 Within
our Inclusive Walking Holiday Package we have specially selected
9 walks for you to enjoy. For those staying longer than a week there
are many other walks to experience. For each of our selected walks
we have prepared clear written instructions together with a detailed
map so that you can fully enjoy your day without worrying about finding
your route.
Walking
in this part of France is made easy by an excellent system of waymarkers
at regular intervals. There are no stiles to tackle, no fences
to clamber over and no ploughed fields to cross. In fact for the
majority of the year there is little or no mud as the area is very
free draining. Even when a route takes you along one of the small
country roads you will find very little traffic to disturb you.
Each
walk is suitable for anyone with a reasonable standard of fitness.
There are ascents and descents but usually they are well worth
the effort and we suggest that by taking your time you will appreciate
more the wonderful scenery.
 
Our
selected walks vary in time, distance and the landscapes you will
experience. Each walk has its own special reason to be included
whether for the spectacular countryside, the wonderful views, the
lovely villages or even a combination of all of these. There is
no fixed itinerary, you can decide which walks you would like to
do - we are very happy to help you with our local knowledge.
Timings are
for guidance based on an average pace and do not include stops.
We can provide suggestions to combine the shorter walks with visits
to other local attractions. A car is essential for this itinerary.
The walks are
suitable for single people.
 Please
refer to our Prices page for
costs of the 7 night package
 Walk
1 – Frayssinhes Circular (15km)
A good introduction to the surrounding countryside known as the “Jardin
du Ségala” – the word “ségala” is
derived from seigle or rye, the main crop grown here for many centuries.
Taking about 3.5 hours the walk rises from the hillside meadows through
oak and beech woods to a height of about 500m with spectacular views
in all directions.
It
then continues with more far-reaching views, passing several small
hamlets, before descending down through delightful mixed woodland
to a charming river valley and return to Frayssinhes. The area
is renowned for its wildlfowers and you may even spot the red squirrels
and pine marten that populate the woods.
Walk
2 – Medieval Villages & the Causse (15km)
This circular walk is about 30 minutes from the house by car and is
a complete change from Walk 1, taking in two of the picture-postcard
villages designated as "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" and
the dry rocky Causse. Another 15km walk but slightly more challenging
at about four and a half hours plus time to look around the villages.
Starting at the very picturesque Loubressac the walk takes you to the
edge of the fabulous limestone cliffs above Autoire before descending
down into the village. An optional small detour takes you to the foot
of the famous cascades. A short but steep ascent up the cliffs offers
dramatic views and reveals a host of unusual wildlflowers and an opportunity
to watch birds of prey circling above the valley. Your route then takes
you along the edge of the Causses
Regional Park with its amazing variety of flowers, butterflies
and birds. You pass by the very popular Caves at Padirac (a 2 hour
visit can be included although we recommend a separate day's visit)
before returning across the high Causse to Loubressac.
 
Walk
3 – Carennac & Mézels (8.5km)
A shorter walk to allow you time to explore the lovely village of Carennac
said to be one of the most popular places people would like to live
- close to the river Dordogne and containing an abbey started in the
11th century. Partly following an ancient Roman Way the walk takes
about 2.5 hours and offers views high over the river Dordogne and across
the valley.
Walk
4 – Hills & Valleys (21km)
Our longest walk and in our view, definitely an all day walk taking
over six hours to complete comfortably. Starting 10 minutes drive from
the house this walk takes you along a beautiful river valley with steep
hills rising either side before climbing to the village of Terrou.
You pass by groves of walnut trees with the wonderful aroma of wild
mint and thyme that grows alongside the road. Although close to a number
of villages this walk gives the impression of wilderness and having
the countryside to yourself - definitely a landscape to make you feel
refreshed and alive. Once you reach the end of the valley you climb
to the tops of the hills above the valley and return along a number
of ridges with 360 degree views. Another walk where the wildlife is
a highlight.
Walk
5 – Notre Dame de Verdale (6km)
The shortest walk and probably the easiest, a simple but delightful
descent from our house down through woods to the river valley where
the water tumbles over moss-covered rocks. Visit the remote chapel
of the Notre Dame de Verdale before strolling along the river to the
local village of Latouille which has an excellent restaurant for lunch.
The walk takes about 2 hours unless you find yourself just relaxing
by the river with your feet dangling in the water. We will arrange
with you to leave your car at the finish in Latouille.
 Walk
6 – Chateau de Castelnau(7km)
Starting just the other side of St. Céré, this walk takes
you down through woods to then walk alongside the small river Bave.
As this area is quite fertile you will find a number of walnut groves
and fruit trees which attract a good variety of birds and butterflies.
You then climb gradually up to the impressive Chateau, a landmark that
can be seen for miles and offering wonderful views itself. The Chateau
which was begun in the 12th century and subsequently renovated by an
opera singer is open to the public (check times) although a stroll
around the jumble of houses is equally rewarding. The walk returns
to the starting point along a ridge with walnut, fig and even nectarines
Walk
7 – Taking the High Ground - Teyssieu (13km)
For this walk we take you back up to the high hills for more spectacular
views on a walk lasting four hours. Your starting point is the pretty
village of Teyssieu about 20 minutes from the house. From there you
climb gradually to reach a ridge that offers unparalleled views of
the surrounding countryside before descending down to the valley through
fields and woods. For a short while you follow one of the St. Jacques
de Compestella routes used by the pilgrims heading for Santiago in
Spain and then you rise again to see more views and pass through small
hamlets and farms. Most of the ascents are gradual and not too difficult – just
the one where you may need to take it easy!
Walk
8 – “Are we there yet?” – Beaulieu
sur Dordogne (12km)
We just couldn’t miss out
a walk from the very picturesque town of Beaulieu sur Dordogne. The
name we have given it is really our warped sense of humour and comes
from the fact that there is a steady climb from near the start that
fools you several times into thinking you are at the top! But do not
be put off, Beaulieu is lovely, the climb isn’t too bad and you
are rewarded with the most fabulous views back down onto the river.
Throw in a wonderful Chateau and some delightful countryside and local
houses and this is definitely not one to miss. The town is just inside
the Correze and about 40 minutes drive from the house.
Walk
9 - Above and Around Figeac (8km)
One of the best medieval towns in this part of France, Figeac is
rich in history and deserves a visit whether you do the walk or
not. The walk is not too strenuous so can be combined with a stroll
around the town and on Saturdays, a visit to the wonderful market.
From a lovely park on the outskirts of the town the walk climbs
at an easy pace with great views all around. At the top you pass
an interesting chateau and a windmill before joining the well worn
St Jacques pilgrim path as it descends back into town. There is
every chance you will meet some of the brave walkers doing the
complete walk to northwest Spain!
Click
here to see a Google Map with starting points for the walks
We
are featured on the Walking
World website where you will also find a short description
of the local area.
Independent
self-guided Walking Holidays in the Lot Department and Dordogne
Valley
richard@jardin-segala.com
FOR
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR WALKING HOLIDAYS TAKE A LOOK AT OUR OTHER
WEBSITE WWW.WALKING-HOLIDAY-FRANCE.CO.UK
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