Walking Dordogne

In the footsteps of Jacques le Croquant

Walking Dordogne — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 06:06:36 +0000

Starting March 2012

Short bit of History.

During summer of 1789 was the outbreak of the French Revolution. There were numerous good reasons that started the French Revolution, but one of the largest was BREAD!!.. the price of bread was soaring. For example, in August 1788, 50% of a peasant’s income went toward the purchase of bread. By July 1789, this figure had risen to 80%. Bread was a way of collecting taxes, and it was illegal for peasants to own an oven, grindstone and to bake their own bread. Some people risked their lives to supply bread illegally to the poorest peasants. The most famous of these heroes was “Jacques le Croquant” He and his men put up communal ovens hidden away in the hills and forests, well guarded and well used.

Jacques le Croquant was captured in May of 1794 on the day of his 26th birthday …he was be-headed. Just 2 months later in July 28, 1794 the French Revolution came to an end.

In the footsteps of Jacques le Croquant

This amazing journey takes you on a real exciting and fascinating journey back in time. You will get to see 5 ORIGINAL illegal ovens still tucked away.
You will travel along ancient paths, to ruined villages, the ruins of a Templar Hospital, and numerous caves and shelters.
A lot of this adventure is off the beaten track. The trip can be done in about 6 hours, but can be extended with various other hikes.

It is possible to do a shorter version of this trip, but we really do not recommend it unless you are really short on time.

This adventure is a MUST for anyone interested in Historic and adventurous off the beaten trail hikes.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Going Underground

Walking Dordogne — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:18:36 +0000

Going Underground was added to our list just 2 years ago, and it was a direct hit. The reason it is so popular, is because it combines the best section of “Ode to the Neanderthal” and a section of “The Valley of Caves” to create a fantastic and adventurous 5-7 hour loop.

Going Underground is a fantastic and exciting adventure both above ground and underground. Follow the footsteps of our Prehistoric ancestors along the “Ode to the Neanderthal” trails as we make our way through numerous caves to the “Chamber”. A warren of tunnels used a a safe haven for our Prehistoric ancestors and later the French Resistance. This adventure is not to be missed.

These photos were taken on various trips in 2010

Walking Dordogne YouTube Channel

Walking Dordogne — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 02:01:25 +0000

A picture tells a 1000 words, and a video tells a story. You can watch all our videos at our YouTube Channel, and while you are there, why not subscribe to our channel and get notified when we post new videos. We hope you enjoy our vids, and hopefully we will see you in 2011.

WALKING DORDOGNE VIDEOS

Dordogne Trails

Walking Dordogne — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 01:02:44 +0000

Walking Dordogne is working hard on the launch of a new website.. www.dordognetrails.com In the coming months we will be “mapping” all our trails, making it possible for people to download the trails and upload it to their GPS. We will also be mapping new trails to add to our already extensive list of unique and exciting trails. If all goes to plan we should have this done during the first half of 2011. We are also inviting Dordogne Holiday / Vacation accommodation to add their property to the site, with any trail info in the near facility. For info please visit : www.dordognetrails.com

Dordogne Secrets

Walking Dordogne — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 07:14:34 +0000

Dordogne Secrets were taken on various Walking Dordogne Trails throughout the Dordogne and Vezere Valley

Ode to the Child Clan

Walking Dordogne — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:47:12 +0000

Ode to the Child Clan is a fantastic 3 day adventure for the kids. Take them on this tour and it will be without doubt the best holiday they will ever have.
Day one will be spent hiking and exploring the prehistoric Vezere valley. Caves, troglodytes, shelters, underground caverns and lots more. The kids will love every second of this exploration
Day two will be spent enjoying the Vezere Valley countryside on a pony, riding experience is not needed, our ponies are child friendly, and they walk at a very steady pace.
Day 3 is spent exploring the Vezere river by canoe, at a very steady pace we will travel about 24km down the river passing chateaus, troglodytes, caves, shelters and lots more.

Ode to the Clan is ideal for kids aged between 7 – 12, it goes without saying that the young ones must have an adventurous spirit.

The good news is, parents get to come along absolutely FREE

** At least one parent required per 2 kids
** Max size per group is 3 kids and 2 adults (parents)

Neanderthals Romans and Templars

Walking Dordogne — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:35:45 +0000

This trail is based on our very popular “Prehistoric, Roman and Medieval” hiking trail, but Neanderthals Romans and Templar’s is for the mountain bikers.
Neanderthals, Romans and Templar’s is a fantastic and unique trail that takes you through 1000′s of years of history. Our Neanderthal and Cro Magnon ancestors roamed, hunted and gathered along this trail. 100′s of thousand years later the Romans arrived,leaving behind some wonderful structures, and then +500 years later it was time for Templar’s and Medieval Jewels.
This is a MUST DO Trail for everyone interested in history.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Mountain Bike Mayhem

Walking Dordogne — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:06:54 +0000

USA Mountain Biker Rip3d from among other sites Mountain Bike Mayhem, Mountain Bike Trails USA and Mountain Biking USA has arrived in the Dordogne to ride, test and video our trails. We are also very proud to have him be the first to ride our new trail Neanderthal’s Revenge. We tried to keep up with him on the trail, but that was impossible.

Although Neanderthal’s Revenge has not yet been added to our already extensive list of Mountain Biking Trails, we should be ready to launch it on September 1st of this year (2010).

Neanderthal’s Revenge connects all our existing trails through a vast network of trails, giving the Mountain Bikers unlimited possibilities in the Dordogne and Vezere Valley, the Prehistoric Capital of the World.

Looking for Dordogne Accommodation

Walking Dordogne — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:50:59 +0000

Walking Dordogne offers a wide range of exciting and unique tours in the Dordogne and Vezere Valley. We are constantly adding new trips to our already extensive list. In May of 2010 Walking Dordogne will be launching a new trip for mountain bikers ( and hikers in a later stage ) We are in the middle of connecting a vast network of trails that will cover the whole Dordogne, giving the riders the chance to reach all the main attractions using off road tracks and trails and remote and rural roads. Walking Dordogne is looking for Dordogne accommodation owners who would like to add their property to be listed as an option to stay while exploring the Dordogne on Mountain bike and Foot. Walking Dordogne will not benefit financially from any accommodation offered. All we are hoping to achive is to add a list of accommodation to link to the Trails. We welcome the more remote and rural accommodation, but it is definitely not a “must” If you have accommodation in the Dordogne and can accommodate mountain bikers (and their bikes in a secure setting) and / or hikers then please contact us with your details and we will get in touch with you.. Or if you know someone with accommodation in the Dordogne, please forward them this link, I’m sure they will thank you for it. Thank you The Walking Dordogne Team

Dordogne Mayhem Mountain Biking Trail

Walking Dordogne — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:17:21 +0000

We are extremely pleased and proud to add ” Dordogne Mayhem “ to our list of Mountain Biking Trails.

Dordogne Mayhem is without doubt the best and most exciting Mountain Biking Trail in the Dordogne.
Dordogne Mayhem offers numerous loops that can be combined with each other. This trail(s) is a one way system, so serious riders can open up without the fear of having someone coming the opposite direction. Depending on each individuals preference, there are unlimted possibilities, from very fast single tracks, sharp and mild switchbacks, numerous whoopie doo’s, and even a section for the downhill warriors ( this section is extreme downhill and requires full body armor and full suspension bike)
Anyone looking to spend a few hours of Mountain Biking excitement in the Dordogne, should seriously consider joining us on this trail.