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Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

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~~$1561~~

$1490

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

8 Days Starting in Sarrazac and ending in Rocamadour

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

JD8

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

moderate

From:

$1561

$1490 (USD) Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$70

NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

This 8-day walking tour in the area of the Upper Dordogne Valley follows a circuit of approx. 100km. Castles, stone-built medieval villages, ruins and caves lend daily interest to the circuit. 'Une surprise a chaque pas'. The individual, family-run hotels that we have selected for you offer the sort of cooking that people come to France for, and several have noted chefs. This is the land of truffles, foie gras, magret de canard and rich dark wines.
This is a region of France that is largely away from normal tourist haunts in the Departments of Correze and Lot. The scenery is varied, taking in the limestone plateaux or Causses and then later wooded hills, which slope steeply down to the Dordogne at the delightful former river port of Beaulieu. 8 villages on this Dordogne walking holiday are on the unofficial but prestigious list of the '161 most beautiful villages in France' (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). Curemonte, stretched out along a ridge; the gentlemen's houses or gentilhommieres of Autoire; Loubressac, on a high spur above the Dordogne Valley; Carennac, with its elaborate abbey church; Turenne, encircling a hilltop castle; and the celebrated red sandstone village of Collonges-la-Rouge. Beaulieu sur Dordogne owes it's name of the Limousin Riviera to it's gentle way of life on the banks of the mythical river" and "Rocamadour, this world heritage site clings to the cliff overlooking the Alzou Canyon".
You can choose from three walking tours in the Dordogne region: a 7-night/8 day tour, with the option to add an extra night in Loubressac, and a 9-night/10 day tour (trip code JDD). Much of the route is common to both.

Highlights

Walking in the Dordogne Valley and Surrounding Hills
Ramble on the Riverbank and Round the Villages
Walk to Hilltop Castles and Bastides
Carefully Selected Character Accommodation
Food That People Come To France For
Medieval Villages, Ruins & Caves
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Cressensac-Sarrazac

Meals Included: D

Arrive at the tiny village of Cressensac-Sarrazac, deep in a green valley on the edge of the Causse de Martel.
Accommodation: Hotel La Bonne Famille is a 3 * Logis. The cellar of this establishment was formerly a smithy where, three generations ago, the blacksmith’s wife would serve refreshments to waiting customers. The hoteliers are as hospitable as their ancestors, the smithy has vanished, and guests are housed in a venerable building with swimming pool nearby.

Day 2 : Sarrazac To Meyssac 14 Km/8.7 Miles

Meals Included: B, D

Near the half-way point is the picturesque village of Turenne, with its famous castle towering over the surrounding countryside. The dark red sandstone of Collonges' mullioned windows and towers is a stunning sight, as you approach it in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Le Relais du Quercy is a comfortable 2 * Logis hotel with pool near the centre.

Day 3 : Meyssac To Beaulieu-Sur-Dordogne 23 Km/14 Miles

Meals Included: B, D

Over undulating country to Curemonte, a mediaeval village where the writer Colette once lived. The day ends with a long descent of an ancient cobbled mule-track into Beaulieu. The town is built on the right bank of the Dordogne and owes its fame to the Romanesque church of the former Benedictine monastery. Make sure you take the time to visit the Abbey Church with its magnificent doorway.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Beaulieu is a well-appointed 3 * hotel in a quiet street, close to the Dordogne, where you can dine overlooking the water on a summer’s evening.

Day 4 : Beaulieu To Carennac 17 Km/10.5 Miles

Meals Included: B, D

Today you’re walking from the department of the Correze to the Department of the Lot. The day begins with a climb up through woodland where you will find 3 nature information posts. The walk continues with sweeping views across the countryside. Cross the Dordogne river to approach Carennac and take the time to enjoy wandering the winding streets of this beautiful village.
Accommodation: You stay at Hotel Fenelon this is an elegant family-run hotel 2 * Logis with swimming pool in the centre of this lovely and historic village on the banks of the Dordogne. Excellent restaurant with a good local reputation.

Day 5 : Carennac To Loubressac 14.7 Km/9.1 Miles

Meals Included: B, D

Today you walk along the limestone ‘causse’ to the Gouffre de Padirac which is an underground maze of majestic tunnels and stalactites. You can take an underground boat ride here to discover the magnificent caves in all their beauty. We recommend booking your visit online to ensure easy access as you don’t have to queue if you have pre booked. www.gouffre-de-padirac.com. Allow 2.5–3hrs minimum walking time as the Gouffre is 8.9kms from Carennac. There are plenty of places for refreshments if you arrive early, you don’t want to miss your pre-booked tour time. >> *Note: Loubressac is one of those rare villages that are still able to evoke another time and place. The following extra walking options are available so why not consider an extra night here. Please find details in the 9-Day Itinerary tab and in the 'Options & Supplements' section below.
> Option 1: Complete Circuit - Chateau de Castlenau, Autoire & Cirque - 19.5km/12 miles. It is worth walking around the castle with it's excellent views all around the ramparts.
> Option 2: Chateau de Castelnau Circuit - 14km/8.7 miles
> Option 3: Autoire & Cirque Circuit - 13.5km/8.4 miles. Autoire has fine old houses or "gentilhommierers". Autoire is listed among the 157 prettiest villages in France.
--- Alternatively, just take a day off and explore this village with its important buildings such as the church of Saint-John Baptist, built in the 14th century. Another highlight of this village is the fantastic views in almost all directions.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Cantour 354 is a 2 * Logis hotel. It is located in the middle of this very pretty village and opposite the 'village green'. It is perched at 354 metres where you can see the Dordogne, Causse, Cere Valley & Segala on a clear day.

Day 6 : Loubressac To Rocamadour 20.5 Km/12.7 Miles

Meals Included: B, D

Today you retrace your route to Gouffre de Padirac and thereafter follow quiet leafy lanes and tracks through beautiful countryside to arrive at the viewpoint at L’Hospitalet, from here take time to enjoy a stunning view of the ancient pilgrimage site, the village of Rocamadour perched on a steep cliff.
Accommodation: You spend 2 nights at the 2 * Hotel du Lion d'Or. It is a beautiful and authentique establishment composing of two separate buildings situated approx 150 meters apart.

Day 7 : Rocamadour Circular Walk 11.2Km/7 Miles

Meals Included: B

Today there is an optional circular walk around Rocamadour. This is an easy to medium route and will take no longer than 3.5 hours. You might want to walk it in the morning before visiting all the sights.

Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast

Meals Included: B

Departure from Rocamadour after breakfast.

What's Included

Accommodation
7 or 8 nights in 2* & 3* hotels
7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
7 nights accommodation in 2 - 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer
Information pack including route notes & maps
Emergency hotline
7 breakfasts, 6 dinners
7 nights accommodation in 2* & 3* hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
7 breakfasts, 6 dinners (8 breakfasts, 6 dinners for 9-Day option)
7 breakfasts, 6 dinners (8 breakfasts, 7 dinners for 9-Day option)
7 (or 8) nights accommodation in 2* & 3* hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
One piece of luggage per person transferred between your accommodation, not exceeding 20kg

What's Not Included

Lunches & Beverages
Entrance fees
Travel insurance
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Excess Luggage
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation

7 or 8 nights in 2* & 3* hotels
Accommodation is in 2* & 3* hotels. All the accommodation has ensuite facilities. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests.

Grading

This walk is graded: ‘Moderate’(grade 3) and should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking. Day stages: 14.7km to 23km per day with average altitude gains of 350m. 3 to 7 hours walking per day.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

J. Riely(Washington, USA)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

Eight-days in the Dordogne was a magical walk for

Eight-days in the Dordogne was a magical walk for my husband and me and our newlywed son and daughter-in-law. The birds, the villages, the combination of fields and hilly forested paths, and especially for us, the mid-walk lunches in "beaux villages," relaxed us and fed our craving for quiet beauty. This was a vacation of a lifetime.

A. Cutright(Riyadh)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

We had an amazing trip! Everything was planned per

We had an amazing trip! Everything was planned perfectly and exceeded our expectations. Food was incredible and there was a nice variety of scenery on our walk.

E Walsh(Rhode Island, USA)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

We had a gorgeous walk over varied terrain through

We had a gorgeous walk over varied terrain throughout the Dordogne region where most of the scenery looks unchanged since medieval times. The farms, castles churches and farmlands are breathtaking!

S Freedman(New Jersey, USA)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

We loved the variety of landscapes, route types an

We loved the variety of landscapes, route types and hotels, and the food was really what French food is all about (not so easy to find in Paris anymore!).

A Beckman(Saint Paul, MN. USA.)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

This was a beautiful tour of a beautiful area. My

This was a beautiful tour of a beautiful area. My friend and I enjoyed the varied countryside (pasturelands, river bluffs, woods, a waterfall, and even a cave), and we were smitten by the small villages with their stone houses, slate rooftops, and old Romanesque churches. The accommodations were all around pleasant and comfortable; while some were "fancier" than others, staff were consistently friendly and helpful, and meals were yummy and relaxing. The walks were fairly rigorous for us, although we considered ourselves to be in reasonably good shape beforehand! We were glad to have brought a guidebook along to help us with the history of the area, and glad that we spoke rudimentary French. I highly recommend this lovely tour, and both my friend and I hope to do another self-guided walking tour with this organization someday.

T McClure(USA)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

Each of the hotels were unique and interesting. Th

Each of the hotels were unique and interesting. The notes were very important to us, we relied on them to guide us in the right direction. They were clear and provided the necessary specificity. Without them we never would have found our way. The scenery was beautiful and we enjoyed the exercise. Just the right distances. Nathalie was always very prompt and supportive.

T. Sutherland(Canberra, Australia)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

This was a great walk with varied terrain. The lon

This was a great walk with varied terrain. The longer days were tough at times so be prepared with good shoes and water. We loved walking through beautiful countryside, villages and forests. The accommodation was good and the food excellent. We only briefly saw one other walking group during our trip and it was wonderful to have the paths to ourselves.

C Tarnoff(Maryland, USA)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

This is the only walk in this part of the Dordogne

This is the only walk in this part of the Dordogne that mirrors what some books have called one of the great walks of Europe. Other companies tend to follow routes in the more touristy part of the region near Sarlat. We travelled by car in that part after the walk and all I can say is that I much preferred the areas we walked in. Lots of diverse scenery and hiking terrain. Great food. Lovely accommodation. And hardly a soul in sight, let alone tourists. Of course, good weather makes a difference and we lucked out with sunny (although a bit too hot on a couple of days) skies.

S. Lynch(Lincoln, United States)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

The Dordogne countryside in the spring is bucolic

The Dordogne countryside in the spring is bucolic and beautiful, filled with wildflowers and birdsong. The medieval towns are charming and sometimes have cafes for lunch or coffee.

D. Cassidy-Muller(Arroyo Hondo, United States)

Hidden Treasures of the Dordogne - 8 Days

Beautiful setting & great trails. The villages we

Beautiful setting & great trails. The villages we stopped in each night were very charming. We got lost a couple of times so suggest GPS mapping tool for the self-guided maps.

Read all 10 reviews

Dates & Availability

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May
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Monday - Monday

May 20, 2024 - May 27, 2024

~~$1561~~ $1490 (USD)