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.
Souillac, France
Day 1
Carsac-Aillac, France
Day 2+3
Domme, France
Day 4
La Roque-Gageac, France
Day 5+6+7
| 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
TerrainSome days may be longer and require walking on hilly and rocky paths
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,450
Single Supplement: US $610
Getting There
You start in Souillac, about 500 km south of Paris. Souillac is on the main Paris-Toulouse rail line, a five-hour trip with no change of trains. The tour ends in La Roque Gageac, from where you’ll need to take a taxi to Souillac to catch a train to leave the area.
Souillac
Arrive in Souillac, 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.
Rouffillac
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
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
Domme
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
La 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
Beynac
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. Terrain: 30% trail/gravel road, 70% quiet paved road.
Hike Distance: 20 km
Depart
Take a last stroll around La Roque Gageac before your departure.
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.
Tour Reviews
“Gourdon and the caves were a highlight. Our Travel Advisor was very helpful.”
“We loved all the accommodations. The service by your office and Area Manager was excellent. We loved this first experience.”
“Every hotel was absolutely delightful!”
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