Walking Dordogne has put together without any doubt the best Mountain Biking Trails in the Dordogne. Their trails are suitable for all levels.

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Walking Dordogne’s notorious trails to date are :

• The Devils Play Ground
• Satan’s Fury
• Devils Backbone
• Valley of Revenge
• Hells Gorge
• Dordogne Mayhem

Walking Dordogne will be adding two “Dordogne Epic” tours to their 2010 list of tours. These 2 Epics will be all day rides, if lucky they can be done in 7-10 hours, and will take you about 80% off road.

For more info visit : www.walkingdordogne.com

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What an incredible day!. We met our guide for the cave region, Bart Vranken, just after breakfast, and before long he had us spellbound. His knowledge of history, art and philosophy was so well integrated, and he is so articulate, that the information came forth like a river, and all we had to do was to stay alert and process it all! This was a man with a plan. Bart arranged for us to be the first tour of the day at Rouffingnac, so no crowds would mar our experience?..

Abjat Sur Bandiat Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24300, Abjat Sur Bandiat
Tel: 05 53 56 80 08 Fax: 05 53 56 77 97

Beaumont Du Perigord Tourism Office: Place Centrale, 24440, Beaumont Du Perigord
Tel: 05 53 22 39 12 Fax: 05 53 22 05 35

Belves Tourism Office: 1 Rue des Filhols, 24170, Belves
Tel: 05 53 29 10 20

• Bergerac Tourism Office: 97 Rue Neuve d’Argenson, 24100, Bergerac
  Tel: 05 53 57 03 11 Fax: 05 53 61 11 04
  
• Beynac et Cazenac Tourism Office: La Balme, 24220, Beynac et Cazenac. Includes the communes Carsac-Aillac, La roque Cageac, St Andre–Atlas, St Vincent de Cosses, Vezac et Vitrac).
  Tel: 05 53 29 43 08 Fax: 05 53 29 43 08
  
• Bourdeilles Tourism Office: Place des Tilleuls, 24310, Bourdeilles
  Tel: 05 53 03 42 96 Fax: 05 53 54 56 27
  
• Brantome Tourism Office: Abbaye, 24310, Brantome
  Tel: 05 53 05 80 52 Fax: 05 53 05 80 52
  
• Canton de Mareuil Tourism Office: 12 rue Pierre Degail, 24340, Mareuil Sur Belle
  Tel: 05 53 60 99 85 Fax: 05 53 60 31 97
  
• Carlux et Fenelon Tourism Office: Rouffillac, 24370, Carlux
  Tel: 05 53 59 10 70 Fax: 05 53 59 10 70
  
• Creysse Tourism Office: Port de Creysse – Belle Riva, 24100, Creysse
  Tel: 05 53 23 20 45 Fax: 05 53 23 20 45
  
• Daglan Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24250, Daglan
  Tel: 05 53 29 88 84 Fax: 05 53 29 88 84
  
• Domme Tourism Office: Plae de la Halle, 24250, Domme
  Tel: 05 53 31 71 00 Fax: 05 53 31 71 09
  
• Excideuil Tourism Office: 1 Place du Chateau, 24160, Excideuil
  Tel: 0872 689 556 Fax: 05 53 52 29 79
  
• Eymet Tourism Office: Place de la Bastide, 24500, Eymet.
  Tel: 05 53 23 74 95 Fax: 05 53 23 74 95
  
• Grolejac Tourism Office: Mairie, 24250, Grolejac
  Tel: 05 53 28 11 06 Fax: 05 53 29 39 74
  
• Hautefort Tourism Office: Place du Marquis, J.F. de Hautefort, 24390, Hautefort
  Tel: 05 53 50 40 27 Fax: 05 53 51 99 73
  
• Issigeac Tourism Office: Place du Chateau, 24560, Issigeac
  Tel: 05 53 58 79 62 Fax: 05 53 58 79 62
  
• Javerlhac La Chapelle Tourism Office: Mairie, 24300, Javerlhac La Chapelle
  Tel: 05 53 56 30 18
  
• La Roche Chalais Tourism Office: 9 Place du Puits qui Chante, 24490, La Roche Chalais
  Tel: 05 53 90 18 95
• La Roque Gageac Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24250, La Roque Gageac
  Tel: 05 53 29 17 01
• Lalinde Tourism Office: Jardin Public, 24150, Lalinde
  Tel: 05 53 61 08 55 Fax: 05 53 61 00 64
• Lanouaille Tourism Office: Place Marechal Bugeaud, 24270, Lanouaille
  Tel: 05 53 62 17 82 Fax: 05 53 62 18 00
• Le Bugue Sur Vezere Tourism Office: Porte de la Vezere, 24260, Le Bugue Sur Vezere
  Tel: 05 53 07 20 48 Fax: 05 53 54 92 30
• Le Buisson De Cadouin Tourism Office: Pavillion de l’Office de Tourisme, Place du General de Galle, 24480, Le Buisson De Cadouin
  Tel: 05 53 22 06 09 Fax: 05 53 22 06 09
• Les Eyzies De Tayac Tourism Office: 19 Avenue de la Prehistoire, 24620, Les Eyzies De Tayac
  Tel: 05 53 06 90 79 Fax: 05 53 06 90 79
• Limeuil Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24510, Limeuil
  Tel: 05 53 63 38 90 Fax: 05 53 63 30 31
• Monpazier Tourism Office: Place des Cornieres, 24540, Monpazier
  Tel: 05 53 22 68 59 Fax: 05 53 74 30 08
• Montagrier Tourism Office: Moulin du Pont, 24350, Montagrier
  Tel: 05 53 91 35 11 Fax: 05 53 91 35 11
• Montpon Menesterol Tourism Office: Place Clemenceau, 24700, Montpon Menesterol
  Tel: 05 53 82 23 77 Fax: 05 53 81 86 74
• Mussidan Tourism Office: Place de la Republique, 24400, Mussidan
  Tel: 05 53 81 73 87
• Neuvic Sur l’Isle Tourism Office: Place de la Mairie, 24190, Neuvic Sur l’Isle
  Tel: 05 53 81 52 11 Fax: 05 53 80 18 54
• Nontron Tourism Office: Chateau, Avenue du General Leclerc, 24300, Nontron
  Tel: 05 53 56 25 50 Fax: 05 53 60 34 13
• Pays de Jumilhac Tourism Office: Bd du Gal de Gaulles, 24630, Jumilhac le Grand.
  Tel: 05 53 52 55 43 Fax: 05 53 62 59 43
• Pays de Villamblard Tourism Office: Chateau Barriere, 24140, Villamblard
  Tel: 05 53 82 26 28 Fax: 05 53 82 26 28
• Perigueux Tourism Office: 26 Place Francheville, 24000, Perigueux.
  Tel: 05 53 53 10 63 Fax: 05 53 09 02 50
• Piegut Pluviers Tourism Office: 1 Place de l’Eglise, 24360, Piegut Pluviers.
  Tel: 05 53 60 74 75 Fax: 05 53 56 88 30
• Riberac Tourism Office: Place Charles de Gaulle, 24600, Riberac.
  Tel: 05 53 90 03 10 Fax: 05 53 91 35 13
• Rouffignac Tourism Office: Place de la Mairie, 24580, Rouffignac St Cernin de Reilhac.
  Tel: 05 53 05 39 03
• Salignac-Eyvigues Tourism Office: At 24590, Salignac-Eyvigues.
  Tel: 05 53 28 81 93 Fax: 05 53 28 85 26
• Sarlat Tourism Office: Ancien Eveche, Rue Tournay, 24200, Sarlat la Caneda.
  Tel: 05 53 31 45 45 Fax: 05 53 59 19 44
• Saussignac Tourism Office: Le Chateau, 24240, Saussignac.
  Tel: 05 53 22 49 11
• Sigoules Tourism Office: Place de l’Eglise, 24240, Sigoules.
  Tel: 05 53 58 48 16 Fax: 05 53 73 02 39
• Siorac en Perigord: Mairie, Place de Siorac, 24270, Siorac en Perigord.
  Tel: 05 53 31 63 51
• Sorges Tourism Office: At Ecomusee de la Truffe, 24420, Sorges.
  Tel: 045 53 46 71 43 Fax: 05 53 46 71 43
• St Astier Tourism Office: Place de la Republique, 24110, Saint Astier.
  Tel: 05 53 54 13 85 Fax: 05 53 08 77 85
• St Aulaye Sur Dronne Tourism Office: Place Pasteur, 24410, Saint Aulaye.
  Tel: 05 53 90 63 74
• St Cyprien en Perigord Tourism Office: Place Charles de Gaulle, 24220, Saint Cyprien.
  Tel: 05 53 30 36 09 Fax: 05 53 28 55 05
• St Jean de Cole Tourism Office: Rue du Chateau, 24800, Saint Jean de Cole.
  Tel: 05 53 62 14 15 Fax: 05 53 62 14 15
• St Pardoux La Riviere Tourism Office: Rue Puits de la Barre, St Pardoux La Riviere.
  Tel: 05 53 56 79 30 / 05 53 56 70 22
• Ste Alvere Tourism Office: At Service Municipal du Tourisme Ste Alvere, 2 rue Jules Ferry, 24510, Ste Alvere.
  Tel: 05 53 73 55 85 Fax: 05 53 73 55 99
• Terrasson Lavilledieu Tourism Office: Rue Jean Rouby, 24120, Terrasson Lavilledieu.
  Tel: 05 53 50 37 56 Fax: 05 53 50 86 82
• Thenon Tourism Office: 27 Avenue de la IVe Republique, 24210, Thenon.
  Tel: 05 53 06 35 10
• Thiviers Tourism Office: Place du Marechal Foch, 24800, Thiviers.
  Tel: 05 53 55 12 50 Fax: 05 53 55 12 50
• Tocane St Apre: Tourist office at Tocane St Apre.
  Tel: 05 53 91 35 11
• Tremolat Tourism Office: Ilot St Nicholas Bourg, 24510, Tremolat.
  Tel: 05 53 22 89 33 Fax: 05 53 22 82 71
• Varaignes Tourism Office: Chateau de Varaignes, 24360, Varaignes.
  Tel: 05 53 56 35 76 Fax: 05 53 56 35 76
• Vergt Tourism Office: 17 Place Charles Mangold, 24380, Vergt.
  Tel: 05 53 03 45 10
• Verteillac Tourism Office: Avenue d’Aquitaine, 24320, Verteillac.
  Tel: 05 53 90 37 78
• Villars Tourism Office: At Bourg, 24530, Villars.
  Tel: 05 53 03 50 79 Fax: 05 53 03 50 79
• Villefranche de Lonchat Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24610, Villefranche de Lonchat.
  Tel: 05 53 73 29 62 Fax: 05 53 73 29 62
• Villefranche du Perigord Tourism Office: Rue Notre Dame, 24550, Villefranche du Perigord.
  Tel: 05 53 29 98 37 Fax: 05 53 30 40 12
• Vitrac Tourism Office: At 24200, Vitrac.
  Tel: 05 53 28 57 80

“Arcacia”
This house has a patio with a spectacular view of the famous Les Eyzies rocks. It consist of, a kitchen / dinning room with a double bed in a loft above. A sitting room with couch-bed plus 2 single beds in the loft above. A bathroom with shower / bath wash basin and washing machine. Separate toilet.

Price 2009 taxes included

per week for 4/5 people

1st March / 21 June = 460 €
21 June / 31 August = 480 €
1 September / 30 October = 460 €

In Paleontology , the term Perigordian industry is given to the tool tradition of prehistoric men in Upper Paleolithic Europe that followed the Mousterian industry, was contemporary in part with the Aurignacian, and was succeeded by the Solutrean. Perigordian tools included denticulate (toothed) tools of the type used earlier in the Mousterian tradition and stone knives with one sharp edge and one flat edge, much like modern metal knives. Other Upper Paleolithic tool types are also found in Perigordian culture, including scrapers, borers, burins (woodworking tools rather like chisels), and composite tools; bone implements are relatively uncommon.

The Perigordian has two main stages.

The earlier stage, called Châtelperronian, is concentrated in the Périgord region of France but is believed to have originated in southwestern Asia; it is distinguished from contemporary stone tool culture complexes by the presence of curved-backed knives (knives sharpened both on the cutting edge and the back).
The later stage is called Gravettian and is found in France, Italy, and Russia (there termed Eastern Gravettian). Gravettian people in the west hunted horses to the near exclusion of the reindeer and bison that other contemporaries hunted; in Russia Gravettians concentrated on mammoths. Both appear to have hunted communally, using stampedes and pitfalls to kill large numbers of animals at one time. Gravettians in the east used large mammoth bones as part of the building material for winter houses; mammoth fat was used to keep fires burning. Gravettian peoples made rather crude, fat “Venus” figurines, used red ochre as pigment, and fashioned jewelry out of shells, animal teeth, and ivory.

Archaeological finds in the Perigord, made another profound impact on the study of religion when in 1841 the discovery of prehistoric human artifacts and later finds gave clues to early man’s magico-religious beliefs and practices. These discoveries, notably the cave paintings in the Dordogne, northern and eastern Spain, and elsewhere, gave scholars encouragement to work out the course of man’s religious evolution from earliest times. Spectacular as prehistoric archaeology was proving to be, however, it could only yield fragments of a whole that is difficult to reconstruct. Even the famous cave paintings of Les Trois Frères, in the Dordogne, for example, which portray among other things a dancing human with antlers on his head and a stallion’s tail decorating his rear, does not yield an unambiguous interpretation: is the dancing figure a sorcerer, a priest, or what? He very likely is a priest presenting himself as a divine figure connected with animal fertility and hunting rites–but this remains as only an educated guess. Hence, it became attractive to many scholars of religion to try to supplement ancient archaeological evidence with data drawn from contemporary primitive peoples–i.e., to interpret the prehistoric Stone Age through present-day stone age cultures. This procedure has several pitfalls–partly because contemporary “primitives” are themselves the product of a long historical process and because their culture may have changed over the millennia in many and various ways.

Lascaux: A cave containing one of the most outstanding displays of prehistoric art yet discovered, located above the Vézère River valley near Montignac. It is a short distance upstream from another major cave-art site, Eyzies-de-Tayac. The two sites, with some two dozen other painted caves and 150 prehistoric settlements in the Vézère valley, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979. Discovered by four teenage boys in September 1940, the cave was first studied by the French archaeologist Henri-Édouard-Prosper Breuil. It consists of a main cavern (some 66 feet [20 meters] wide and 16 feet [5 meters] high) and several steep galleries, all magnificently decorated with engraved, drawn, and painted figures.
In all there are some 600 painted and drawn animals and symbols, along with nearly 1,500 engravings. The paintings were done on a light background in various shades of yellow, red, brown, and black. Among the most remarkable pictures are four huge aurochs (some 16 feet long), their horns portrayed in a “twisted perspective”; a curious two-horned animal (misleadingly nicknamed the “unicorn”), perhaps intended as a mythical creature; several red deer; bovids; great herds of horses; the heads and necks of several stags (3 feet [1 meter] tall), which appear to be swimming across a river; a series of six felines; two male bison; and a rare narrative composition.The narrative scene has been variously interpreted but is probably based on shamanism. Its central figure is a bison that appears to have been speared in the abdomen; hanging, or spilling, from the animal near the spear is a lined, ovular sack that may represent entrails. In front of the bison’s horns, and falling away from the animal, is a bird-headed man–the only human figure depicted in the cave–with an erect phallus. Just below, or beside, the man is a stick with a bird ornament as a finial. Another spear is near the man’s feet, and off to the left a rhinoceros seems to be walking away from the scene. Archaeologists have theorized that the cave served over a long period of time as a centre for the performance of hunting and magical rites–a theory supported by the depiction of a number of arrows and traps on or near the animals. Based on carbon-14 dating, as well as the fossil record of the animal species portrayed, the Lascaux paintings have been dated to the late Aurignacian (Perigordian) period (c. 15,000-13,000 BC). The cave, in perfect condition when first discovered, was opened to the public in 1948. Its floor level was quickly lowered to accommodate a walkway, destroying information of probable scientific value in the process–and the ensuing pedestrian traffic (as many as 100,000 annual visitors), as well as the use of artificial lighting, caused the once-vivid colours to fade and algae and bacteria to grow over some of the paintings. Thus, in 1963 the cave was again closed. In 1983 a partial replica, “Lascaux II,” was opened nearby for public viewing; by the mid-1990s it registered some 300,000 visitors annually.

The inhabitants of what was to become the Perigord region have left so much evidence of their existence and way of life that the valley of the Vézère has become a sanctuary to their memory and a prestigious prehistoric site. Industrious and prosperous tribes of Gauls who lived in the hills and already knew the secrets of iron joined together and became known as the Petrocores. Under the Romans, they built in the valley the important town of Vésone which became a city in the first century AD and part of the Roman Empire. After the invasions, the antique Civitas Petrocorium became the province of Périgord and played an important part in the struggle for the independence of Aquitaine, before coming under the French monarchy. The French king Henri IV was the last Count of Périgord.

During the Hundred Years War , the region marked the boundary of French and English possessions and was thus the scene of incessant combat, resulting in the many castles which were the bastions of rival factions. Feudal struggles were fierce and the spirit of liberty was evident from early on. The towns were administered by consuls and walls were built to protect the cities.
After the destruction and massacres of the Wars of Religion (1562 – 1598), these military defences were used for the last time during the troubles known as “La Fronde” (1649 – 1652).
During the French Revolution , the Périgord region changed its name in 1790 and became known as the
Dordogne, with the capital changing successively from Périgueux to Bergerac then Sarlat before finally becoming Périgueux again.

In the early 12th century 6 Monks from the Monastery of Paunat were travelling between Monasteries when one of the Monks became very ill, they set up camp in Tayac near a water source. The monk was dieing, but miraculously healed after drinking the water from the “Tayac Source”. To the Monks of Paunat this was a “Sign” and round about 1123 they started building the magnificent and fortified church of Tayac, they called it “St Martin“. At the same time, the Monks of Paunat started working the land in this lush Vezere valley, they built the farmhouse / monastery, which is now “Ferme de Tayac” that has been completely renovated, and is now a lovely B&B opposite the church. For hundreds of years the Monks lived here and worked the lands, bit by bit houses were built against the rock. The water from the “Tayac Source” was taken to other surrounding Monasteries, for it’s healing powers, Tayac was thriving. Two centuries later, things took a turn, wars were breaking out, armies were constantly attacking areas and strongholds. Religion and all that went with it lost it’s power, and very slowly the life in and around Tayac became what it is today. St. Martin still stands proud, and is without doubt the nicest Fortified Church in the Perigord, the “Tayac Source” is still there, although no longer in use.

For more and updated info on Ferme de Tayac please visit their official web site www.fermedetayac.com 

Walking Dordogne has about 20 excellent walks in their Itinerary, varying from 3 hours to 10 hours, most walks can be combined with other walks to make them longer or shorter. Our walks are guaranteed to show you the REAL Dordogne, and take you to all the main highlights this region is famous for.

Our walks are suitable for all ages, but for most walks a certain level of fitness and stamina is required. Most walks are on tracks & trails, some marked, others not. Certain walks to caves, dwellings, ruins and view points are off the tracks, and up hill walking is often required.
Some of our walks may not be suitable for people with a fear of heights.

The great thing about Walking Dordogne is that our walks are not planned months or weeks ahead, we usually plan the walks together with the customer the day before, depending on the wishes and preferences of the customer, this way we can make sure everyone gets to see what they want to see. If the walks are done in combination, with canoeing or horse riding, then these walks are usually planned ahead, to guarentee the use of the horses or canoes.

Our most popular day hikes are :

 The Valley of Caves * round trip * 9+ hours but can be combined with other hikes to make it longer or shorter * must be fit and adventurous

The Valley of Caves tour, is a 9+ hour hike for the “die hards” it is a strenuous version of the “Ode to the Neanderthal” hike. On this thrill seeking, adrenaline pumping hike, you will get dirty, you will get tired, you will be cursing, but you will have the best time of your life!! On this trip of a lifetime we go prepared with camelbacks, headtorches, and extra batteries. We venture deep into caves, crawling into caverns, follow an ancient once river now cave, we will climb to hidden caves, and lots more, If it’s caves you want to see, then Welcome to the “Valley of Caves”

 In the footsteps of the Mammoth * round trip * 4-5 hours but can be combined with other hikes to make it longer or shorter

In the footsteps of the Mammoth is a exciting 4 – 5 hour round trip hike, 90% of this walk is off the beaten track, it is also part of the “Valley of Caves” and “Ode to the Neaderthal” trips. Highligts on this trip are numerous caves, some excellent troglodytes, an amazing rock ledge and shelters, fantastic views of the Vezere Valley and a ruined village, left behind hundreds of years ago.

 Prehistoric, Romans and Medieval * round trip * 4-5 hours

Our Prehistoric, Romans and Medieval hike is an extremely interesting 4 – 5 hour hike through history, from the Prehistoric “Cap Blanc” and some excellent Troglodytes, to the Medieval stronghold village Commarque to the Roman roads, canal and bridges hidden in the Beune Valley. This trip is a MUST for anyone with an interest in various historic periods.

 Hells Gorge * round trip * 4-5 hours

Hells Gorge, the name say’s it all, we follow an ancient track that cuts through the gorge. Here you will see the largest Prehistoric Overhang in Europe. We will venture into some hidden and unmapped caves  and shelters, you will also explore the ruins of a Templars Hospital, an ancient sacrafice spot, excellent views and lots more. All in all an unforgettable 4-5 hour round trip.

 Ode to the Neanderthal * round trip * 7-8 hours but can be combined with other hikes to make it longer or shorter

Ode to the Neanderthal is Walking Dordogne’s most popular trip, it is a thrilling 7-8 hour round trip that takes you off the beaten track to the best kept secrets in the Vezere Valley. About 40 unmapped prehistoric caves, troglodytes, shelters excellent views of the Vezere Valley, and lots more. This trip can be combined with “Valley of Caves” and “In the Footsteps of the Mammoth” tours, to make it longer or shorter.

 The ring of Eyzies * round trip * 4-5 hours but can be combined with other hikes to make it longer or shorter

The “Ring of Eyzies” is a fantastic 4-5 hour hike taking you to unmapped, long forgotten and hidden treasures in and around Les Eyzies de Tayac. We will venture off the beaten track into some great caves and Troglodytes, you will have wonderful views of the surrounding area, and we will follow some ancient tracks used 1000′s of years ago by our ancestors.

 For more info visit : www.walkingdordogne.com

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Ferme de Fonluc is situated in the hart of the Vezere Valley in Tayac, just 10 minutes walk from Les Eyzies de Tayac. We have the Vezere river running through our land, and stunning views of the Limestone rock faces riddled with Prehistoric dwellings.

Ferme de Fonluc is an ideal place to spend your vacation, a beautiful Perigordine’s farmhouse nestled away in the Vezere Valley surrounded
by lush fields and woodland with spectacular views of the limestone cliffs that are riddled with prehistoric dwellings and the Vezere river running through it. Being just 10 minutes walk from Les Eyzies, it is an ideal place to experience the Prehistoric Capitol, but to escape the very busy tourist villages / attractions.

Horse riding in the Dordogne is an absolute unique experience, nowhere else in the world can you visibly travel through more than 250000 years of history, from neanderthal dwellings, through Cro-Magnon settlements to Medieval towns and villages, all within a day. The Vezere valley in the hart of the Perigord Noir is with it’s more than 250 UNESCO sites of interest the undisputed Prehistoric Capital of the World. Most of these sites are only accessible on foot or horseback. Vezere Valley, Lascaux, La Madeleine, Commarque, Font de Gaume, these are just a very small list of the treasures on our doorstep.
Ferme de Fonluc guarantees you horse riding trips and multi day treks that you will never forget, you will get to see the real Dordogne, and see places in the Prehistoric Capital of the World that tourists never get to see.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6BNqd0emX8 

For more info visit : www.fonluc.com  and / or www.dordogneonhorse.com