Delightful gardens and towns full of flowers
Other natural features in the region include 33 parks and gardens, 14 of which have been awarded the “jardin remarquable” label. These gardens are very different in tone and atmosphere, ranging from the Classical-style gardens of the Manoir d’Eyrignac, listed as a Historical Monument, to the formal gardens at the Château d’Hautefort, the romantic hanging gardens at Marqueyssac, or more contemporary gardens such as the Jardins de l’Imaginaire in Terrasson.The Périgord is also home to 13 towns and villages which have been recognised by the France in Bloom organisation with awards ranging from one to four flowers; Périgueux and Bergerac have won theNational Flower Prize for several years running. Garden fans will love the Jardins de Sardy a half hour drive to the west of Bergerac.
It goes without saying that walking in nature is one of the best ways to get at one with it. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Dordogne Valley is recognised for its outstanding natural beauty, pristine rivers and immensely rich cultural heritage which has been so well conserved. With such a gluttonous choice of natural beauty on offer it’s no wonder that walking and hiking is such a massively popular activity here.
The Périgord alone has close to 1,130km of long-distance footpaths, known as Grandes Randonnées (GR). These include part of the Way of St James heading to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain, and the GR 36, which skirts the prehistoric sites of the Vézère valley.
There are several ‘discovery tours’ (400 kilometers of trails) plotted in the surrounding area of Lalinde. You can also walk “a Grande Randonnee” (23) from Lalinde to Louyre.
A route nearbij Les magnolias is Canal de Lalinde – 9 km (Tuilieres commune de Mouleydier, Saint Capraise de Lalinde, Baneuil, Lalinde).
This is just one of the many walking routes. In addition there are also local short and medium-distance routes around Monpazier so called “Petites Randonnées” plotted by the Office de Tourisme. They are circular walks with varying distances between 5 and 40 km. When plotting these routes people make maximum use of the existing natural and quiet paths.
The Dordogne department has hundreds of kilometers of marked hiking routes, providing safe and interesting rides across the region, for cyclists of all abilities. The majority of our bike trails are suitable for mountain bikers, with centres located at Montagrier, Brantôme,Cherveix-Cubas, Lalinde, Vitrac and Biron. Cycle-touring enthusiasts can take advantage of the Périgord’s 34 road-based routes, which together cover a distance in excess of 2,000km. Maps for these routes are available from the local tourist office in lalinde.
We are also glad to help our guests on the way. Check out our 4 day bike tour.
Horse-riding
There’s plenty of space in the Dordogne to enjoy a wide range of equestrian activities, including endurance trails and trekking. The “Le Périgord en Cheval” (Périgord on Horseback) brochure highlights 900km of marked trekking trails and overnight stops for riders covering one of our long-distance equestrian routes. You can go horseback riding on several riding schools in the area of Lalinde. For beginners and skilled horse riders. Go and experience an adventurous ride through the beautiful countryside of the Dordogne.
Aquatic adventures
On a warm summer’s day in the Périgord, there’s nothing quite like an invigorating river descent by canoe. The combination of water and exploring the sights and landscapes at the foot of the cliffs of the Dordogne, Vézère, Dronne, Isle or Auvezère rivers is a pleasure without equal.
As the leading département in France for leisure canoeing, the Dordogne Tourist Board and its partners have just launched a new website dedicated exclusively to canoeing in the Dordogne. The site provides a full list of canoe rental operators who must meet certain criteria, such as offering rental services for 6 months a year and providing a rental package which includes a bus transfer in addition to all canoeing equipment. The website allows operators to post the canoeing trips which they offer, as well as their prices and contact information. Visitors are also able to book trips with their chosen operator ahead of time, via a pre-booking form. We can heartily recommend canoe-roquegeoffre, here you can make a reservation in English. The route we can recommend is La Roque Gageac 14 km.
A new funny way to explore the Dordogne river is stand up paddle. For beginners it’s a new challenge, a bit like gliding on water, it’s more akin to surfing than kayaking – and heaps of fun. Most canoe operators in the Dordogne Valley now offer stand up paddling.
Paragliding
Up and away. Nothing can prepare you for that first rush of wind as the Lift propels you into the sky. Paragliding is one of a host of activities that you can do here but climbing like a bird into the sky is an adrenaline blast you are unlikely to ever forget. It’s also an amazing way to see the French countryside.
A paradise for swimmers
What could be more refreshing than slipping into the cool, clear waters of the Dordogne river on a hot summer’s day? The beauty of the region’s natural beaches and swimming opportunities always make for the perfect afternoon.
The river is one of the cleanest in Europe and offers reliably warm water especially in July and August. Much as a dip in the pool is nice and refreshing, nothing beats a swim in the sparkling waters of the Dordogne.
There are several beaches along the Dordogne River, the one at Limeuil being of particular note. You will find this beach only 15 minutes away bij car from Les Magnolias.
Limeuil is regarded one of the “most beautiful village in France.” Laying at the confluence of the Vezere and Dordogne Rivers, Limeuil is home to a fantastic sandy river beach. Being shallow at the edge, the beach is a great choice for families with young children. If you can manage to drag yourself away from this beautiful beach, wandering around the cobbled streets of this postcard-perfect village, past honey-coloured houses and perfectly-manicured gardens, is definitely worth its while.
Situated in Le Buisson de Cadouin ,The Plage du Pont de Vicq is a popular river beach that offers enjoyable swims in the Dordogne as well as fabulous marked trails through the Bessède Forest. A café for refreshments is available however bathing is unsupervised.
You are also welcome to swim in the river at Les Magnolias, the water is clean and refreshing. It is wise to put on water shoes(chaussures aquatiques). These are available at the supermarket across the street.
The Bassin de Trémolat is a major venue for watersports and its waters, regulated by the Mauzac-et-Grand-Castang dam, are ideal for water-skiing and canoeing. In addition, a sailing club located at the end of the Trémolat meander (cingle) at Mauzac-et-Grand-Castang offers a variety of courses for beginners.
For waterlovers the Dordogne has lots of indoor and outdoor pools and beautiful water parks. For those who love to explore underwaterlife is the aquarium in nearby Le Buque worth a visit.
The Dordogne Périgord, a new golf destination
Whether you live for the game or indulge in a casual tee-off, a golf stay in the Dordogne is the ideal chance to practice your swing ! The Dordogne has seven golf courses, four 18 hole (or more) and three 9 hole courses, giving golfers of all levels the possibility to enjoy their passion for the little white ball. Their pride and joy are their courses set in both natural, untamed surroundings, or near well-known tourist sites.
Golf 27 holes of Chateau des Vigiers in Monestier – www.vigiers.com
Golf 18 holes of Périgueux in Marsac – www.golfdeperigueux.com
Golf 18 holes of la Marterie in St Félix de Reilhac – marterie.bluegreen.com/en
Golf 18 holes of Lolivarie in Siorac- en- Périgord – www.lolivariegolfclub.com
Golf 9 holes of Essendieras in Saint Médard d’Excideuil – www.essendieras.fr
Golf 9 holes of la Forge in Siorac-en-Périgord – www.golfdelaforge.fr
