Classic Dordogne – Independent
SAVE £125 per person on Independent Footloose itineraries of 7 days or more
(This will be deducted on receipt of your booking. Excludes customised itineraries)
Walk through the very heart of the Black Périgord, an exceptionally scenic area of the Dordogne packed with interest year-round. The route passes beside wide rivers, climbs to dramatic cliffs topped with fortified towns and castles, and explores cave systems hiding outstanding prehistoric treasures.
In spring, the countryside bursts with life, from nesting birds to fields full of wildflowers, while in summer the rivers offer refreshing swimming spots, boat rides and canoe trips. Autumn is the time for grape and walnut harvesting while the changing colours of the mixed forests make for particularly picturesque walking. Whatever the season, this region gets top marks for gastronomy – specialities include black truffles, Perigord strawberries, rich patés, duck confit, robust wines and walnut liquors.
Duration: 5, 6, 8 or 9 days
Itinerary
Time to explore this attractive market town, in the heart of Périgord Noir, following an ATG route through old Sarlat with its narrow medieval and Renaissance streets. NB There is a large market on Saturdays and a smaller one on Wednesdays. 3* and 4* (upgrade) hotel options, both with pool.
Sarlat has the highest concentration of historical monuments in all of France, it's a beautifully preserved market town surrounded by wooded hills, with narrow medieval streets and restored Gothic and Renaissance town houses. Try to visit the Saturday market if you can – it’s one of the best in the region, filling the streets of the old town. On Saturday mornings in October there is also a walnut and chestnut market.
Spacious, airy hotel with pool and garden.
Situated in the heart of the historic centre, with pool and spa.
Walk from the valley up into low hills with fertile farmland, before descending to your hotel. (9.3 miles, 5 hours / Upgrade: 11.3 miles, 5.5 hours). Family-run B&B with pool or 4* converted farmhouse with pool (upgrade).
Tiny, charming village in a peaceful setting with a pretty Romanesque church. In the summer months, visit the water gardens of Jardins d’Eau de Carsac, featuring tiered ponds, water lilies and lotus flowers.
Family-run B&B with lovely garden and pool.
Converted farmhouse in idyllic setting with pool.
Easy paths follow the river with an optional extension through walnut orchards for views of the Château de Montfort. Then forest paths lead you to a wonderful cliff-top viewpoint and past a Gallo-Roman rock chapel, before ascending to the ancient walled town of Domme, with panoramic views across the Dordogne Valley (10 miles, 5 hours / 9.7 miles). An alternative route follows woods and farmland tracks up to a plateau with wide views, and on to Domme (8.1 miles, 4.5 hours). 3* hotel with wonderful views and excellent restaurant.
Remarkably situated on a rocky crag overlooking the Dordogne Valley, this 'Acropolis of the Dordogne' played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years War. Tour the fortifications, including gateway towers, one of which was used as a prison for 70 Knights Templar – their graffiti remains etched on the walls. Explore the fascinating cave system beneath Domme. Stroll along the clifftop promenade for some incredible views.
Excellent location with wonderful views and restaurant (the Chef is a ‘Maitre Cuisinier de France’)
Upgrade option includes dinner
After descending to the valley, paths lead along the river to the impressive castle of Castelnaud (visit, with superb view from the terrace). After crossing the river and up to the delightful gardens of Marqueyssac (which you can visit), a quiet lane leads to the small village of Vézac, from where it is a 20-minute walk to the cragtop castle of Beynac, high above the river. There is the possibility of making half, or all, of this day’s journey by canoe from Cenac, below Domme, to Beynac. Accommodation is 1.3 miles beyond Beynac, in a chateau transformed into a luxurious 4* hotel with pool (9.1 or 11 miles, 4.5 or 5.5 hours).
This romantic riverside town is dominated by its clifftop castle, a French stronghold during the Hundred Years War, which faced the English-held Chateau Castelnaud across the river. Aside from visiting the castle, this is a magical place for an early morning or evening stroll. Its steep streets, reflected in the waters below, are lined with yellow stone houses, windowsills bedecked with flowers through the summer.
Friendly hotel in lovely setting, with pool. 2km beyond Beynac
A choice of routes lead along the river, then across low hills to the village of Meyrals and a converted farm in a quiet valley. Optional routes via St Cyprien (fine church) or along the south side of the river via Château des Milandes, once home of Josephine Baker (10.5, 13.6 or 16.4 miles, 5.5-8.5 hours. Upgrade: 9.2, 12.3 or 17.8 miles, 5–9 hours). Stay in a 17th-century farmhouse in the Black Périgord countryside with pool.
Surrounded by lush countryside, Meyrals is a pretty, tranquil village known for its traditional stone houses and artistic flair with a number of local art galleries and a beautiful 12th-century church. You will be staying in a delightful 17th-century farmhouse just beyond Meyrals.
17th-century farmhouse in the Black Périgord countryside with pool
Upgrade rooms are larger
Paths lead up into hills, then down to the Beune Valley (optional excursion to site of prehistoric settlement of Cap Blanc – relief carvings of bison and horses), before continuing through the picturesque village of Sireuil, and then on to Les Eyzies (8.1 or 10 miles, 4 or 5 hours / Upgrade: 8.7 or 10.6 miles, 4.5 or 5.5 hours). Stay in a charming 3* hotel with pool and excellent restaurant or 4* boutique hotel with terrace and pool (upgrade).
This village is known as the 'capital of pre-history' due to the numerous pre-historic cave dwellings. Start in the village museum, which provides comprehensive displays on the periods of pre-history, then move on to the various caves. Grotte de Font de Gaume has exceptional paintings and engravings (tickets are limited) and Abri Cro-Magnon is famous for the first discovery of skeletons of a similar build to modern man.
Charming hotel in lovely setting, with pool and excellent restaurant
Family-run boutique hotel with terrace, heated pool and Michelin recommended restaurant
Optional walks to visit prehistoric sites (4–17.7 miles); or time to enjoy a choice of four prehistoric museums in town.
Charming hotel in lovely setting, with pool and excellent restaurant
Family-run boutique hotel with terrace, heated pool and Michelin recommended restaurant
Walk to Montignac, visiting the prehistoric site of Roque St Christophe en route (11.5 or 19.6 miles, 6 or 10 hours).
Montignac, home to the famous Lascaux caves and the astonishing Lascaux IV museum, is a charming town on the Vézère river with its very attractive stone bridge and picturesque medieval centre, characterised by half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. The 12C ruined Chateau de Montignac offers a glimpse into the historic significance of the area.
Charming hotel in the heart of Montignac with restaurant and pool
Trip Planner
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate. The walk lengths vary from 3.5 hours to a maximum of 9 hours walking, with most days averaging 4-5 hours of walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
Terrain: The walking is through woods and farmland, across river valleys and over low hills, and along quiet, grassy and tarmacked lanes.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Walking & Terrain
Walking: Easy to moderate. The walk lengths vary from 3.5 hours to a maximum of 9 hours walking, with most days averaging 4-5 hours of walking. Hours of walking, which may vary from individual to individual, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing or rests.
Terrain: The walking is through woods and farmland, across river valleys and over low hills, and along quiet, grassy and tarmacked lanes.
All ATG trips include facilities and options so that you can arrange to walk as much or as little as you like – or not at all - and your Route Manager will be able to advise you on public transport or taxi options.
Additional activities available locally
This is a wonderful area offering some additional local experiences - some can be booked to fit in with the itinerary, whilst for others you may wish to customise your trip to have an extra leisurely day or two to enjoy.
Additional activities are paid for locally and can be booked via your Route Manager who will contact you 2 weeks prior to departure.
Garden Visits:
Les Jardins d’Eau (Water Gardens) at Carsac. Costs 8€/person
Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, (very picturesque gardens with over 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods, viewpoints and chateau) en route to Beynac. Costs 13€/person
The Donjon, Manor and Garden of La Salle (manor house and romantic gardens) en route to Montignac. Costs 10€/person
Cave Visits:
La Grotte de Domme, an underground cave system below Domme. Costs 9€/person
La Font de Gaume, at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, guided tour with prehistoric cave paintings. Costs 13€/person
Lascaux IV at Montignac (a perfect replica of the Lascaux Caves now closed to preserve its fragile art) offers a digital and physical recreation of the original experience. Costs 23€/person
Troglodyte experiences:
Le Village de Madeleine en route to Montignac. Visit this prehistoric site with audio guided tour, troglodyte trail and peasant farm. Costs 10€/person
La Roque Sainte-Christophe en route to Montignac and discover the way of life of ancestors who lived in the cliffs. Costs 13€/person
All the following activities are available in Beynac:
Spa/Wellness day - at Chateau de Monrecour offering Sauna, Jacuzzi, Massage (charges apply) and free access to fitness room and three outdoor pools
Golf - on-site driving range and putting green at Chateau de Monrecour (small charge applies) or option to arrange a full day golfing day at a local partner's 18 hole course (120€/person transport included)
Bike Rental - Electric bike rental for 1/2 day (30€/person) or full day (40€/person), a great way to go and explore the numerous sites in the valley
Canoeing - Spend a day on the water and paddle through the magnificent nature of the Dordogne valley for either 1h, 2h or 3h. Great for birding, past wild cliffs and gorges and several châteaux. Prices from 20€/person and taxi to & from Chateau de Monrecour to Canoe station for up to 4 persons ranging from 50-80€
Castle Visit - Spend an extra day in Beynac visiting some more of the stunning castles the valley of the '1001 castles' has to offer and which you may not have time to visit while walking. (Cost 150€ for transport of up to 4 persons, + entrance fees to castles). Choose to visit any of the following:
Château Milandes, Château Beynac, Château Castelnaud, Château Marqueyssac or Château Commarque
Your Personal ATG Route Manager
The Dordogne has been my home for over a decade. When I walk through the Dordogne valley, passing the world-class prehistoric sites and stunning medieval castles, a sensation of travelling back in time and witnessing our human history first-hand overcomes me to this day. I love sharing my passion for this beautiful corner of the world and look forward to welcoming you here.
“Michela (Route Manager) was the best!! She adjusted our route when we asked to shorten it a couple of times and was so very pleasant. She had ‘weed-whacked’ a grassy, wooded trail that would have been difficult otherwise. You’re lucky to have her!!”
“We thought Michela (Route Manager) was really outstanding. The weather was quite challenging, as was the fact that we probably overestimated how fit we were! Michela was always available with good advice…We felt she supported us all the way.”
Route Book
The ATG Route Book is a detailed, day-to-day guide. The book anticipates your needs with easy-to-follow instructions, maps, plans and other information that will guide you to discover the best that the area has to offer and is the key to the success of an independent holiday with us.
Walking App
Your Route Manager can provide you with a link to download an app to your smartphone. This app provides the GPS track for your route on your phone. You can use this digital support to find your position and navigate the route, even without an internet connection or mobile phone reception.
Accommodation & Meals
You can expect each hotel to be one of the most characteristic, comfortable and best located for travellers on foot, with the character and sometimes the standard varying from place to place.
Star ratings indicate official classification, although many delightful places have no star rating. In more remote areas hotels may be of a generally lower standard in relation to their ‘star ratings’.
Single travellers are accommodated in double rooms for single occupancy for a supplemental charge.
On this route, upgraded accommodation is available at some overnight stops, as specified on the itinerary.
Breakfast is included and there are suggestions in the Route Book about where to buy provisions for a picnic lunch, as well as restaurant recommendations. Dining options often include a choice of restaurants that can be pre-booked for you by your Route Manager.
Food & Wine
The region has a reputation for extremely fine food. Dishes tend to be rich, using mainly local products. Expect a variety of poultry on the menu including confits (poultry preserved in fat) or poultry stuffed with succulent livers, chestnuts and truffles. The region is famed for its pâtés particularly the delicious (but controversial) goose liver pâté, foie gras. Rich sauces are made with truffles (Périgueux sauce), wild mushrooms and walnuts. Local wines notably include the red and white wines of the Bergerac vineyards, famous in Gallo-Roman times, a selection of Bordeaux wines and some full-bodied reds from the Cahors region. The Route Book contains a section on the cuisine and wines of the region, and a list of recommended restaurants en route.
History
The Dordogne is better known for its prehistory than its later history. Finds in this region date mostly from the Palaeolithic Age – about two million to ten thousand years ago. Human skeletons have been found here upon which theories about the stages of man’s evolution have been based. Other skeletons have been discovered of animals that no longer exist in Europe such as lions, tigers, elephants and rhinoceros, as well as extinct animals such as mammoths. These animals are often the subject of cave paintings, some of which can be visited. The best ones are those in the caves of Lascaux, Font de Gaume and Rouffignac. The Route Book provides a detailed account of the history of the Dordogne.
Flora & Fauna
Expect chestnut forests and walnut orchards, meadows and hedgerows thick with wildflowers (including orchids), and an abundance of birds and butterflies. In the springtime, many birds nest in the dramatic cliffsides along the River Dordogne. Look out for grey herons, black kites, cormorants, kingfishers, mallards, duns, swifts and swallows. Our Route Book provides further detail while apps such as ‘LeafSnap’, ‘Flora Incognita’ and child-friendly ‘Seek by iNaturalist’ can identify the wildlife en route.
Travel Arrangements
Travel arrangements, including flights, for ATG Independent Footloose trips should be made independently.
Outward travel to Sarlat-la-Canéda: From Bergerac and Bordeaux you will need to get to the central station in town (taxi from Bergerac airport, shuttle bus from Bordeaux airport). From there you can catch a train to Sarlat. From Brive airport there are no public transport links so take a taxi direct to Sarlat.
Outward travel to Domme: As above from Bergerac and Bordeaux airports, but on arrival in Sarlat, take an onward taxi to Domme. From Brive airport there are no public transport links so take a taxi direct to Domme.
Return travel from Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil: There is a train station in Les Eyzies, with daily trains to Bergerac and Bordeaux, or you can take a taxi to St.Cyprien (15min taxi ride from Les Eyzies-de-Tayac) from where there are direct trains to Bergerac and Bordeaux.
Return travel from Montignac: From Montiganac take a taxi to either Les Eyzies, St.Cyprien or Sarlat-La Caneda for onward train travel to Bergerac and Bordeaux.
Trip Options & Prices
Overview
This 5 day independent walking tour in the Dordogne starting in the historic town of Domme, includes 3 days of walking for those looking for a ‘taster’ of the area on foot. There is the option of canoeing on one day if you prefer and together with time to visit the pre-historic sites in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, makes for a perfect short break in France combining nature, culture and adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Domme*
Day 2: Domme to Beynac
Day 3: Beynac to Meyrals*
Day 4: Meyrals to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac*
Day 5: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 6 day independent walking tour in the Dordogne offers everything on the 5 day itinerary plus a scenic walk to Montignac, a picturesque medieval town and home to the famous nearby Lascaux caves where travellers can visit Lascaux IV, the International Centre of Cave Art. Ideal for those wishing to experience more of the prehistory of this area of France.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Domme*
Day 2: Domme to Beynac
Day 3: Beynac to Meyrals*
Day 4: Meyrals to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac*
Day 5: Les Eyzies-de-Tayac to Montignac
Day 6: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 8 day independent walking tour in the Dordogne is a more in-depth visit of the area. The itinerary includes 5 days walking, with the option of canoeing on one day if you prefer, plus time to explore the pre-historic sites at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Enjoy more of the area on this weeklong trip to France.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sarlat-la-Canéda*
Day 2: Sarlat-la-Canéda to Carsac-Aillac*
Day 3: Carsac-Aillac to Domme*
Day 4: Domme to Beynac
Day 5: Beynac to Meyrals*
Day 6: Meyrals to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac*
Day 7: Les Eyzies-de-Tayac* - free day
Day 8: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Overview
This 9 day independent walking tour in the Dordogne is our most extensive visit to the area. It includes everything on the 8 day itinerary plus a scenic walk to Montignac, a picturesque medieval town and home to the famous nearby Lascaux caves where travellers can visit Lascaux IV, the International Centre of Cave Art. A longer trip with more emphasis on the prehistory of this area of France.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sarlat-la-Canéda*
Day 2: Sarlat-la-Canéda to Carsac-Aillac*
Day 3: Carsac-Aillac to Domme*
Day 4: Domme to Beynac
Day 5: Beynac to Meyrals*
Day 6: Meyrals to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac*
Day 7: Les Eyzies-de-Tayac* - free day
Day 8: Les Eyzies-de-Tayac to Montignac
Day 9: Departure
*The upgrade price option includes upgrades at these locations
Prices (per person)
Our Independent Footloose itineraries have the flexibility to be customised if you would like to spend more time in any of the places en route; perhaps to incorporate some of the add-ons available locally or just to create a more relaxed pace to your holiday.
If you wish to build your own itinerary please complete our customise form and our Sales team will provide you with a bespoke quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
On each route there is an ATG Route Manager, who is there to take care of all the practicalities and ensure the success of your trip. Route Managers have all been ATG-trained, speak English and the language of the country fluently, and live in the local area. Your Route Manager will make contact with you a couple of weeks prior to departure (usually by email) and will then meet you at the start of your trip and will be available during your trip to move your luggage from hotel to hotel, provide local information, make restaurant reservations and do everything possible to ensure that you derive maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance so that our Route Manager can ensure that you are catered for during your holiday. Most dietary restrictions do not present a problem on our trips and the Route Manager can discuss your requirements in more detail with you at the start of your trip.
The walks are graded according to difficulty but you can walk as much or as little as you like.
Easy: walking along well-established paths and tracks with some short ascents/descents. These trips are suitable for most people who enjoy occasional exercise.
Easy to Moderate: walking along well-established paths and tracks. Occasional loose (gravel) surfaces. Ascents/descents up to 1 hour. These trips are suitable for most people who have a reasonable level of fitness.
Moderate: walking along a variety of paths and tracks. Occasional uneven areas. Ascents/descents 1-2 hours. These trips are suitable for those who have a reasonable to good level of fitness.
Moderate to Challenging: walking along varied paths and surfaces, occasionally challenging, with ascents/descents of 2-3 hours. These trips are suitable for more experienced walkers who have a good level of fitness.
If you are planning to take an Independent trip as a single traveller, we would ask you to consider the potential dangers of walking alone before making a booking and if necessary discuss this with our Sales team.
Single travellers will be booked into a double room which will carry a single occupancy supplement.
Flights are not included in the price of your ATG holiday and should be booked independently.
The trips in our Independent programme make ideal family holidays for those with children who are old enough (and keen enough!) to enjoy a walking holiday or young enough to be carried in a backpack.
You would need to consider costs for lunches (either a picnic style lunch or lunch in a café as you prefer) and evening meals. Where an evening meal is included at a hotel this is indicated on the trip page. For evening meals not included, the route book provides restaurant recommendations to suit a wide range of budgets. You would also need to factor in any entrance fees to museums, churches, galleries and other sightseeing costs, items of a personal nature, shopping expenditure and transport if you choose to not to walk on some days.
Tourist Tax
This tax is charged per guest per night and the rate is determined by the local council based on the star rating of the accommodation. The rate usually varies from €2 up to €5 per person per night, although the rate can be higher in major cities. This tax is not included in the price of your holiday but where applicable will be payable direct to your hotel in cash.
We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. If you would like an extension hotel booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
ATG does not provide any form of insurance cover. However, it is a condition of booking that you have fully comprehensive insurance cover, including:
Cancellation/curtailment up to the cost of the holiday (preferably including flights)
Medical emergencies and repatriation
Travel delay / missed departure
Lost or stolen personal belongings
Personal liability
Legal expenses
Natural Disasters
Although most credit card companies offer travel insurance as something that is included when paying the balance with the card, it may be advisable to check that the cover offered is what you expect it to be. Very few companies include cancellation and curtailment or medical expenses. Whatever the insurance policy you have taken out, please read the documentation carefully. Please ensure also that you take it with you on your trip and refer to it in the case of any claim or emergency.
Yes, please click here for what to bring. A packing checklist is also included with your booking confirmation.
Sustainability
ATG was founded on principles of conservation and sustainable development. It was the first company to win the tourism industry’s two top awards: Tourism for Tomorrow (UK) and the World Legacy Award (National Geographic and Conservation International USA) and also the first to have an accredited Environmental Management System.
Everyone who walks with ATG contributes to the ATG Trust, which funds projects that benefit local communities in the regions visited. By supporting these initiatives, ATG promotes sustainable tourism. Past projects have included heritage restoration projects, environmental conservation and educational projects.
Other trips you may be interested in
