Dordogne Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in the charm of Beaulieu sur Dordogne, Loubressac, Carennac, and Rocamadour
Marvel at the panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley
Wander through Carennac’s historic charm, exploring the Saint-Pierre church and its beautiful cloister
Enjoy the tranquillity of the Dordogne River as you follow its winding path through the region
Experience the spiritual allure of Rocamadour, a clifftop pilgrimage site from the 12th century
Itinerary
Feel the charm of Beaulieu sur Dordogne, nestled on the banks of the Dordogne River. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you’ll be captivated by the mediaeval architecture, the vibrant local produce markets, and the serene river views. The 12th-century Saint-Pierre Abbey is a must-see. As the sun sets, the town’s lights reflect on the river, creating a magical atmosphere. Rest well tonight, for your journey begins tomorrow.
Today, you’ll embark on your journey towards Port de Gagnac. As you walk along the river, you’ll be surrounded by lush green landscapes and the soothing sounds of nature. The path offers stunning views of the Dordogne River, winding its way through the valley. Upon arrival in Port de Gagnac, a tranquil village in the Lot department, you’ll be greeted by the peaceful ambience and the beautiful natural surroundings.
8.5 km; 190 m of elevation gain and 200 m of elevation loss
Your journey continues to Loubressac, one of France’s most beautiful villages. As you ascend the path, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley. The village of Loubressac, perched on a rocky outcrop, is a sight to behold. Its stone houses with brown-tiled roofs, surrounded by well-tended gardens, create a picturesque setting.
12.5 km; 240 m of elevation gain and 60 m of elevation loss
Today, you’ll descend from the heights of Loubressac to the enchanting village of Autoire, nestled in the hollow of an arid cirque. As you stroll through Autoire’s narrow lanes, you’ll be captivated by the honey-coloured stone buildings, the Romanesque Church, and the square pigeon towers that preserve their age-old charm. Don’t miss the Château de Laroque-Delprat, a tower-flanked manor that stands as a testament to the village’s noble past.
The highlight of your day might just be the visit to the neighbouring waterfalls, the biggest in the Dordogne Valley. The walk upstream can be rocky at times, but the sight of the 30-metre-high waterfall is well worth the effort. After soaking in the beauty of Autoire, you’ll return to Loubressac on a circular path, offering a different perspective of the stunning landscapes that border the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park.
8.5 km; 320 m of elevation gain/loss
The journey to Carennac is filled with picturesque landscapes. As you walk through the verdant countryside, you’ll see vineyards, orchards, and traditional farms. Upon arrival in Carennac, you’ll be captivated by its historic charm. The Saint-Pierre church and its beautiful cloister, the narrow streets, and the charming old houses create a timeless atmosphere.
10 km; 220 m of elevation gain and 400 m of elevation loss
Today’s walk from Carennac to Meyronne takes you through serene natural surroundings. The path, lined with trees, offers shade and tranquillity. Meyronne, a peaceful village in the Lot department, is the perfect place to relax and take in the region’s beauty. The Dordogne River adds to the village’s charm, creating a peaceful ambience.
21 km; 500 m of elevation gain and 530 m of elevation loss
Your journey continues to Lacave, a commune with a rich Paleolithic history. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Dordogne Valley. The confluence of the Dordogne and the Ouysse at Lacave offers a unique natural spectacle. The village’s location in the foothills of the “Causse de Gramat” adds to its charm.
14 km; 510 m of elevation gain and 515 m of elevation loss
The path to Rocamadour offers stunning views of the valley. As you ascend, you’ll see Rocamadour, a clifftop village, emerging from the cliffside. This important pilgrimage site, with its complex of religious buildings, is a sight to remember. The view across the Alzou Valley from Rocamadour is breathtaking.
13.5 km; 185 m of elevation gain and 150 m of elevation loss
The final leg of your journey takes you to L’Hospitalet. As you walk, you’ll have a great view of Rocamadour in the distance. The path, lined with trees, offers shade and tranquillity. L’Hospitalet, a small village near Rocamadour, is a starting point for many hiking trails. Celebrate the completion of your journey in this charming village.
13.5 km; 275 m of elevation gain and 190 m of elevation loss
As you prepare to depart from L’Hospitalet, take a moment to reflect on your journey. The stunning landscapes, the charming towns, the serene Dordogne River, and the memories you’ve created will stay with you long after you leave. As you say goodbye to the beautiful Dordogne region, you’ll carry a piece of it with you.
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organisation
24/7 service and support during your holidays
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
9x accommodation with breakfast in 3/4* hotels
Luggage transfer
Description
Immerse yourself in a realm where the hands of time gently tick to the rhythm of the Dordogne River, where verdant valleys cradle centuries-old villages and the echoes of history whisper in the wind.
In the heart of France, the Dordogne region unfurls like a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and natural splendour. Our journey begins in Beaulieu sur Dordogne, a charming town that dances to the rhythm of the river.
In Carennac, time stands still, and history comes alive in its beautiful cloister and charming old houses. Meyronne and Lacave, with their serene natural surroundings, are the perfect antidotes to the rush of modern life.
And the absolute highlight of the walking tour, Rocamadour, a clifftop town that reaches toward the heavens, is a testament to faith and an architectural marvel.
Our walks are as gentle as the Dordogne River itself, following an undulating terrain along its banks. These well-trodden paths are relatively undemanding, with little elevation gain, making them perfect for leisurely village-to-village hiking.
At Walking Holidays France, we oversee the accommodation bookings, ensuring you have a comfortable place to rest after a day of exploration. We provide a detailed written handout with a day-by-day itinerary, complete with GPS navigation via a user-friendly app.
We also offer local recommendations to help you discover the region’s hidden gems. And when inn-to-inn hiking, you can travel light, as we take care of luggage transfer and solve any logistical issues.
Lace up your boots, pack your spirit of adventure, and join us on the Dordogne Walking Tour. After all, the best stories are written between the pages of a passport.
Location
Things to know
Our walking holidays are designed to cater to a range of fitness levels. We offer everything from leisurely strolls through vineyards and coastal paths to more challenging mountain hikes. However, it’s always a good idea to have a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, our walking holidays can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the suitability of certain tours for children may depend on the specific itinerary and the child’s age and fitness level. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your family.
We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The terrain can vary from smooth paths to rocky trails, so footwear should have good grip and ankle support. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea in case of wet weather.
Yes, we recommend booking your walking holiday in advance. This allows us to secure the best accommodations and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for your adventure.
We carefully select our accommodations to enhance your walking holiday experience. Depending on the tour, this could range from charming local inns and bed and breakfasts to more luxurious hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and proximity to our walking routes.
Our tours are primarily self-guided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, we provide detailed itineraries, route notes, and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. For those who prefer a guided experience, please contact us to discuss the options.
France is a year-round destination, but the best time for a walking holiday depends on the region. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, some regions, like the French Alps, are best enjoyed in the summer, while others, like the French Riviera, offer pleasant walking conditions even in winter.
Safety is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we have contingency plans in place. This could involve suggesting an alternative route or activity for the day. We also provide support and advice on how to handle different weather conditions.