaches. They also have the chance to discover charming medieval towns, some of which are listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” such as Curemonte and Collonges-la-Rouge. Hiking also offers the chance to discover the region’s many architectural gems, such as churches, manor houses, gardens, and iconic castles like those at Castelnaud, Beynac, Vassinhac, and Milandes…
With geocaching and Randoland, families staying in a mobile home rental in the Dordogne discover a new way to hike. This allows children to immerse themselves in exciting adventures as they solve various puzzles. At the same time, it allows parents to explore the region’s heritage in a more fun way from the Dordogne fishing campground.
Hiking and family walks are among the most iconic activities in the Dordogne, which is brimming with hiking trails approved by the French Hiking Federation. The region boasts several hiking trails, many of which are also accessible by mountain bike. In addition, there are prestigious long-distance hiking trails, including the famous Way of St. James, which leads pilgrims and hikers to the medieval town of Rocamadour, once a major center of Christianity.
Top 5 Best Hiking Trails in the Dordogne
Walks and Hikes Between the Dordogne and the Maronne
Located near the campground with a pool in the Dordogne, these hiking trails begin at the church square in La Chapelle-Saint-Géraud. The site offers breathtaking views of the Lot River, the Dordogne Valley, the Auvergne Mountains, and the Monédières, which are very popular with hikers.
- Distance: 13.9 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Elevation gain: 329.32 m
Walks and Hikes from Bridges to Harbors in Souillac
These rocky hiking trails, starting at the port, lead up to the plateau, where the rich variety of flora delights hikers in the spring. It is recommended that you wear appropriate hiking shoes, as well as waterproof clothing and sunscreen. You should also check the weather forecast before any hike in the Dordogne.
Distance: 10.7 km
Difficulty: easy
Elevation gain: 279.52 m
Le Roc Castel – Saint-Martial-Entraygues
The starting point for walks and hikes is the Town Hall Square in Saint-Martial-Entraygues. Hikers pass through old vineyards and terraced farmland. The trail then takes them along the meandering Dordogne River before climbing higher. From Roc Castel, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the Sablier Reservoir and the wooded gorges of the Dordogne. From these heights, they can also admire Gibanel Castle.
- Distance: 7.1 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Elevation gain: 343.03 m.
Aubazine–Saint-Michel-de-Bannières Trail for Children
The trail allows hikers to appreciate the diversity of the landscapes and the richness of the local heritage, which reflects, in particular, the power of the lords of Saint-Michel and the efforts of the iconic monks of Aubazine.
- Distance: 12.5 km
- Level: Intermediate
- Elevation gain: 264.64 m.
Reyrevignes–Lachapelle-Auzac Circuit
This hiking trail in the Dordogne takes visitors through the woods and over limestone terrain with rugged contours. It also offers a chance to explore the hamlet of Reyrevignes and its Romanesque church.
- Distance: 14.7 km
- Difficulty level: difficult
- Elevation gain: 410.71 m.
Hiking in the Dordogne: Tips and Tricks
- Always be realistic. Before setting out on a hike in the Dordogne, you need to know your level of physical fitness and your level of experience. These are two of the key factors to consider when choosing a trail during your nature camping trip in the Dordogne.
- Choose the right pace. Be sure to adjust your walking speed to the terrain; don’t risk injury or exhaustion by maintaining a fast pace on terrain with steep inclines.
- Choose the right shoes. Depending on your feet, your ankles, and the terrain you’ll be walking on, you’ll need to choose between high-top or low-top shoes, flexible or stiff shoes, and waterproof or breathable shoes.
- Be sure to choose the right socks as well: 10–15 l for a short walk; 25–30 l for a day hike; 40–60 l for a multi-day trek; 70 l or more for a winter hike…
- Be sure to bring hiking poles as well. These pieces of equipment offer several benefits, such as helping to distribute the weight of your backpack evenly across your back. They also engage your arms during physical exertion, which helps reduce the risk of muscle fatigue in your legs.
- Also consider the type of route: whether it’s a loop or not, the distance, elevation gain, altitude, access to the starting point, tricky sections…
