Guided Walking & Sightseeing at Sarlat

• Our experienced leaders offer the choice of two different walks each day
• Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness
• We provide flexible holidays. Choose easier walking one day and harder the next or just explore independently or relax around the resort
• Our leaders are friendly and welcoming making your holiday fun and sociable

Easier Walks    Harder Walks

Walks are on good tracks and riverside paths.

Guided Walking and Sightseeing Programme

Day 1: Arrival day

For those arriving on the Bordeaux flights, the onward journey to Sarlat is by coach. On the first evening your leaders will explain more about the walks and there will be time to meet with your fellow guests.

Day 2: L’Énéa Valley and Eastern Sarlat

Today we travel to the east of Sarlat to begin our walks in the Énéa Valley, an area of quiet lanes, hamlets and chateaux, a little off the beaten track. We pass through rolling countryside before descending into Sarlat, where we have time to explore the medieval city. These walks give us a taste, not only of Sarlat itself, but of rural life in the countryside around.

Easier Walk: 6½ miles with up to 525 feet of ascent and 625 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 9½ miles with up to 850 feet of ascent and 800 feet of descent

Day 3: Beynac – the Château and its domain

The village of Beynac is situated four miles southwest of Sarlat on the north bank of the River Dordogne, and we begin our day with a visit to its impressive castle, high on cliffs above the village. After the visit our walks take us into the countryside behind the château – a delightful area of small farms and hamlets, woods and hills, with some spectacular views.

Easier Walk: 5½ miles with up to 675 feet of ascent and 975 feet of descent.

Harder Walk: 7½ miles with up to 850 feet of ascent and 1,150 feet of descent

Day 4: Free day

Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently, or visit local places of interest.

Options for your free day include:

• Sarlat: Sarlat is a fascinating town in its own right and one of the most rewarding activities is to spend the day exploring the old town, perhaps having lunch in one of its many pavement cafés.
• Day trips: Bergerac is accessible by train whilst Souillac can be reached by bus. Taxis can also be used to visit attractions near Sarlat or the famous pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.
• Eyrignac Gardens: These gardens are situated about 6 miles northeast of Sarlat and have been greatly enjoyed by previous guests.
• Marqueyssac: This park lies in the grounds of a château on a rock promontory between La Roque Gageac and Beynac. Footpaths and a series of information boards will lead you to superb viewpoints above the river.
•  Canoe trips: Taking a canoe out on the River Dordogne has proved very popular with our guests. The canoes used are usually broad bottomed Canadian type craft and are therefore very stable and relatively easy to steer. Canoe hire is available at Vitrac and La Roque Gageac. Transport from the hotel is provided by the hire company.
• Bicycle hire: Cycle hire is available in Sarlat and is a pleasant way of exploring the gently rolling countryside around the town.

Day 5: Lascaux caves

Today we take a full day excursion, visiting a number of sites to the north and west of Sarlat. The highlights of the day include the world famous caves at Lascaux II, and the troglodyte cliff-city at Roque St-Christophe. Both these sites reflect the wealth of pre-history in this area.

Day 6: The haunted chateau and the forest of the bear

We start the day with a visit to the Château of Puymartin, a short distance to the northwest of Sarlat. Built in the 15^th and 16^th centuries, this château is still the home of the family who have lived there for centuries, and is in sharp contrast to the Château of Beynac which we visited earlier in the week. From the château we walk through forest and quiet open countryside to the little hill-top village of Marquay.

Easier Walk: 5¼ miles with up to 625 feet of ascent and 550 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 8 miles with up to 850 feet of ascent and 750 feet of descent

Day 7: Domme, La Roque Gageac and the Dordogne

Our day begins at the famous bastide of Domme, dramatically situated on cliffs overlooking the Dordogne. After visiting the little town, our walks take us downhill to cross the river, and on through peaceful countryside to the picturesque village of La Roque Gageac. We finish the day with a boat trip along the Dordogne, which includes a commentary depicting the colourful history and life of the river.

Easier Walk: 6 miles with up to 600 feet of ascent and 975 feet of descent

Harder Walk: 7½ miles with up to 975 feet of ascent and 1,350 feet of descent

Day 8: Departure day

Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will brief you every evening about the next day’s walks.

 Local transport

On some days the walks start and finish at the hotel. On other days we’ll use the hired transport to explore the surrounding area. The cost of transport to and from the walk is payable locally.