Hiking in Dordogne - Perigord Noir

The journey begins in Sarlat-la-Canéda, the heart of Périgord Noir. Here cobblestone alleys, charming squares and plenty of historical buildings await. If you arrive on a Wednesday morning or Saturday, don't miss the colorful market with local delicacies.

Transfer to Marquay (approx. 15 min) where today's hike starts. The small village offers typical Périgord architecture with stone houses and slate roofs as well as a defensive church from the 12th-13th century. You hike through deep oak and chestnut forests, over gentle hills and past small villages and caves along the Beaune river. The destination is Château de Commarque, a magnificent castle perched on a cliff overlooking the valley – here you'll also find ancient cave dwellings. (Entrance not included, open April–October.) Afterwards you return to Marquay and get transfer back to Sarlat.

Today you can choose between two routes:
- Long tour: start in Beynac
- Short tour: start in La Roque-Gageac
(tell the driver which you prefer).

From Beynac, a dramatic cliff village with a mighty castle once captured by Richard the Lionheart, you hike along the heights above the river to La Roque-Gageac – one of France's "most beautiful villages" with sandstone houses, exotic vegetation and cave dwellings. Here there's an opportunity for a boat trip on the river in traditional gabarres (flat wooden boats from the 18th century). Continue towards Domme, a medieval fortified town from the 13th century, beautifully situated on a cliff with panoramic views over the Dordogne valley.

A short transfer from Domme takes you to Château des Milandes, former home of the legendary artist Josephine Baker. Then follow the left bank of the Dordogne to the village of Castelnaud, with its well-preserved medieval castle that played an important role during the Hundred Years' War. The day ends with a hike back to Domme, where you can enjoy an evening stroll among the historic alleys.

Today you hike through the green and historic Vézère valley towards Les Eyzies, "the capital of prehistory".
Choose between two options:
- Long tour: start in Limeuil (transfer approx. 40 min) – one of France's most beautiful villages.
- Short tour: start in Le Bugue.
The route offers rural views, forests, small villages and the opportunity to visit Grotte du Sorcier (cave paintings).
You finish in Les Eyzies, where you stay for two nights.

After breakfast transfer to the starting point for today's hike. You can choose between a longer or shorter loop. The day offers peaceful trails through forest, past farms and small villages before you return to Les Eyzies. Here you can take the opportunity to visit the National Museum of Prehistory (entrance not included).

After breakfast transfer to Le Moustier (long tour) or St-Léon-sur-Vézère (short tour). Follow the "Road of Prehistory" past La Roque-Saint-Christophe, a unique rock formation with old troglodyte caves, and continue to the charming village of St-Léon-sur-Vézère. Here you can take a break at a café by the river before hiking on to Montignac, at the foot of the famous Lascaux hill.

If time allows you can take a short circular walk around Montignac and visit the world-famous Lascaux cave (Lascaux II/IV) – an exact reconstruction of the 17,000-year-old paintings, a fascinating insight into humanity's earliest art. The journey ends in Montignac.