Location
Corrèze and Lot, France
Dates
March - October???
Holiday Type
Self-Guided Walking,
inn to inn
Hotels
Locally run and hand-picked
Duration
8 days (7 nights)
Options to extend
Meals
7 breakfasts,
6 dinners
Distances
?
Activity Level
Mainly moderate occasional short steep climbs
Resources
GPX tracks and route notes
Luggage
Included (up to 20kg)
Also Available: 10 day Route, Bike Hire, River Kayaking, Wine Tasting
Itinerary
This route visits 7 of the “most beautiful villages” in France as it meanders through the upper Dordogne Valley. Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is an association that started in 1982 that lists “very beautiful villages” by certain strict criteria, this now includes 157 villages spread over 21 regions and 69 départements
Day 1
Arrival in Sarrazac
Arrive at your charming family run hotel, if you have time you may like to enjoy a dip in the lovely swimming pool before dinner.
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Day 2
Sarrazac to Meyssac
14km / 8.7 miles
Today you will be visiting two of Corrèze’s “Plus Beaux Villages de France”. Firstly Turenne, the spectacular hilltop village, will appear as the perfect stopping point for lunch. From here you meander through lush country lanes to Collonges La Rouge which stands alone in the region being a medieval village built entirely of red sandstone.
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Day 3
Meyssac to Beaulieu sur Dordogne
23 km / 14 miles
You will pass through Curemonte, one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”, a remarkably well preserved hilltop village with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. The journey ends with a delightful descent along an ancient cobbled mule track into Beaulieu sur Dordogne.
Day 4
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Rest Day
Rest day in Beaulieu sur Dordogne with full route notes for a circular walk. Time to take a stroll around this fascinating town, enjoying the river and lunch at a bustling pavement café. Today is on a B & B basis to enable you to choose to dine this evening at one of the many local restaurants.
Day 5
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne to Carennac
17km / 10.5 miles
Your day begins with a climb up through woodland where you will find three nature information posts. The walk continues with sweeping views across the countryside. Cross the Dordogne river to approach Carennac and take time to enjoy wandering the winding streets of this beautiful village. There is a pool here for a cooling dip.
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Day 6
Carennac to Loubressac
14.7km / 9.1 miles minimum
Today you walk along the limestone ‘causse’ to the Gouffre de Padirac which is an underground maze of majestic tunnels and stalactites. You can take a boat ride here to discover the underground beauty. You continue on the limestone ‘causse’ to the stunning fortified village of Loubressac situated high on a clifftop.
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Day 7
Optional Circular Walks
Optional Circular Walks
You have three options today, the first would be to take a fabulous circular walk visiting the magnificent Chateau de Castelnau with the restaurant ‘Les Ramparts’. The second to the village of Autoire with it’s gentlemans houses and a climb up the Cirque. Alternatively, the more energetic can visit both on the longer option.
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Day 8
Departure
Enjoy your last breakfast and reflect on your week before heading home
