Dordogne River Walk

The adventure

This walking holiday explores the limestone cliffs, wooded valleys and beautiful medieval villages that are so unique to France's Dordogne region. Perigord is one of the largest and most picturesque areas in France. It is divided into two by the River Dordogne which founded the historic frontier between France and England during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). Along its banks you'll find over a thousand

At a glance

Day by day

Your journey through

France

Showing Days 1-7

9-day itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Rocamadour

Rocamadour

Arrive in Rocamadour, home to one of France's most venerated sites and a place of pilgrimage for thousands of years. Your hotel - with private pool - is nestled in parkland and is a haven of tranquillity. You stay at Hotel Les Esclargies (breakfast included)

Day 2Rocamadour to MeyronneBefore leaving Rocamadour, explore this UNESCO village that clings prettily to the cliffside. Discover its ancient chapels and medieval sanctuary, then set off for Meyronne via the Grottes de Lacave. Stay the night in a beautifully converted 11th century chateau hotel. (Staying at Hotel de la Terrasse)

Rocamadour to Meyronne

Before leaving Rocamadour, explore this UNESCO village that clings prettily to the cliffside. Discover its ancient chapels and medieval sanctuary, then set off for Meyronne via the Grottes de Lacave. Stay the night in a beautifully converted 11th century chateau hotel. (Staying at Hotel de la Terrasse)

Day 3At MeyronneYou have lots of choices today. Either relax by the hotel pool or walk south of the river to Rocher Sainte-Marie and the Grottes de Lacave. If you prefer, head to the town of Rocamadour, home to the shrine of the Black Madonna and one of France's most venerated religious sites. Alternatively, travel by taxi to the Gouffre de Padirac, an enormous chasm where you descend into an underground cave system that you then explore by boat along the subterranean stream. (Staying at Hotel de la Terrasse)

You have lots of choices today. Either relax by the hotel pool or walk south of the river to Rocher Sainte-Marie and the Grottes de Lacave. If you prefer, head to the town of Rocamadour, home to the shrine of the Black Madonna and one of France's most venerated religious sites. Alternatively, travel by taxi to the Gouffre de Padirac, an enormous chasm where you descend into an underground cave system that you then explore by boat along the subterranean stream. (Staying at Hotel de la Terrasse)

Day 4Meyronne to SouillacLeave Meyronne following the rewarding path along the Roc de Monges with spectacular panoramic views along the river and buzzards and kites soaring overhead. Take the GR6 path through sleepy hamlets and lush farmland, rejoining the river at Chateau de la Treyne before continuing on to the atmospheric small town of Souillac. (Staying at La Vielle Auberge)

Meyronne to Souillac

Leave Meyronne following the rewarding path along the Roc de Monges with spectacular panoramic views along the river and buzzards and kites soaring overhead. Take the GR6 path through sleepy hamlets and lush farmland, rejoining the river at Chateau de la Treyne before continuing on to the atmospheric small town of Souillac. (Staying at La Vielle Auberge)

Day 5At SouillacWander around this delightful town or visit the Musee de l'Automate, which holds the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in France. Alternatively, walk to La Durantie for more stunning views along the Dordogne Valley. (Staying at La Vielle Auberge)

Wander around this delightful town or visit the Musee de l'Automate, which holds the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in France. Alternatively, walk to La Durantie for more stunning views along the Dordogne Valley. (Staying at La Vielle Auberge)

Day 6Souillac to SarlatTake a transfer to Chateau de Fenelon then head along the south bank of the Dordogne River into the heart of the Perigord Nord. Walk along the disused railway line that is now a 'voie verte' into Sarlat and explore this medieval town, the capital of the Perigord Noir. (staying at Hotel Le Renoir)

Souillac to Sarlat

Take a transfer to Chateau de Fenelon then head along the south bank of the Dordogne River into the heart of the Perigord Nord. Walk along the disused railway line that is now a 'voie verte' into Sarlat and explore this medieval town, the capital of the Perigord Noir. (staying at Hotel Le Renoir)

Day 7At SarlatExplore Sarlat's stunning medieval town. Wander the warren of old lanes and charming courtyards with their Renaissance facades and richly ornamented buildings, now protected by law. Alternatively, visit the bustling market on a Wednesday/Saturday.

Explore Sarlat's stunning medieval town. Wander the warren of old lanes and charming courtyards with their Renaissance facades and richly ornamented buildings, now protected by law. Alternatively, visit the bustling market on a Wednesday/Saturday.

Previous days1 / 2Next days

Where you'll stay & how you'll travel

Discover France

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Upcoming departures