Exploring Rocamadour - Further Information
| Location: | The Dordogne and Lot, France. |
| Holiday type: | Self Guided Walking, Inn to Inn |
| Activity level: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 8 days (7 nights) |
| Hotels: | 2 to 3 * Accommodation |
| Meals: | Breakfasts and 5 evening meals included |
| Prices from: | £700 |
| Also Available: | 10 day route, additional nights, Michelin recommended restaurant |
The route starts following the Dordogne valley eastwards, sometimes beside the water, sometimes along the edge of the scarp with dramatic views of the river undulating lazily below. It leaves the river and turns south to investigate the famous shrine of Rocamadour, a resting-place on the fabled pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, and where you stay for 2 nights. The return north is via the enchanting caves of Padirac across a plateau with prehistoric megaliths and dolmen, to a scarp-edge village at Loubressac; from here you descend via the waterfall and elegant manorial houses or “gentilhommières” of Autoire, to the pretty market town of St. Céré your ultimate destination on the banks of the quiet river Cère.
Day 1: Arrival in Souillac
Arrive at the bustling old town of Souillac, strategically placed since pre-Roman times astride the Dordogne river, and easily reached by rail or Autoroute from Paris via Brive. Time to explore the old quarter and magnificent 11th century Romanesque church.
Day 2: Souillac to St Sozy – 17.5 km / 11 miles
Great views of the châteaux of La Treyne and Belcastel, from your vantage point high above the river valley. Then a descent to a riverside path which passes a number of prehistoric cave-dwellings on your way to the timeless old village of St. Sozy.
Day 3: St Sozy to Rocamadour - 14.5 km / 9 miles
Through pleasant woods and fields, with glimpses of the mountains of the Auvergne on a clear day, to Rocamadour, spectacularly sited in its rocky valley.
Day 4: Rest Day Rocamadour
A free day to explore Rocamadour which, from its inception, has been an important religious site and became a required stop-over for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in the north-west of Spain. There is an optional local circular walk. Tonight is B&B to give you the opportunity to eat elsewhere in Rocamadour.
Day 5: Rocamadour to Loubressac – 20 km / 12.5 miles
The walk continues in the valley of the Combe Molière to the little village of Gaule before arriving in Padirac. A visit to the subterranean cave system of the Gouffre (or Chasm) of Padirac is recommended. From here, pleasant, sandy paths lead to the dramatically-sited bastide (fortified town) of Loubressac.
Day 6: Loubressac to St Céré – 16 km / 10 miles
Climb past the imposing Château de Presque and maybe visit the superb caves nearby. Then descend again to visit the elegant château of Montal with its poignant history, en route for the pleasant old market town of St. Céré.
Day 7: Rest Day St Céré
Explore the pleasant old market town of St. Céré with its many waterways. There is an optional local walk in the surrounding hills. Tonight is B&B to give you the opportunity to eat elsewhere in St Céré, we can book you into a Michelin recommended restaurant if you wish.
Day 8: Depart after breakfast.
