Walking Tours in Dordogne | Macs Adventure

Walking Tours in The Dordogne

Walk from village to village within the picturesque landscapes of the Dordogne region, or as the French call it, the "Perigord". All our tours take you on tranquil trails and through rich rolling hills and charming medieval villages, many on hill tops overlooking the river. Delight in the hand-picked accommodations, the mouth-watering cuisine and local wines. Why not try the Walking in the Dordogne Short Break tour, a short itinerary where you stay in Domme, a stunning hilltop town and in Sarlat-le-Canada, which has one of the best local markets in all of France.

Macs Adventure are experts in providing tours with the best this area of France has to offer since we know this area intimately and have been offering tours here for the past 10 years. We work closely with our local partners to ensure that you will have the best possible experience, which one of our customers described as, "heart-renderingly beautiful". We could not agree more.

Our Hilltop Villages of the Dordogne tour is located in Upper Dordogne and is perhaps a little less visited than the Perigord Noir region, however, whichever tour you choose, the countryside walks are always quiet and provide time for contemplation. During the harvest season you can even pick a ripe fig or apple off a tree as part of your packed lunch. The views surrounding you as you walk will always capture your attention and provide great opportunities for enthusiastic photographers. Enjoy the delicious local wine and food as you sit in a local restaurant to enjoy the ambience and indulge in some people-watching.

Discover The Dordogne

Dordogne Gastronomy

The Dordogne region of France is well-known for its gastronomic heritage and exquisite culinary delicacies.

Fois Gras and Truffles

There are several types of fois gras and it will be served in every restaurant you eat in. Not great if you are a vegetarian, but don't worry there are plenty of alternatives. However, if you are a meat-eater it is a not-to-be-missed delicacy of the region.

The Dordogne has one of the most significant truffle trade centres in France. The "black diamond" truffle is expensive, rare and in high demand.

Strawberries

There are 7 varieties of strawberries in the Perigord IGP group (Guarantee of Control and Certification). These delicious varieites of strawberries grow so well here due to the mild climate. You may even happen upon a strawberry festival in one of the villages or towns. Its also a very versatile fruit and can be used to make tarts, icecream and salad with goat's cheese.

Walnuts

The walnuts of the Perigord come in 4 varieties, and are interestingly named as, "Corne" the rustic, "Marbot" the traditional, "Grandjean" the classic, and "Franquette" the desired. Growing walnuts in this region dates back to the Cro-Magnon period and they were even used as a form of currency in the Middle Ages. You will find them in salads, on pizza and in the ingredients for soaps and oil.

Cheese

Most famous is the Cabécou of Périgord which is a traditional soft goats milk cheese, delicious in salads and even on pizza! The oldest cheese is the Trappe d'Echourgnac, which monks starting to make in the region in 1868.
Dordogne Local Markets

The local markets in the Dordogne are an absolute delight and listed below are their opening times, which is worth noting, so that you can perhaps time the starting date of your tour to be there when at least a few of the markets are on.

From walnuts to cheese to truffles and wine you will find all the local specialities at these amazing markets. These are places where the locals meet and exchange gossip. This is a chance to lose yourself for an hour or so, sit in a terrace cafe and enjoy people watching, whilst the town or village comes to life. A recommendation is to buy some local produce at these markets and perhaps some artisan bread, cheese and wine for your picnic lunch.

Beynac: Monday

*Carsac: Sunday

Domme: Thursday

* La Roque Gageac: Friday

Les Eyzies: Monday (and Friday evening)

Sarlat: Wednesday and Saturday

St Cyprien: Sunday

* Not always weekly so best to chekc with your local tourist office just to be sure
Seriously Photogenic Villages

The Dordogne Valley has 10 of the Plus Beaux Villages de France! Many of them are on hilltops, from which there are great views of the sparkling and tranquil river below.

Beynac

This remarkable village has steep cobbled lanes and at the top a medieval castle to explore, which has sweeping views across the river plain.

Domme

This bastide village, also on a hill top, is endearingly beautiful. It was founded in 1283. Order a coffee, beer or local glass of wine as you sit on a terrace overlooking the view. You can also wander through its tiny streets and admire its medieval fortifications.

La Roque-Gageac

This village occupies a dramatic setting tucked under ochre-coloured cliffs and it's main street parallel to the river. It has a micro-climate due to its south-facing position and you will find palm and banana trees growing here!

Sarlat-Le-Canada

Ok, so this village is technically a town! One of the busier places in the area, but nonetheless a wonderful place to stay or visit, with its honey-coloured architecture, secret squares and incredible market.

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