Discover the Dordogne on a Self-Guided Walking Holiday. Experience the Heart of Authentic France at Your Own Pace
A self-guided walking trip in the Dordogne is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the timeless beauty of southwest France. This region, known for its medieval villages, ancient castles, prehistoric caves, and rolling countryside, offers the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a leisurely rambler, the Dordogne’s scenic trails invite you to slow down, connect with nature, and experience authentic French life away from the crowds.
Your Dordogne walking holiday takes you along gentle riverside paths, through forests of oak and chestnut, and into golden-stone villages that look unchanged since the Middle Ages. Walk at your own pace, following detailed maps and route notes, while your luggage is transferred to your next charming hotel. This is independent travel at its best — freedom, flexibility, and discovery combined with comfort and local flavor.
Highlights of a Self-Guided Walking Tour in the Dordogne include visiting Montignac, on the Vezere Tiver. The Vezer River Valley is dotted with pregistoric sites, and Montignac itself is renowned as the home of Lascaux. We include a scheduled visit of the incredible Lascaux IV Prehistory centre on your Walking Tour, to be sure you can visit – slots book up fast! You’ll love learning about the famous Lascaux Caves, home to prehistoric art dating back 17,000 years.
You’ll enjoy the ramble through tiny villages and lush forest from St Amand de Coly – with its imposing church and tiny cobblestoned streets, you’ll understand why this is one of France’s officially rated “Prettiest Villages”.
Our Dordogne Walking Tours also have a stop in Les Eyzies de Tayac, known as France’s Prehistory Capital. You’ll enjoy staying there during your Dordogne Walking holiday, with time to enjoy the many cafes and restaurants, but also to visit the National Prehistory Centre there.
Castles abound in the Dordogne, which was the setting for much of the ferocious squabbling over the course of the Hundred Years War. Visit the tranquil ruins of Commarque castle, or the beautiful furnishings of Puymartin – where you may get a glimpse of their famous White Lady ghost!
Your Self Guided walking holiday in the Dordogne would not be complete without time in medieval Sarlat-la-Caneda. This medieval jewel – one of the best preserved centres in Europe, and a UNESCO Heritage site, is nestled in countryside dotted with walnut groves, goose farms, truffles, and vineyards – all contributing to the culinary heritage of the region. You’ll love the cuisine while you are here!
Sarlat deserved some time – it is beautiful at night when the medieval centre is lit up. You can enjoy the beautiful sites on our Self Guided walking tour of the historic centre, included in your Trip Package.
Not far from Sarlat-la-Caneda, along the Dordogne River Valley are a whole string of “Prettiest Villages”, that you’ll enjoy exploring on your Self Guided Hiking Tour: the Bastide medieval village of Domme with its medieval Templar graffiti, La Roque Gageac, not far from some impressive loops in the Dordogne River, the Marqueyysac Gardens with hidden alleys, sculpted greenery shapes and panoramas – a must! And Castelnaud and Beynac – fortified castles ominously staring across the river at one another, reminding you of their enmity in the Hundred Year’s War.
There is also the castle of American singer Josephine Baker – which she turned into her renowned orphanage in her lifetime. And enjoy the massive cathedral in the town of Saint Cyprien. Or, on the longer itinerary, be astounded by the spectacular Cité of Rocamadour, a pilgrimage town strikingly built down a cliffside, into the depths of the Natural Park Causses valley below.
All of these beautiful sites are complemented by the ease of your travel on your Dordogne Self Guided hiking trip: whether you choose the shorter or longer version, or perhaps the Nice ‘N Easy, with shorter walks leaving more time for explorations, you simply let us know the date you would like to arrive, choose which level of hotel accommodation is your preference, and then benefit from our work! We’ve researched beautiful hiking paths and tiny roads, paths through forest, we transfer your bags from spot to spot, and organise a few sell-chosen delicious dinners along the way. You follow our maps and GPS routes, and just give us a call at any time if you have any questions that come up along the way!
The Dordogne is known as the gastronomic heart of France, where you can savour local specialties such as foie gras, truffles, walnuts, and fine Bergerac wines. Stroll through lively farmers’ markets or enjoy a picnic by the river over the course of your Self Guide Walking tour.
A self-guided hiking trip in the Dordogne offers complete freedom to travel at your own rhythm. There’s no group schedule or guide — you decide at what time to start, when to pause for lunch, and how long to linger in a village café, soaking in the French atmosphere
This style of travel is perfect for couples, friends, or solo adventurers seeking authentic French countryside charm with the flexibility to explore off the beaten path. Walking routes can be customized to suit different fitness levels, from leisurely 8 km strolls to more active 15 km hikes.
