Classic Dordogne

Day

1 • Arrive in Sarlat-la-Canéda

Explore this attractive market town in the heart of Périgord Noir, with its narrow medieval and Renaissance streets Sarlat has the highest concentration of historical monuments in all of France

NB Market days: Wednesdays and Saturdays.

HHH Hôtel Renoir (std) HHHH Plaza Madeleine (sup)

Day 2

• Sarlat-la-Canéda to Carsac-Aillac

Walk from the valley up into low hills with fertile far mland, before descending to the Dordogne Valley (standard: 9 7 miles, 5 hrs / superior: 11 3 miles, 5 5 hrs)

HHH Le Relais de Touron (std) HHHH Villa Romaine (sup)

Day 3 • Carsac-Aillac to Domme

(Day 1 – Arrive Domme)*

Easy paths Then forest paths lead to a wonderful clifftop viewpoint and past a Gallo-Roman rock chapel, before ascending to the walled bastide town of Domme, overlooking the Dordogne Valley (std: 10 4 miles, 5 hrs / sup: 9 7 miles, 5 hrs) Alter native route via woods and far mland tracks up to a plateau with wide views, and on to Domme (std: 8.5 miles, 4.5 hrs / sup: 7.9 miles, 4 hrs).

HHH L’Esplanade

Day 4 (2) • Domme to Beynac

After descending to the valley, paths lead along the river to the impressive castle of Castelnaud (superb view from terrace) Continue up to the delightful gardens of Marqueyssac, then on to the small village of Vézac, and crag-top castle of Beynac (9.1 or 11 miles, 4.5 or 5.5 hrs). NB: Canoeing options on this day

HHHH Château de Monrecour

Day 5 (3) • Beynac to Meyrals

A choice of routes lead along the river, then across low hills to the village of Meyrals in a quiet valley Optional routes via St Cyprien (fine church) or via Château des Milandes, once home of Josephine Baker (9.2, 12.3 or 17.8 miles, 5–9 hrs).

HHH La Fer me Lamy (std & sup rooms)

Day 6 (4) • Meyrals to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

Paths lead up into hills, then down to the Beune Valley (optional excursion to prehistoric settlement site of Cap Blanc), before continuing through the picturesque village of Sireuil, and then on to Les Eyzies, the ‘world capital of prehistoric art’ (std: 8.1 or 10 miles, 4 or 5 hrs / sup: 8.7 or 10 6 miles, 4 5 or 5 5 hrs)

HHH Moulin de la Beune (std) HHHH Le Centenaire (sup)

Day 7 • Free day in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

Explore Les Eyzies and its prehistoric museums Optional walks to visit prehistoric sites (4–17 7 miles)

HHH Moulin de la Beune (std) HHHH Le Centenaire (sup)

Day 8 (5) • Departure day

Or – optional extension to Montignac (11 5 or 19 6 miles, 6 or 10 hrs)

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open:

March-July; Sept-Oct

Airports to first hotel: u Bergerac (46 miles)

Taxi & train: 1 5 hrs - ~€30

Taxi: 1 hr 15 - ~€150 u Brive-la-Vallée (25 miles)

Taxi: 50 mins - ~€150 u Paris: TGV via Bordeaux

/Souillac: 5-6 hrs, €50-€90

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English, French and Swiss Ger man.

Route Book: 131 pages – detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Easy to moderate (Grade 2 – 2+) See p 8

Terrain: Easy walking paths, with quiet lanes along river valleys and far m tracks over low hills