Roaming Free
ROAMING FREE
HIKING THE WAY OF SAINT JAMES
The legendary walking trek of the Way of Saint James or Camino de Santiago de Compostela passes through the Dordogne Valley. A multi-day hike in the footsteps of history is an unsurpassed way to rediscover oneself in the heart of nature, amidst the stunning cultural riches of the region.
Three routes go through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rocamadour. La Via Arverna, La Voie de Rocamadour and La Voie du Puy en Velay converge on this historic city to form part of the Santiago de Compostela trail. These ancient Christian pilgrimage routes have been walked by Kings, Queens and paupers alike for centuries, seeking penitence and spiritual healing.
The lengths (some are 10 - 12 days) and difficulty vary but all lead through stunning natural landscapes, crossing deep gorges, rolling hills and enjoying the rich tapestry of medieval towns such as Collonges-la-Rouge, Figeac and Cahors.
www.voie-rocamadour-limousin-haut-quercy.fr
CANOEING SAFARIS
Getting back to nature while drifting down the Dordogne River has to be one of the highlights of the region. Just perfect for swimming and canoeing, this pristine river is the only river in France labelled as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. From the water, travellers can admire the ever changing landscape, from the wilderness of the high valley to the majestic limestone cliffs and pebble beaches further downstream. History slowly passes by, be it fortified villages, medieval fortresses or quaint hamlets. There is no better feeling though than paddling down any part of this 130km long stretch of river from Argentat to Beynac, renting a canoe from just a few hours to a whole five days. Some canoe companies provide tailor-made package options, sometimes with a tent, mattress and cooking equipment included for the descent. The essentials are covered to kick back and enjoy roaming free in unspoilt nature. When night comes, the spectacle of the purest night sky in France is out of this world.
GOLD FEVER
First exploited by the Gauls, gold was still being commercially mined here at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it can be found in the rivers of the Dordogne Valley, such as the Vézère and the Maronne. Local gold panners instruct small groups in the art of finding gold. Sporting new found skills and a sieve, let the prospecting begin! Ideal for kids and excited adults of all ages.
HIKING THROUGH DAMS AND VILLAGES
A spectacular 200km trek follows the route of five hydroelectric dams along the Dordogne River, with 5,000m of elevation difference over the course of the trail from start to finish. Beginning at Bort-les-Orgues and ending in Argentat, this unique walking track is geared for both mountain bikers and hikers. Along the way, stunning views and charming villages dot the route while hikers can rest up for the night in wooden huts or pods. A unique and breathtaking way to take in the grandeur of nature and the genius of the engineers who devised these spectacular means of producing clean energy. www.ladordognedevillagesenbarrages.com
THE ART OF GREEN CYCLING
From the town of Cazoulès (near Souillac-sur-Dordogne) to Sarlat, this cycling route follows the path of an 18th century train track that used to link the two towns. This shady and almost entirely flat tarmacked bicycle path leads through fields and pretty villages toward the historic Renaissance town of Sarlat. On the way make sure you stop off at the old train station now dedicated to the world famous French photographer Robert Doisneau. His photographic prints adorned the walls of homes worldwide in the ‘80s and here you can get a special insight into his photography of the Dordogne Valley. An area he fell in love with and which he kept returning to time and again. www.lagare-robertdoisneau.com