Dordogne: Highlights of the Périgord Noir

5 Days & 4 Nights 4.8 Read 5 reviews

Experience the highlights of the Dordogne and the Périgord Noir
Towering cliffs of La Roque Gageac, a ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’
Rich and fertile rolling hills of apple and walnut orchards in the Périgord Noir
The strongholds of Beynac and Castelnaud coming into view as you walk
Sipping on a kir royal cocktail at sunset overlooking tranquil river scenes

Escape to the Dordogne and the Périgord Noir on this short break tour which reveals many highlights, such as the superb medieval town of Sarlat, the bastide town of Domme and the dramatic towering strongholds of Beynac and Castelnaud. Tranquil trails and riverside paths link ancient villages and vistas are framed by magnificent limestone cliffs, rolling hills and thick orchards of apple and walnut. The early morning mist hangs over the river like a blanket, then dissipates as you enjoy your morning croissant and coffee. Each morning set out on alluring and peaceful paths through this iconic countryside.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

On this short break tour experience the highlights of this idyllic region over five days, with its amazing hilltop towns, peaceful riverside paths and incredible local gastronomy and wine. Spend each night in special hotels and B&B’s that offer a very warm welcome amazing locales.

Tour Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent tour.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | A classic point to point walking trip, staying in a different location each night

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Foodie Adventures

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour is graded moderate. The trails are a combination of dirt trails, gravel tracks and tarmac country roads. The walking routes are a mix of surfaces, but please note that there will be tarmac walking at times as it is unavoidable. This tour is suitable for walkers with good physical fitness. There are rolling hills in this area and it will also be necessary to walk up some short but steep stretches.

Navigation

The route is generally way marked (when on a GR trail) with red and white GR signs or wooden posts with yellow or green markers. However you will also need to be able to closely follow your route notes and be able to navigate using a map, especially in the woods. which tend to be a bit disorientating. We also provide you with access to our App which is very useful on more difficult sections.

Accommodations

The accommodations provided on this tour are a mix of well-located 2* and 3* hotels, plus B&B’s. We have a few different hotel and B&B options in each place, so the accommodations listed in the itinerary are just examples. However if we place you elsewhere, these alternate hotels or B&B’s will be of a similar or better quality than those listed. Please note that as there is only one hotel in Domme (which is of a high standard) and the alternate accommodation is in Vitrac. However we will provide a transfer from Domme (10 mins) at the end of your walk (and after time to sightsee here). Hotel and room upgrades are available. Please contact your Destination & Adventure Specialist for details.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

We also welcome solo walkers on this tour, again a supplement is payable.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning. Lunch is not included. On some of the walking days it will be essential to take a packed lunch as there are no cafes or restaurants en route (your route notes will give you these details). However it will be very easy to buy a baguette, fruit, drinks, etc from a local bakery, sandwich shop or the local market (depending on the day of the week) before you depart. One dinners is included in Domme. All other dinners are not included and there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from.

Included

4 Nights accommodation in 2 and 3* hotels and B&B’s
4 Breakfasts
1 Dinner
Luggage transfers
Transfers to walks where mentioned
Detailed information pack, route notes and access to the Macs App
24/7 telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to and from Sarlat
Lunches
3 Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage
Personal equipment

Extras

Private transfers
Additional nights before, during and after the walk

When To Go

We would encourage you to travel in spring, early summer and autumn when the temperatures are pleasant for walking.

Getting to the Start

There are a number of different options available when getting to and from Sarlat. You can fly into and out of Brive, Toulouse, Limoges, Bergerac, Bordeaux, or even Paris! Sarlat is close to Souillac, which is on a main train line. From Brive (approx 30 mins), Toulouse (approx 2H), Limoges (approx 1.5H), or Paris (approx approx4.5H) you can take trains to Souillac. From here you can either take a bus or a taxi (approx €40) to or from Sarlat. Please find information about the bus schedules here. If you are flying into or out of Bordeaux or Bergerac you can take trains directly into and out of Sarlat itself as it does have a small ain station. To and from Bordeaux the journey takes approx 3-4H, depending on if it is direct and to and from Bergerac the journey takes approx 1.5H. Please check the SNCF website for more details on schedules and prices.

Getting from the End

From Sarlat, use one of the methods mentioned above for your onward travel.

Luggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

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