Guidebook to 35 half-day and day walks in France's beautiful Dordogne region, based around Bergerac, Lalinde, Sarlat and Souillac (Lot). The walks, which range from 6 to 18.5km, take in the region's myriad delights, from spectacular gorges to enchanting chateaux and charming medieval villages. All walks are within the capacity of the average walker, and are on well-marked paths or quiet roads. They are graded easy or medium; there are no long, steep climbs or abrupt descents. There are step-by-step descriptions and maps for each route. Also included is information on the history, flora and fauna of the region, together with practical pointers such as what to take and when to go, as well as notes on waymarking, accommodation and transport. A route summary table and glossary are also provided. Lying in south west France, the Dordogne is a land of great scenic variety, from rolling wooded hills and fertile valleys to barren upland plateaus and limestone cliffs riddled with caves. The charm of the Dordogne also lies in the picturesque medieval towns, chateaux, churches and abbeys that stud the landscape, and these are the focus of many of the walks.
Map key Overview map Location of walks Preface Introduction The Dordogne river A short history of the Dordogne Plants and flowers Wildlife How to get there When to go Accommodation Food and drink What to take Waymarking Maps Using this guide Around Bergerac Walk 1 Along the river at Bergerac Walk 2 The vineyards of Monbazillac Walk 3 Flaugeac to the Chateau de Bridoire Walk 4 Around Monestier Walk 5 Round the Lac de l'Escourou Walk 6 Boucle d'Issigeac Walk 7 The Conne river valley Walk 8 Boucle de St-Aubin Walk 9 St-Georges-de-Montclard Around Lalinde Walk 10 St-Felix-de-Villadeix Walk 11 Couze to the Chateau de Lanquais Walk 12 The heights and river at Lalinde Walk 13 Above Mauzac Walk 14 The Cingle de Tremolat Walk 15 Limeuil and the Vezere river Walk 16 Above the Abbey of Cadouin Walk 17 Beaumont and the Rocher du Corbeau Walk 18 Monpazier and the Chateau de Biron Around Sarlat Walk 19 Around les Eyzies Walk 20 Along the Vezere river Walk 21 Boucle de Coulonge at Montignac Walk 22 Around St-Genies Walk 23 St-Crepin and Carlucet Walk 24 Les Jardins d'Eyrignac Walk 25 South of the Chateau des Milandes Walk 26 Le Chemin de Cazenac from Beynac Walk 27 Around la Roque-Gageac Walk 28 The bastide town of Domme Walk 29 Boucle de Veyrignac Around Souillac (Lot) Walk 30 Gourdon and the Bleou valley Walk 31 Roc des Monges from Saint-Sozy Walk 32 Martel to Mont Mercou Walk 33 Rocamadour and the mills of the Alzou Gorge Walk 34 Alvignac and the Source Salmiere Walk 35 The Gouffre de Padirac and Causses de Quercy Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Useful information Appendix C Glossary of French words
