Dordogne

Walk through one of France's most captivating regions, where fairytale castles line the river, prehistoric cave art dates back 17,000 years, and medieval villages appear almost unchanged from the Middle Ages.

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Overview

The Dordogne is a region that rewards the curious walker at every turn. Gentle trails wind along the river through chestnut forests and walnut orchards. Cliff-top villages like La Roque Gageac, Domme and Beynac line the valley, each one among the most beautiful in France. The cobbled streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda make a magnificent base, with its medieval architecture and bustling market. Stroll's Dordogne walking holidays also venture into the Vézère Valley, home to the UNESCO-listed prehistoric caves of Lascaux IV and one of the world's most significant collections of ancient cave art. Each night ends in handpicked, characterful accommodation that feels every bit as special as the walking.

Available Strolls

Self-Guided

Dordogne Uncovered - 10 Days

Dordogne Valley - 8 Days

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A closer look at Dordogne

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The Dordogne Experience

Wonder

The Dordogne on foot, France's most quietly magnificent secret. Wander Sarlat-la-Canéda’s cobbled squares and honey-stone architectural treasures

Visit Château des Milandes, Josephine Baker’s restored riverside château

Stroll though prehistory through Lascaux IV, Les Eyzies and Gorge d’Enfer

Wellness

Walking in the Dordogne restores you by subtraction. The further you walk from the road, the lighter everything feels.

Reconnect to a pace of life that feels genuinely nourishing. This is green therapy at its most effortless and most effective

Relax in handpicked acccommodations rich with regional ambience & pause for café terraces, local produce and Dordogne valley panoramas

Nature

This is one of the most quietly unspoiled river valleys in Europe. Traverse oak and chestnut forests above the River Beune to Commarque

Walk away from the croards beside the Vézère River past limestone cliffs and troglodyte shelters

Weave through wooded hills, forest canopies and quiet hamlets and take in Domme’s cliff-top views across the broad Dordogne Valley

What you'll eat

Duck Confit

Rich, slow-cooked duck served with crisp potatoes in classic Périgord style

Black Truffles

Earthy winter truffles shaved through omelettes, pasta, and simple country dishes

Market Picnics

Fresh baguettes, local cheeses, pâté, and fruit gathered from lively town markets

Where you'll stay

Stone Guesthouses

Honey-coloured village houses with warm hosts, character rooms, and regional atmosphere

Clifftop Rooms

Rooms above the valley with broad views, quiet nights, and a pool

Heritage Inns

Former period homes and old coaching properties reworked for relaxed comfort

How you'll travel

Private Transfers

Short road transfers link trailheads, villages, and stations without fuss

Luggage Shuttles

Your bags move ahead each day, leaving you free to walk lightly

Pack-Free Walks

You carry only essentials through forests, hamlets, river valleys, and hill towns

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More About This Destination

A brief history of Dordogne

The Dordogne has, in fact, a very long history according to archaeologists that dates back before the ice age.

Dordogne is known for prehistoric civilisations and contains 145 prehistoric caves that have paintings of wildlife all over the walls. You can also travel back through millennia to see the works of art that decorate cave walls in the Vezere Valley and uncover the four divisions of historic Périgord. The sites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The caves of the Vezere Valley prove that the French have inhabited this area for 10's thousands of years. They provide an insight into the early civilisations of the Dordogne.

It is also known for being able to explore medieval castles and grand monuments. You can virtually recapture the events of the French Revolution, one of the main drawcards of the Dordogne experience.

The Middle Ages brought war on a grand scale, with the Hundred Years’ War being one of the most talked about. The Battle of Castillon sealed victory for the French over the English. The Wars of Religion were to follow next, and as in all wars, the region was devastated until the Edict of Nantes saw an end to the conflict. And stability followed.

The transition from Périgord to the Dordogne occurred following the French Revolution, with the region being one of 83 départements that were created.

In the 20th, tourism has taken over in the Dordogne to some degree. The rich history and the captivating landscapes including the rolling countryside and stunning châteaux are some of the main drawcards.

Fortunately, the Second World War didn't dent the area’s splendour, despite its active role in the French resistance. The region lives on, largely intact and for you to discover as you walk from town to town, via historical sites, stunning castles and chateaux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your main luggage is transported between accommodations each day while you walk — it will be waiting for you when you arrive. All transport on and off the track and daily luggage transfers are included in the package. You carry only a lightweight daypack on the trail.

The walking season runs from early spring through to autumn, with May, June, September, and October being the sweet spots. May and June are warm with long days, wildflowers in the meadows, and relatively few crowds. September and October bring golden light, cooler temperatures, the truffle season beginning in earnest, and the walnut and chestnut harvests. July and August are the peak tourist months — warm to hot, busier in the villages, and the period when the weekly markets in Sarlat are at their most vibrant. Early spring can be rainy, but the countryside is lush and the region is beautifully quiet.

A comfortable daypack with a waterproof cover. Key items include a quality waterproof jacket, warm layer, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking boots, 1–2 litres of water, snacks and lunch supplies, a personal first aid kit, cash in Euros, your phone, and your walk notes and maps. The Stroll navigation app is your primary wayfinding tool, particularly on sections of the route that are not formally waymarked.

France uses the Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Carry some cash for smaller village bakeries, market stalls, and cave entrance fees where card facilities may not be available. ATMs are accessible in the larger towns like Sarlat and Les Eyzies, but can be scarce in smaller villages — stock up when you can.

Tipping is not mandatory in France, but rounding up a restaurant bill or leaving a few Euros for attentive service is always appreciated — particularly at the smaller, family-run restaurants that make the Dordogne dining scene so special.

Flag any allergies or dietary needs at the time of booking so your accommodations can be informed in advance. The Dordogne's cuisine is heavily meat and duck-based, and vegetarian options — while more available than they once were — can be limited in smaller village restaurants. If your requirements are specific, Stroll's insider restaurant tips in your walk notes will help you identify the best options each evening. Bringing supplementary snacks for the trail is always sensible regardless of dietary needs.

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