On foot and by bike: our walks around Sarlat

Sarlat has one of the best-preserved medieval and Renaissance town centres in France. Start from the Place de la Liberté, pass the Maison de La Boétie and Saint-Sacerdos cathedral, climb up to the Lanterne des Morts, then lose yourself in the lanes. Early in the morning or in the evening, when the stone glows golden, you have the town to yourself. The tourist office also runs guided tours.

Built on a former railway line, this paved greenway links Sarlat to Cazoulès over about 24 km, car-free and almost flat. It goes through a 500-metre tunnel, crosses old viaducts and passes near the former Carlux station, with lovely views over the Dordogne valley. Ideal by bike with children: turn back whenever you like.

Beyond the famous clipped box hedges, the Marqueyssac gardens offer about 6 km of shady paths on a rocky spur, 130 metres above the river. They lead to a viewpoint overlooking the whole valley. On some summer evenings, the gardens are lit by candlelight.

From Rocamadour, a path drops into the Alzou valley and follows the often dry riverbed between the cliffs to the ruins of the Moulin du Saut, a 12th-century fortified mill perched by its former waterfall. A lovely shaded walk, with other ruined mills along the way.

The Périgord Noir is criss-crossed by waymarked trails: short loops around the villages, paths between hamlets and dry-stone huts, long routes along the valleys. Sarlat's tourist office will advise you according to your level and wishes, and hiking apps list many routes starting from Sarlat.