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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.
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13kg of CO2-e PP per day
(91kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Cressensac-Sarrazac
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.
Meals: D
Day 2
Sarrazac to Meyssac 17.4 km/10.8 miles
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. Ascent 396m/Descent 420m Accommodation: Le Relais du Quercy is a comfortable 2 * Logis hotel with pool near the centre.
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Meyssac to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne 23 km/14 miles
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. Ascent 588/Descent 626m 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
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. Ascent 345m/Descent 365m 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
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. Ascent 352m/Descent 171m >> *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 Cantou 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
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. Ascent 295m/Descent 452m Accommodation: You spend 2 nights at the 2* Le Bellevue. This cosy, family-run hotel offers traditional hospitality, comfortable rooms, and scenic views over Rocamadour from every window.
Day 7
Rocamadour circular walk 11.2km/7 miles
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. Ascent 407m/Descent 407m
Meals: B
Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast
Departure from Rocamadour after breakfast.
Arrive at the tiny village of Cressensac-Sarrazac, deep in a green valley on the edge of the Causse de Martel. Accommodation: The cellar of this 3* Logis 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.
Sarrazac to Meyssac 14 km/8.7 miles
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: A delightful stone building 2 * Logis in the heart of town. The interior has been totally modernized with style and individuality. The extensive garden behind the hotel features a swimming pool. As an alternative we occasionally book a Chambre d’Hote in the quiet countryside just south of Collonges.
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: A well-appointed 3* hotel in a quiet street, 5 minutes from the Dordogne.
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 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.
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. 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: Stay 2 nights in a 2* Logis hotel in the middle of this very pretty village and opposite the 'village green'. It is perched at 354 metres where on a clear day you can see the Dordogne, Causse, Cere Valley & Segala.
Loubressac:optional circular walks
Loubressac is one of those rare villages that are still able to evoke another time and place. Choose from several circular walks today. 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. Option 4) 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 view in almost all directions.
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.
Rocamadour circular walk 12km/7.5 miles
Today the 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 9
What's included
What's not included
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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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