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.
Location
Souillac
Souillac, France
Day 1
Carsac-Aillac
Carsac-Aillac, France
Day 2+3
Domme
Domme, France
Day 4
La Roque-Gageac
La Roque-Gageac, France
Day 5+6+7
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED INÂ REGULAR TRIP
6 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Any start date between April 1 and October 15
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
7 days / 6 nights, with 5 days walking
ARRIVE / DEPART
Souillac / La Roque Gageac
ACTIVITY LEVEL
15 km (10 miles) daily average.
Opportunities to shorten the walking distance through alternate routes or taxi transfers.
TERRAIN
Some days may be longer and require walking on hilly and rocky paths. Some days are as short as 10 km (6 miles).
COST
Classic Accommodation: US$2250
Single supplement: US$570
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
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.
1
Day 1
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.
2
Day 2
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.
Hiking Distance: 15 km.*
Terrain: 30% trail/gravel road, 30% bike path, 40% quiet paved road.
3
Day 3
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.
Hiking Distance: 12 km.*
Terrain: 80% trail/gravel road, 20% quiet paved road or 100% bike path.
4
Day 4
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.
Hiking Distance: 12 km.*
Terrain: 50% trail/gravel road, 50% quiet paved road.
5
Day 5
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.
Hiking Distance: 12 km.*
Terrain: 70% trail/gravel road, 30% quiet paved road.
6
Day 6
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.Â
Hiking Distance: 20 km.*
7
Day 7
Take a last stroll around La Roque Gageac before your departure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
La Vieille Auberge, Souillac
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-PĂ©rigourdin.
Le Relais du Touron, Carsac
This 3-star hotel with restaurant is located in the peaceful surroundings of a large park and just 700 m from the village of Carsac-Aillac. There is a lovely pool and gardens to enjoy.
L'Esplanade, Domme
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.
Hotel La Belle Etoile, La Roque de Gageac
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.
Trip Reviews
“Every hotel was absolutely delightful!”
“We loved all the accommodations. The service by your office and Area Manager was excellent. We loved this first experience.”
“Gourdon and the caves were a highlight. Our Travel Advisor was very helpful.”
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