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Guidebook to 35 half-day and day walks in France's beautiful Dordogne region, based around Bergerac, Lalinde, Sarlat and Souillac (Lot). The walks, which range from 6 to 18.5 km, take in the region's myriad delights, from spectacular gorges to enchanting chateaux and charming medieval villages. All walks are within the capacity of the average walker, and are on well-marked paths or quiet roads. They are graded easy or medium; there are no long, steep climbs or abrupt descents.
There are step-by-step descriptions and maps for each route. Also included is information on the history, flora and fauna of the region, together with practical pointers such as what to take and when to go, as well as notes on waymarking, accommodation and transport. A route summary table and glossary are also provided.
Lying in south west France, the Dordogne is a land of great scenic variety, from rolling wooded hills and fertile valleys to barren upland plateaus and limestone cliffs riddled with caves. The charm of the Dordogne also lies in the picturesque medieval towns, châteaux, churches and abbeys that stud the landscape, and these are the focus of many of the walks.
Introduction
The Dordogne river
A short history of the Dordogne
Plants and flowers
Wildlife
How to get there
When to go
Accommodation
Food and drink
What to take
Waymarking
Maps
Using this guide
Around Bergerac
Walk 1 Along the river at Bergerac
Walk 2 The vineyards of Monbazillac
Walk 3 Flaugeac to the Château de Bridoire
Walk 4 Around Monestier
Walk 5 Round the Lac de l’Escourou
Walk 6 Boucle d’Issigeac
Walk 7 The Conne river valley
Walk 8 Boucle de St-Aubin
Walk 9 St-Georges-de-Montclard
Around Lalinde
Walk 10 St-Félix-de-Villadeix
Walk 11 Couze to the Château de Lanquais
Walk 12 The heights and river at Lalinde
Walk 13 Above Mauzac
Walk 14 The Cingle de Trémolat
Walk 15 Limeuil and the Vézère river
Walk 16 Above the Abbey of Cadouin
Walk 17 Beaumont and the Rocher du Corbeau
Walk 18 Monpazier and the Château de Biron
Around Sarlat
Walk 19 Around les Eyzies
Walk 20 Along the Vézère river
Walk 21 Boucle de Coulonge at Montignac
Walk 22 Around St-Geniès
Walk 23 St-Crépin and Carlucet
Walk 24 Les Jardins d’Eyrignac
Walk 25 South of the Château des Milandes
Walk 26 Le Chemin de Cazenac from Beynac
Walk 27 Around la Roque-Gageac
Walk 28 The bastide town of Domme
Walk 29 Boucle de Veyrignac
Around Souillac (Lot)
Walk 30 Gourdon and the Bléou valley
Walk 31 Roc des Monges from Saint-Sozy
Walk 32 Martel to Mont Mercou
Walk 33 Rocamadour and the mills of the Alzou Gorge
Walk 34 Alvignac and the Source Salmière
Walk 35 The Gouffre de Padirac and Causses de Quercy
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Useful information
Appendix C Glossary of French words
Janette Norton lived in France, near Geneva, for over 30 years with her physicist husband, Alan Norton, raising four children and working in marketing. Her love of mountain walking dated from the time she was a guide in her twenties, and the proximity of the Alps and Jura to her home inspired her to continue her passion. After her children grew up, she branched out to explore other areas of France. Sadly Janette died from cancer in January 2013, and her books are now revised by Alan Norton and Pamela Harris.
