Independent Self-Guided Walking Holidays in the Lot Department and Dordogne Valley

Within our Inclusive Walking Holiday Package we have specially selected 9 walks for you to enjoy. For those staying longer than a week there are many other walks to experience. For each of our selected walks we have prepared clear written instructions together with a detailed map so that you can fully enjoy your day without worrying about finding your route.

Walking in this part of France is made easy by an excellent system of waymarkers at regular intervals. There are no stiles to tackle, no fences to clamber over and no ploughed fields to cross. In fact for the majority of the year there is little or no mud as the area is very free draining. Even when a route takes you along one of the small country roads you will find very little traffic to disturb you.

Each walk is suitable for anyone with a reasonable standard of fitness. There are ascents and descents but usually they are well worth the effort and we suggest that by taking your time you will appreciate more the wonderful scenery.

Timings are for guidance based on an average pace and do not include stops. We can provide suggestions to combine the shorter walks with visits to other local attractions. A car is essential for this itinerary.

The walks are suitable for single people.

Walk 1 – Frayssinhes Circular (15km)
A good introduction to the surrounding countryside known as the “Jardin du Ségala” – the word “ségala” is derived from seigle or rye, the main crop grown here for many centuries. Taking about 3.5 hours the walk rises from the hillside meadows through oak and beech woods to a height of about 500m with spectacular views in all directions.

It then continues with more far-reaching views, passing several small hamlets, before descending down through delightful mixed woodland to a charming river valley and return to Frayssinhes. The area is renowned for its wildlfowers and you may even spot the red squirrels and pine marten that populate the woods.

Walk 2 – Medieval Villages & the Causse (15km)
This circular walk is about 30 minutes from the house by car and is a complete change from Walk 1, taking in two of the picture-postcard villages designated as "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" and the dry rocky Causse. Another 15km walk but slightly more challenging at about four and a half hours plus time to look around the villages. Starting at the very picturesque Loubressac the walk takes you to the edge of the fabulous limestone cliffs above Autoire before descending down into the village. An optional small detour takes you to the foot of the famous cascades. A short but steep ascent up the cliffs offers dramatic views and reveals a host of unusual wildlflowers and an opportunity to watch birds of prey circling above the valley. Your route then takes you along the edge of the Causses Regional Park with its amazing variety of flowers, butterflies and birds. You pass by the very popular Caves at Padirac (a 2 hour visit can be included although we recommend a separate day's visit) before returning across the high Causse to Loubressac.

Walk 3 – Carennac & Mézels (8.5km)
A shorter walk to allow you time to explore the lovely village of Carennac said to be one of the most popular places people would like to live - close to the river Dordogne and containing an abbey started in the 11th century. Partly following an ancient Roman Way the walk takes about 2.5 hours and offers views high over the river Dordogne and across the valley.

Walk 4 – Hills & Valleys (21km)
Our longest walk and in our view, definitely an all day walk taking over six hours to complete comfortably. Starting 10 minutes drive from the house this walk takes you along a beautiful river valley with steep hills rising either side before climbing to the village of Terrou. You pass by groves of walnut trees with the wonderful aroma of wild mint and thyme that grows alongside the road. Although close to a number of villages this walk gives the impression of wilderness and having the countryside to yourself - definitely a landscape to make you feel refreshed and alive. Once you reach the end of the valley you climb to the tops of the hills above the valley and return along a number of ridges with 360 degree views. Another walk where the wildlife is a highlight.

Walk 5 – Notre Dame de Verdale (6km)
The shortest walk and probably the easiest, a simple but delightful descent from our house down through woods to the river valley where the water tumbles over moss-covered rocks. Visit the remote chapel of the Notre Dame de Verdale before strolling along the river to the local village of Latouille which has an excellent restaurant for lunch. The walk takes about 2 hours unless you find yourself just relaxing by the river with your feet dangling in the water. We will arrange with you to leave your car at the finish in Latouille.

Walk 6 – Chateau de Castelnau(7km)
Starting just the other side of St. Céré, this walk takes you down through woods to then walk alongside the small river Bave. As this area is quite fertile you will find a number of walnut groves and fruit trees which attract a good variety of birds and butterflies. You then climb gradually up to the impressive Chateau, a landmark that can be seen for miles and offering wonderful views itself. The Chateau which was begun in the 12th century and subsequently renovated by an opera singer is open to the public (check times) although a stroll around the jumble of houses is equally rewarding. The walk returns to the starting point along a ridge with walnut, fig and even nectarines

Walk 7 – Taking the High Ground - Teyssieu (13km)
For this walk we take you back up to the high hills for more spectacular views on a walk lasting four hours. Your starting point is the pretty village of Teyssieu about 20 minutes from the house. From there you climb gradually to reach a ridge that offers unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside before descending down to the valley through fields and woods. For a short while you follow one of the St. Jacques de Compestella routes used by the pilgrims heading for Santiago in Spain and then you rise again to see more views and pass through small hamlets and farms. Most of the ascents are gradual and not too difficult – just the one where you may need to take it easy!

Walk 8 – “Are we there yet?” – Beaulieu sur Dordogne (12km)
Our latest addition to the itinerary, we just couldn’t miss out a walk from the very picturesque town of Beaulieu sur Dordogne. The name we have given it is really our warped sense of humour and comes from the fact that there is a steady climb from near the start that fools you several times into thinking you are at the top! But do not be put off, Beaulieu is lovely, the climb isn’t too bad and you are rewarded with the most fabulous views back down onto the river. Throw in a wonderful Chateau and some delightful countryside and local houses and this is definitely not one to miss. The town is just inside the Correze and about 40 minutes drive from the house.

Walk 9 - Above and Around Figeac (8km)
One of the best medieval towns in this part of France, Figeac is rich in history and deserves a visit whether you do the walk or not. The walk is not too strenuous so can be combined with a stroll around the town and on Saturdays, a visit to the wonderful market. From a lovely park on the outskirts of the town the walk climbs at an easy pace with great views all around. At the top you pass an interesting chateau and a windmill before joining the well worn St Jacques pilgrim path as it descends back into town. There is every chance you will meet some of the brave walkers doing the complete walk to northwest Spain!