Walking shoes or a well-oiled chain—the Périgord Vert is waiting just for you.
In the heart of the rolling, lush green Dordogne, criss-crossed by shaded paths and tranquil rivers, Château le Verdoyer is undoubtedly one of the finest starting points for exploring nature on foot or by bike. Accessible to all levels, the region offers breathtaking scenery, local legends, and a wealth of hidden treasures.
By bike: quiet lanes and total freedom
From the campsite, you can easily access a network of quiet, low-traffic roads that connect the surrounding villages. It is perfect for wandering between meadows and oak forests at your own pace, with no cars to disturb the peace. This is the Périgord Vert in all its simplicity—and that is quite something.
If you prefer a dedicated track, free from the worry of trucks, the Voie Verte is made for you. Laid out on the former 19th-century railway line connecting Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière to Thiviers, this green corridor of about 17 km winds through deciduous forests and the wild valleys of the Côle and the Dronne, offering superb views of the Périgord countryside. Allow about an hour by bike or three hours on foot for the full route.
Note: along the way, take a detour to Saint-Jean-de-Côle, one of the most beautiful villages in France, known for its timber-framed houses and the Château de la Marthonie. It is a must-see stop.
The Voie Verte has recently been integrated into the Flow’Vélo, a 400 km cycling route connecting the Île d’Aix (Charente-Maritime) to Thiviers—and it continues to grow, with new sections added towards Nontron and the Charente in recent years. In short, there is plenty here for cycle-touring enthusiasts to dream about.
No bike? No worries. The campsite can assist you with rentals from Gabriel – Atelier Cycle 24, in Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière, just a stone’s throw from the start of the Voie Verte.
On foot: 2,000 km of marked trails
The Périgord Vert is also a walker’s paradise. Within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, there are over 2,000 km of marked trails criss-crossing hills, forests, and villages. It is enough to fill several stays without ever getting bored.
Wild orchids in spring, mushrooms in autumn, frost and winter silence: every season reveals a new facet of the region. And if you are looking for an original companion, the Park offers audio-guided hikes (the “Randio’guidées”) around Nontron, with built-in audio commentary and GPS. It is a fun way to discover the territory with a fresh perspective. More information is available on the park’s website: pnr-perigord-limousin.fr.
The campsite reception is also here to guide you, provide maps, and recommend routes suited to your interests of the moment.
Our local favorites
From the campsite or in the immediate vicinity, here are three excursions that are truly worth the trip:
Le Saut du Chalard
The Tacot Loop and the Boviduc
The Miallet Dam
Want to go further?
The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park holds other lesser-known gems: the Roc Branlant site in Saint-Estèphe, the Saint-Estèphe ponds renowned as some of the most beautiful in the park, or a visit to Nontron, a town perched above the Bandiat valley and birthplace of the oldest folding knife in France. A perfect blend of culture and fresh air.
Before you set off: charge your phone, bring water (there are no water points along the Voie Verte), and above all, do not forget your hiking shoes. They are the only essential item—the Périgord Vert will take care of the rest.
