Sentier des Châteaux, Dordogne

The Sentier des Châteaux is a 7-kilometre riverside walk along the south bank of the Dordogne river in the Périgord Noir, one of the most celebrated valley landscapes in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The trail connects the cliff-top fortress of Beynac-et-Cazenac with the troglodyte village of La Roque-Gageac, following the right bank of the river through the golden Dordogne valley with medieval châteaux visible from virtually every vantage point. The walk begins at Beynac-et-Cazenac, approximately 12 kilometres west of Sarlat-la-Canéda on the D57; parking is available in the lower village. The Château de Beynac, rising from a sheer limestone cliff directly above the river, is one of the finest medieval castles in southwest France and open to visitors (admission approximately €9). From the lower village the river path descends to the water's edge and follows the bank eastward through riparian woodland and open meadows. The trail surface is predominantly compacted earth and gravel, largely flat with one short climb of around 150 metres to a viewpoint over the valley's châteaux. The Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is visible throughout the middle section directly across the Dordogne; a seasonal vehicular ferry (bac) connects the two banks. The route passes through the hamlet of Cazenac before arriving at La Roque-Gageac, a linear village built into overhanging cliff shelters and consistently ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. From La Roque-Gageac, traditional gabarre flat-bottomed river boats depart on 1-hour tours offering château views from the water; the boat landing is adjacent to the path endpoint at the village quay. Return to Beynac can be made on foot by retracing the river bank.