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Deborah G
July 2026
Well organised. Provided necessary info for the walks.
Plan your Dordogne trip with an expert in a free 1:1 consultation.
Overview
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.
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 the country. The cobbled streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda make a magnificent base, with medieval architecture and a bustling market. Further on, the Vézère Valley holds the UNESCO-listed prehistoric caves of Lascaux IV, home to one of the world's most significant collections of ancient art. Each night ends in handpicked, characterful accommodation that feels every bit as special as the walking itself.
Gallery
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
Auswalk 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
Dordogne reviews
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Debbie M
June 2026
Really well organised, fabulous and well appointed accommodation, gorgeous environment and good trip notes and navigation app.
Dallas R
June 2026
The departure point process was super easy. We had all the contact numbers in the kit provided. We absolutely loved our walk. Every day was a little different from the other and the scenery during the spring season was beautiful. We loved that we could choose shorter or longer walks each day depending on how we were feeling. We will definitely reach out Auswalk for our next walking adventure.
Lynette L
June 2026
Scenic walk varying each day from farmland to Chateaus and villages in the beautiful Dordogne Valley
Kathryn L
February 2025
The walking choices were great - lots of variety, taking us through different landscapes and areas of historical interest. The accommodation was also great, really lovely choices. Friendly and welcoming hosts.
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
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 Auswalk 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, Auswalk'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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