The Most Beautiful Hikes in the Dordogne Valley and Around Camping Le Séquoia
The Dordogne Valley, recognized as one of France’s Regional Natural Parks, is a paradise for lovers of hiking, mountain biking, and long-distance treks. It offers breathtaking landscapes of valleys, ridges, hills, cliffs, oak forests, rivers, waterfalls, and picturesque lakes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, this region provides numerous marked trails for exploring its rich natural and historical heritage.
Camping Le Séquoia, ideally located in both the Lot and the Dordogne, is the perfect base for discovering these natural treasures. Here is a selection of the best hikes close to the campsite and in the Dordogne Valley.
Hikes Around Payrac – Information Available at Reception
If you’d like to discover even more local hikes around Payrac, Camping Le Séquoia has a booklet listing 12 hiking routes. These cover a wide variety of landscapes and difficulty levels, making them suitable for families, leisurely walkers, or serious hikers.
📍 Available at Reception: Ask for our hiking topo-guide to choose the trail that best suits you!
Easy Hikes – Picturesque Walks for the Whole Family
01 | The Groléjac Marsh Trail
📍 Distance: 4 km | Duration: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy
This walking trail passes through a protected wetland area, perfect for observing local flora and fauna. It’s ideal for a family outing in the heart of a Regional Natural Park.
Tip: Bring binoculars to spot the birds nesting in the reeds!
Why go? This route is perfect for a mid-level elevation walk, offering easy access to hiking paths in the area.
02 | Domme Loop – A Unique Panoramic View
📍 Distance: 6 km | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” Domme offers a pleasant hike with spectacular views over the Dordogne Valley. You’ll stroll through medieval streets and vineyards.
Why go? Domme is nicknamed the “Sentinel of the Périgord,” offering an exceptional panorama over the entire valley.
Fun Fact: This trail is recommended by the Departmental Hiking Committee, with clear markings that make navigation a breeze.
Intermediate Hikes – Immersion in the Heart of Nature
03 | Rocamadour and the Alzou Valley Loop
📍 Distance: 9 km | Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Medium
This route crosses a Regional Natural Park, linking Rocamadour—a medieval city perched on a cliff—to the Alzou Valley, featuring ruined mills and impressive rock formations.
Why go? This hike has a decent amount of elevation for hiking enthusiasts in France and is among the most popular walking routes in the Lot.
04 | The Dordogne Gorges Trail
📍 Distance: 10 km | Duration: 3h30 | Difficulty: Medium
Follow the Dordogne River between limestone cliffs and verdant forests. This is perfect for those looking for a scenic long-distance hike, with ponds and picnic areas nestled in nature.
Tip: Great for a riverside picnic—pack a blanket and some local products!
Difficult Hikes – For the Adventurous
05 | The Cliffs of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
📍 Distance: 12 km | Duration: 4h30 | Difficulty: Difficult
A spectacular trail overlooking the Lot Valley, offering impressive views. Classified as one of the long-distance GR trails, it provides a total immersion in a well-preserved natural setting.
Why go? Saint-Cirq-Lapopie was voted “France’s Favorite Village” in 2012!
06 | The Causse de Gramat Trail
📍 Distance: 15 km | Duration: 5 hours | Difficulty: Difficult
This trail takes you through the Causse du Quercy, a wild area scattered with rocks and deep valleys where nature remains untouched. It’s ideal for lovers of wide-open spaces and long treks.
Tip: Bring an IGN map, as signage can be sparse in some sections.
Hikes with Waterfalls, Lakes, and Mills – Breathtaking Scenery
07 | Autoire Waterfall and the Château des Anglais
📍 Distance: 6 km | Duration: 2h30 | Difficulty: Medium
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08 | Lac du Tolerme Circuit
📍 Distance: 8 km | Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Medium
A walk around a lake, with several swimming areas and shaded trails. Perfect for a family hike.
Tip: This lake is also popular among mountain bikers and trail runners.
09 | Soucy Loop and the Source of the Dordogne
📍 Distance: 10 km | Duration: 4 hours | Difficulty: Difficult
This route takes you across ridges and wooded valleys, leading to the source of the Dordogne—a fascinating natural site.
Why go? This route is part of the French Hiking Federation’s marked trails.
10 | Moulin de Cougnaguet and the Ouysse River
📍 Distance: 7 km | Duration: 2h30 | Difficulty: Medium
This trail takes you to discover the Moulin de Cougnaguet, a fortified mill dating back to the 13th century, on the banks of the Ouysse. The route winds through stunning scenery, running alongside the river, green meadows, and impressive rock formations.
🌿 Why do this hike?
- Discover a listed historic site, with a possible visit of the mill.
- Shady trail, ideal for a summer hike.
- Opportunity to observe local wildlife and the crystal-clear waters of the Ouysse.
11 | The Gouffre de Saint-Sauveur
📍 Distance: 5 km | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Located near Souillac, the Gouffre de Saint-Sauveur is a hidden treasure. This hike leads to a magnificent water resurgence surrounded by lush vegetation. The trail winds through a dense forest before reaching this emerald-green natural lake.
🌿 Why do this hike?
- A protected natural site offering a peaceful, refreshing setting.
- Perfect for a walk accessible to all levels.
- A chance to spot local wildlife and admire how the light plays on the water.
Tips for a Successful Hike
- Be properly equipped: follow the trail markings, wear appropriate shoes, bring water, and use sun protection.
- Consult the topos: Topo-guides and tourist offices provide detailed maps.
- Respect nature: National parks and nature reserves are home to precious flora and fauna.
- Fun Fact: The Coteaux du Quercy region offers routes adapted for both hiking and mountain biking.
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The Dordogne Valley is an outstanding playground for hikers and cycling enthusiasts alike. From walking trails and hiking routes to nature strolls and full-fledged treks, there’s something for every preference. Whether you’re looking for a few easy hikes or a longer journey, each path will lead you to stunning landscapes and exceptional cultural heritage.
Local tourist offices and departmental hiking offices provide maps of trails and hiking routes suited to all levels. Some itineraries even allow you to discover iconic sites such as the Way of Saint James, or historical abbeys and villages.
If you’re looking for a more sporting adventure, why not try a medium-altitude trek or a mountain bike circuit along the long-distance footpaths? The region also offers beautiful forest walks, along rocky outcrops and summits—perfect for escaping into nature.
📍 Camping Le Séquoia, your ideal base for exploring these wonders, offers you a peaceful setting after a day of discovery. Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or trail running, the varied landscapes of the Lot countryside and surrounding massifs will amaze you.
For those who want to explore the marked trails, the hiking guides and trail maps available at the tourist offices will help you plan your itineraries. From walking routes to MTB circuits, there are countless options for every type of adventurer.
Whether you’re a fan of long-distance hiking routes, passionate about the Club Vosgien, or looking for short, accessible walks, the Dordogne region provides an ideal terrain for all walkers. Some itineraries even include historical sites like abbeys and Cathar ruins, making each outing even more fascinating.
So, get your boots on, grab your trail map, and set off to explore the Dordogne and the Lot! 🚶♂️🏞️