Dordogne's Hidden Treasures on Foot - 10 Days

This is a small market town located in the Correze Department of central France. The town is mainly built of the local deep red sandstone. Accommodation: Le Relais du Quercy is a comfortable 2 * Logis hotel with pool near the centre.

Over undulating country to Curemonte, a mediaeval village where the writer Colette once lived. The day ends with a long descent of an ancient cobbled mule-track into Beaulieu. The town is built on the right bank of the Dordogne and owes its fame to the Romanesque church of the former Benedictine monastery. Make sure you take the time to visit the abbey church with its magnificent doorway. Ascent 636m/Descent 677m Accommodation: Hotel Le Beaulieu is a well-appointed 3 * hotel in a quiet street, close to the Dordogne, where you can dine overlooking the water on a summer’s evening.

Today you’re walking from the department of the Correze to the Department of the Lot. The day begins with a climb up through woodland where you will find 3 nature information posts. The walk continues with sweeping views across the countryside. Cross the Dordogne river to approach Carennac and take the time to enjoy wandering the winding streets of this beautiful village. Ascent 345m/Descent 365m Accommodation: You stay at Hotel Fenelon this is an elegant family-run hotel 2 * Logis with swimming pool in the centre of this lovely and historic village on the banks of the Dordogne. Excellent restaurant with a good local reputation.

Today you walk along the limestone ‘causse’ to the Gouffre de Padirac which is an underground maze of majestic tunnels and stalactites. You can take an underground boat ride here to discover the magnificent caves in all their beauty. We recommend booking your visit online to ensure easy access as you don’t have to queue if you have pre booked. www.gouffre-de-padirac.com. Allow 2.5 – 3hrs minimum walking time as the Gouffre is 8.9kms from Carennac. There are plenty of places for refreshments if you arrive early, you don’t want to miss your pre booked tour time. Ascent 352m/Descent 171m Accommodation: Hotel Le Cantou 354 is a 2 * Logis hotel where you spend 2 nights. It is located in the middle of this very pretty village and opposite the 'village green'. It is perched at 354 metres where you can see the Dordogne, Causse, Cere Valley & Segala on a clear day.

Loubressac is one of those rare villages that are still able to evoke another time and place. Option 1: Complete circuit - Chateau de Castlenau, Autoire & Cirque - 19.5km/12 miles. It is worth walking around the castle with it's excellent views all around the ramparts. Ascent 368m/Descent 368m Option 2: Chateau de Castelnau Circuit - 14km/8.7 miles. Ascent 322m/Descent 322m Option 3: Autoire & Cirque Circuit - 13.5km/8.4 miles. Autoire has fine old houses or "gentilhommierers". Autoire is listed among the 157 prettiest villages in France. Ascent 371m/Descent 371 Alternatively just take a day off and explore this village with its important buildings such as the church of Saint-John Baptist, built in the 14th century. Another highlight of this village is the fantastic views in almost all directions.

Today you retrace your route to Gouffre de Padirac and thereafter follow quiet leafy lanes and tracks through beautiful countryside to arrive at the viewpoint at L’Hospitalet, from here take time to enjoy a stunning view of the ancient pilgrimage site, the village of Rocamadour perched on a steep cliff. Ascent 295m/Descent 452m Accommodation: You spend 2 nights at the 2* Le Bellevue. This cosy, family-run hotel offers traditional hospitality, comfortable rooms, and scenic views over Rocamadour from every window.

Today there is an optional circular walk around Rocamadour. This is an easy to medium route and will take no longer than 3.5 hours. You might want to walk it in the morning before visiting all the sights. Ascent 407m/Descent 407m

The day starts with a taxi to Creysse (17.5km walk) or Martel (11km walk) to start your days walk. Martel retains its covered market square and the house, where Henry II’s son, Henry Court-Mantel (so called from the new short cloak he made fashionable) died of his wounds after sacking Rocamadour in 1183, is still visible. The route continues through scrub oak and along rocky paths to the tiny old village of Sarrazac. Ascent 500m/Descent 384m Accommodation: Hotel La Bonne Famille is a 3* Logis. The cellar of this establishment was formerly a smithy where, three generations ago, the blacksmith’s wife would serve refreshments to waiting customers. The hoteliers are as hospitable as their ancestors, the smithy has vanished, and guests are housed in a venerable building with swimming pool nearby.

Passing through the ancient village of l'Hopital St Jean (the site of a mediaeval leper hospital), your walk takes in Turenne, the former capital of the region. Its houses straggling picturesquely down from the ruined castle. Woods and rolling farmland lead to the glowing red turrets and Romanesque church of Collonges la Rouge. The small town of Meyssac, is approx 2 km/1.2 miles further on where you return for your lasts night accommodation at Le Relais du Quercy.

The tour ends after breakfast at Meyssac. Depart for the train station and then on to the airport.