dossier
Dordogne Gastronomic Walk
DORDOGNE GASTRONOMIC WALK | WHERE YOU STAY
Hostellerie de Meysset ***
Sarlat, Days 1+8
You stay at the stylish Hostellerie de Meysset, set in 3 acres of pine woods and gardens, it is a haven of tranquillity. The hotel over looks two valleys and all of the rooms have stunning views of them. All 26 rooms have en-suite facilities with bath/shower, hairdryer, TV and direct telephone.
Day 1 Arrive in Sarlat
Our *** hotel is a lovely country house, set in 3 acres of private pine woods, overlooking the Sarlat valley.
Day 2 Sarlat to Beynac 17km/11mi/4.5hr
Sarlat has the highest concentration of medieval, Renaissance and 17C façades of any town in France and its richly ornamented stone buildings are protected by law. You feel like a time-traveller as you wander the narrow medieval streets peeping through archways into ancient courtyards. When it’s time to leave, it’s down through shaded woods and pretty villages to Beynac where you spend the next two nights.
Hotel du Château **
Beynac, Days 2+3
We are very pleased to have found this hotel situated below the well-known medieval castle of Beynac right in the heart of one of the most beautiful French villages. The rooms are light and airy with simple decor; over half of the rooms have air conditioning (on request). Aperitifs can be enjoyed in the bar or in fine weather in the outside seating area. Dinner (again in fine weather) can be taken on the terrace across the road over looking the river.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 3 At Beynac
Beynac is built on narrow terraces leading gradually to the top of a dramatic limestone crag overhanging the Dordogne. A steep footpath lined with C15-C17 stone houses takes you up to the castle where there’s a breathtaking panorama taking in the serpentine sweep of the river and the spectacular C13 hilltop château. Or you can go swimming, fishing, canoeing or take a trip in a flat-bottomed boat.
Day 4 Beynac to Les Eyzies 22km/14mi/5.5hr
From Beynac you start off following the course of the Dordogne River along riverside paths, meandering through fields of maize, then climb up into the lively town of St Cyprien and via well marked paths through shaded woodland to your hotel set in lovely private gardens just outside Les Eyzies.
Hotel les Glycines ***
Les Eyzies, Days 4+5
This hotel is a real gem, run by brother and sister team Pascal and Cathy Lombard who have over the past 10 years carefully restored the building to its former grandeur. The hotel has a cosy wood panelled bar and a light airy dining room which looks out onto the well kept gardens surrounding the swimming pool. All rooms have views of the courtyard and are en-suite with a bath, hairdryer and television. Upgrades to larger rooms overlooking the gardens are available on request.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 5 At Les Eyzies
Les Eyzies – an archaeologist’s paradise – lies at the base of steep limestone cliffs crowned with evergreen oaks and junipers. The rock is riddled with caves and shelters inhabited by Stone Age man tens of thousands of years ago and the town is world-famous as the ‘capital of prehistory’. The Grotte de Font de Gaume contains multi-colored paintings of animals and a remarkable frieze of bison.
Day 6 Les Eyzies to Tamniès 24km/15mi/6hr
Leave Les Eyzies taking the GR6 path through sleepy hamlets and shady wooded valleys. First stop is the Roc de Cazelle - a troglodyte cave complex excavated in the cliffs and inhabited from prehistoric to medieval times (and even, allegedly, as recently as 1966!). Then it’s on through woodland to the hilltop village of Tamniès for a refreshing dip in the pool.
Hotel Laborderie ***
Tamniès, Days 6+7
We are delighted to have found this friendly family run hotel in the heart of the Périgord Noir. The hotel’s rooms are split over 2 buildings: the old original building and the modern annexe. All rooms in both buildings are ensuite and have telephone and television. The hotel’s restaurant is situated in the main building, and here you are treated to the very best the Périgord region has to offer.
Day 7 At Tamniès
The pretty flower-filled village of Tamniès looks down on the Vallée de la Beune. There is an interesting C12 church housing an amazing multi-coloured wooden crucifix. Not far from here is the C16 Château de Puy Martin, perched on a hill and renowned for its lush furnishings and tapestries. We provide full walking notes for a local circular walk; alternatively there’s a sandy lake beach just 5 mins walk away where you can swim if you fancy a change from the hotel pool.
Day 8 Tamniès to Sarlat 15km/9mi/4hr or 19km/12mi/5hr
Your walk from Tamniès back to Sarlat takes you through woodland and up through the hills - great views of the surrounding valleys - via Marquay and on through the sleepy village of Campagnac with its evocative château. Then you’re on the outskirts of Sarlat, ready to savour its medieval delights again.
Day 9 Leave Sarlat
WALKING DETAILS
Peaceful well marked walks mainly through forests, sunflower fields and along riverside paths. Gentle hills only so no need for a head for heights.
For extra nights we recommend Sarlat or Toulouse.