Walking along the most beautiful river in France
The Dordogne is often called the most beautiful river in France. Our tour to this land of the castles of Richard the Lionheart features the most famous and spectacular section of the river, studded with castles and cave art. The walking is perfect, and a plenitude of sights and attractions rounds out your vacation. This self-guided tour in the southwest serves as a delightful introduction to France, but also suits experienced adventurers.
Rocamadour, France
Day 1
Lacave, France
Day 2+3
Carsac-Aillac, France
Day 4+5+6
Roque-Gageac, France
Day 7+8
Les Eyzies de Tayac, Chemin de la Gaubert, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, France
Day 9+10+11
| Start any date between Apr 1 and Oct 31. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
15 km (10 mi) daily average
Opportunities to shorten the walking distance through alternate routes or taxi transfers
TerrainSome days may be longer and require walking on hilly and rocky paths
CostClassic Accommodation: US $4,050
Single Supplement: US $1,010
Luxe Accommodation: US $5,050
Single Supplement: US $1,260
Getting There
You start in Rocamadour, about 500 km south of Paris. To reach Rocamadour from Paris by train, you’ll need to change trains in Brive-la-Gaillarde. The tour ends in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, where you can catch trains to Paris or other destinations.
Rocamadour
Arrive in Rocamadour, an ancient pilgrimage site clinging spectacularly perched on the side of cliff. If there’s time, stroll along the narrow medieval streets and visit the Chapel of Notre Dame, our Lady of Rocamadour, to whom sailors lost at sea prayed for rescue.
Hike Distance: 5 km
Lacave
Today’s walk takes you through surprisingly remote countryside, along the same routes that pilgrims to Rocamadour would have taken a thousand years ago. Pass through dramatic river canyons, pause to visit a 14-th century mill, and finally arrive in the village of Lacave.
Hike Distance: 16 km
Lacave
Walk past the dramatic setting of Belcastel, relax in the park of the Chateau la Treyne. You’ll also walk through delightful villages on your way to Souillac, today’s destination. Souillac is a bustling town with a delightful Romanesque church. Soak in the atmosphere of the Café de Paris, where refugee poets and artists congregated during the war.
Hike Distance: 12 km
Carsac-Aillac
Start the day with a short taxi transfer to Rouffillac, where you’ll start your walk. Head along the river and into the hills, past two castles, one of which is the spectacular Château de Fénelon. Pass through Groléjac, with its picturesque medieval streets. Today’s destination is Carsac-Aillac, a lovely village near the junction of the Dordogne and the Enéa Rivers.
Hike Distance: 15 km
Terrain: 30% trail/gravel road, 30% bike path, 40% quiet paved road
Carsac-Aillac
You have several choices today. Explore Carsac, with its 16th- and 17th-century houses topped by lauze roofs and a delightful 11th-century Romanesque church. Enjoy a walk to Aillac or follow a bicycle path to Sarlat, one of the best preserved medieval towns in France. Spend a second night in Carsac.
Hike Distance: 12 km
Terrain: 80% trail/gravel road, 20% quiet paved road or 100% bike path
Carsac-Aillac
Walk past Montfort Castle looming over the Dordogne. Arrive in Domme, a beautiful bastide town perched on a rocky crag over the river with a three-star view. Domme’s medieval gates still stand, its maze of old streets invite you to wander, and you can even visit the cave where the town’s inhabitants hid during the Hundred Years’ War.
Hike Distance: 12 km
Terrain: 50% trail/gravel road, 50% quiet paved road
Roque-Gageac
Enjoy castles and stunning scenery today. Pass Castelnaud, crowning the limestone cliffs over the river. Visit the fascinating museum of medieval warfare in the castle. Wander through the beautiful gardens of the Château de Marqueyssac, then follow an ancient route to La Roque-Gageac, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. You’ll spend two nights here.
Hike Distance: 12 km
Terrain: 70% trail/gravel road, 30% quiet paved road
Roque-Gageac
Today stroll through La Roque-Gageac, built into the face of an overhanging cliff riddled with troglodyte caves. Head to Beynac and climb up winding, cobblestone streets to the château, once owned by mighty Richard the Lionheart, that looms over the Dordogne and glares at its rival Castelnaud on the other side.
Hike Distance: 20 km
Terrain: 30% trail/gravel road, 70% quiet paved road
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Follow wooded lanes to Les Milandes, a Renaissance château once owned by Josephine Baker, the famous black American entertainer who became the toast of Paris during the 1920s. Today’s destination is St- Cyprien, clinging to a hillside above the Dordogne. Its old houses cluster around a massive 12th-century church that was once part of an Augustinian abbey. At the end of the afternoon, you will be transfered by a short taxi ride to Les Eyzies-de -Tayac.
Hike Distance: 22 km
Terrain: 75% trail/gravel road, 25% quiet paved road
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Today you have two options, you can start the day with a short taxi ride to St Cyprien and walk through the quiet countryside and past artists’ studios to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. This river valley is the land of the most famous prehistoric sites. If you prefer not to take a taxi, you have the option to visit two famous caves : Grotte de Font-de-Gaume and Grotte de Combarelles. Important note: both caves are closed on Saturdays, reservations are not possible, limited number of tickets per day, first come first serve. You will also have the option for two walks from your hotel, the Circuit des gorges de l’enfer where you’ll explore a bit of the Vezere valley and reach La Grotte du Grand Roc, with its unique rock formations, which resemble coral. Or perhaps choose to visit the Village of Tayac, a short easy stroll that can be extended to include a more rigorous walk with a small portion of one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.
Hike Distance: 12 km
Terrain: 80% trail/gravel road, 20% quiet paved road or 40% trail/gravel road, 60% quiet paved road
Depart
Explore the Musée National de Préhistoire before departing for home or for other destinations. The nine-day tour begins in Souillac. On the seven-day tour you begin in Souillac and end at La Roque Gageac.
This charming 17th century chateau, located 4.5 km in the countryside from Rocamadour, has large gardens and pool, and the rooms are furnished with period furniture. Excellent restaurant on site. Member; Hotels de Charms ; Chateaux & Hotels Collection.
This luxurious hotel is in a beautiful and peaceful location by the L'Ouysse river. There is a pleasant pool and beautiful grounds and a wonderful restaurant with excellent cuisine. Member: Châteaux & Hôtels Collection
This 3-star hotel was a former coach inn and has been tastefully restored to provide comfortable lodging in a calm setting. The hotel boasts an excellent restaurant where you will taste the gastronomy of the Quercy-Périgourdin.
This modest family-run auberge in the village of Carsac has basic, but comfortable rooms and a restaurant on site where 3 generations serve. *If you are booking Classic and wish to upgrade to a more upscale property, the Villa Romaine is an option.
Located in the picturesque medieval town of Domme, this 3-star hotel directly overlooks the Dordogne with magnificent views from the terrace. It has stylish salons and a well-regarded restaurant.
Situated in one of the most beautiful villages in France, all rooms at this hotel enjoy views over the river. The restaurant is renowned and opens onto a vine-shaded terrace with a fabulous view.
This hotel, formerly a member of Relais & Chateaux, has undergone a recent renovation and new management. With 20 bedrooms and a large heated pool and beautiful grounds, this hotel is a personal favourite.
This new hotel has won accolades for its tasteful architecture and setting, designed to harmonize with the natural environment. Located in Rocamadour with lovely grounds and swimming pool, and walking distance from the many restaurants in town.
This stunning 14th and 17th century castle, now a 4-star hotel is perched on the Dordogne and is backed by 120 hectares of forest and formal gardens. It has been carefully renovated to its state of grandeur. The hotel has an excellent fine restaurant. Member: Relais & Chateaux
This charming 16th century property facing the abbey of Souillac boasts guest rooms that are distinctive. Located within an atmospheric plaza close to shops and cafes, it’s perfectly situated. Véronique and Erick provide a warm welcome. Member: Hôtels de Charme et de Caractère.
This luxurious hotel combines authenticity, modernity, comfort and a rich history (and a great restaurant). Built on an old Gallo-Roman site the hotel offers a great panorama on a preserved nature. Recommended by Guides de Charme; Châteaux & Hôtels Collection; Sawday’s
Located in the picturesque medieval town of Domme, this 3-star hotel directly overlooks the Dordogne with magnificent views from the terrace. It has stylish salons and a well-regarded restaurant.
Situated in one of the most beautiful villages in France, all rooms at this hotel enjoy views over the river. The restaurant is renowned and opens onto a vine-shaded terrace with a fabulous view.
Set apart from the tourist bustle of Les Eyzies, the 4-star Hotel Les Glycines offers luxury, charm and a warm welcome. It dates from 1862 when it was a "relais de poste". In addition to its interior charm, the hotel offers a tranquil setting with a fine restaurant, swimming pool and lovely gardens.
Tour Reviews
“Good experience overall. Your Area Manager was very personable and helpful – she helped me activate my French sim card in my phone and was easy to deal with overall. We really liked the hotel at Carsac (Relais de Tournon) – friendly, family operated. Your office service was good, no problems there.”
“I was very impressed with all aspects of my tour. The office was efficient and pleasant to deal with. The Area Manager and staff were very nice and on time – my luggage was always delivered ahead of their schedule.”
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