The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, an unmissable destination in the heart of nature

Hiking, nature walks, visits, workshops, gourmet or swimming, there is something for everyone at the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park located in the center of the Périgueux, Angoulême and Limoges triangle. Spread over 1,900 m2, it offers you a multitude of possibilities to escape as you like between Haute-Vienne and Périgord. Discover a park rich in natural and cultural heritage designated as the land of trees and water, a unique protected natural area that highlights 1,000 years of history of an Occitan land.

Cover image: La Dronne - Philippou's Hole in St-Saud-Lacoussière ©Déclic&Décolle

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, breathtaking landscapes in the Dordogne

The park is a living place that evolves throughout the year, changing from green to golden reflections depending on the seasons. Magnificent, green and wooded, it is far from flat and invites you to discover hilly reliefs with unique and colorful panoramas. Get a first idea by browsing the site of this incredible Park in Périgord !

Varied landscapes in a protected area

A thousand years of history and agricultural practice have created this incredible landscape diversity composed of the Limousin bocage, a place composed of meadows and pastures happily irrigated. On the heights of the park, the massif of feuillardiers stands out between the rivers and ponds with vast meadows, but also chestnut coppices. Further away, it is the Jumilhacois plateaus and Vallées de l'Isle which surprise nature with rivers of white water bordered by wet meadows and large plateaus, while the Vallées Périgourdines amaze you with more than thirty varieties of orchids.

Impressive natural environments

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park is rich in a magnificent oak and chestnut forest that is home to many mammals on 68 hectares of trees, and wetlands predominant in Limousin that offer a unique green landscape to this part of the park. Water is also omnipresent with 3 watersheds and many rivers that feed the ponds and lakes. It is not surprising that the fauna is flourishing in this protected area rich in preserved biodiversity.

Are you curious? You will love discovering serpentinite, a meteorite crater, quartz or even kaolin scattered throughout the various areas of the park.

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, kilometers of 100% nature escape

Put on your hiking boots or get on your mountain bike to explore the many safe and marked hiking trails crossing the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park. One of the most popular remains the Grande Boucle which allows you to admire the beauty of the park as a whole, between plateaus, valleys, hedgerows and forests. Plan 7 to 10 days on foot to cover the 200 km , or 3 to 4 days if you prefer to cycle. Don't have time to do everything? Want to multiply the escapades to complete it? Good news, many public transport and greenways border the park, allowing you to do the Grande Boucle at your own pace, with the itinerary you like. Go to the Tourist Offices or the Maison du Parc to get the park brochure which tells you about the specificities of the park, and introduces you to some legends and emblematic characters of Périgord-Limousin.

A 103 km cycle route loop tested and approved by children and a 2 km "Terra Aventura" geocaching trail around the Maison du Parc are also accessible if you are discovering the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park with your family.

Do you like cycling? The Flow Vélo that connects Sarlat to the island of Aix passes to the south of the Park, entering via Thiviers. Saddle up!

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, a breath of fresh air in the heart of nature

Relaxation, sports activity, refreshing break or exciting encounter, discover the park as you like it ! Its 1,900 hectares of greenery, ponds and rivers invite you to experience unique moments with family, lovers or friends. Put on your swimsuit for a swim in a pond that will be much appreciated on one of the park's 12 beaches, such as the St-Saud-Lacoussière lake or the Saint-Hilaire-des-Places pleasure lake. Most have a picnic area for an invigorating outdoor lunch after the water activities on offer. Some leisure centers, such as Espace Hermeline in Bussière-Galant, offer other activities such as Vélorail , tree climbing or giant zip lines. Take a break at the area's educational farms for a donkey ride after petting the goats and goats.

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, the discovery of a rich heritage

Many small charming villages and towns make up the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, an opportunity for history lovers to appreciate the preserved riches of this remarkable space. Rochechouart Castle, Montbrun Castle, Jumilhac Castle, Piégut Tower, but also manors, abbeys or churches, you will be spoiled for choice to punctuate your discovery with exciting visits in the heart of the park. The craftsmen are also happy to present their unique know-how, a local art represented by Nontron knives, Saint-Yrieix porcelain, Saint-Junien gloves or even gold panning. Take the opportunity to discover Occitan culture, a heritage preserved for over a thousand years that has shaped the country and its identity.

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, numerous events organized throughout the year

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park is a lively place both for its fauna and flora and for the events organized throughout the year, between exhibitions, creative workshops, farm visits or gourmet walks. The Park's events are diverse and varied to invite young and old to discover the beauty and richness of this protected place. Are you a foodie? Many markets are organized in towns and villages to delight the palates with specialties and local products, a special moment with the artisans and producers of the region. Truffle, foie gras or Christmas market, some markets are organized a few times a year, don't miss these unmissable gourmet events in Dordogne !

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, here’s a destination you’ll love !