On the edge of the Massif Central in France lies beautiful undulating countryside of green pasture, forest, walnut trees and vines where pretty villages adorn the ridges and hilltops.
Accommodation & Meals
A mixture of small B&B’s and small independent family-run hotels offering a high quality level of friendly service (3 star rating or equivalent). Many are in historic properties, set in medieval village locations.
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking tour in the Correze is available from April to the end of October. This walking holiday is available in the summer but please book early to ensure we can secure our top choice accommodation. In spring, you are likely to experience some rainy days, but some years can be very dry whilst others can be unsettled. Cold periods are also possible in late April and early May but generally, the temperatures range from 16 degrees in April and climbing to 20°C in May. By mid-June, temperatures generally reach the mid-twenties.
Summers are hot in the Dordogne Valley and the temperature often rises above 30 degrees Celsius. It rarely climbs beyond the mid-30s for any substantial length of time. In general, July is slightly hotter than August, and the average temperature in summer hovers around the upper ‘20s. The summer is generally dry with several fine days interspersed by the odd shower often in the form of heat-of-the-day storms.
September highs average 25°C. October is still a good month for walking on average with maximum temperatures of 20°C and lower rainfall than those experienced further south and east in the south of France. The wettest month during the walking season in Correze is May, whilst September is the driest month. The region is slightly sunnier than the national French average.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
This walking holiday partly follows GR (Grande Randonnee) long distance trails which are well way-marked with red and white markings. There are also a number of signposts along the trail. The walking follows clear paths for its entire duration. The remaining sections follow local trails waymarked in yellow. Our walking notes are very detailed (more information here) and include intermediate distances for sections of the trail. They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply official walking maps produced by the IGN at a scale of 1:25,000. Your trail is highlighted on the maps.
Luggage Transfers
On this walking holiday, your main luggage is transferred between guest houses so you only have to carry a day rucksack with picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. Please limit the weight of your bags to 20kg. We generally use small guest houses in historic buildings and some of the rooms are accessible only by stairs.
Travel Info
Train
Eurostar, the TGV & local TER trains run services from London St Pancras to Souillac, France. Take the Eurostar to Paris where you need to change station. Take the TGV from Paris Austerlitz direction Toulouse. Brive la Gaillard is the 6th station on the line. This train runs regularly during the day and takes about 4 hours.
Flights:
Ryan Air & Flybe have scheduled flights from several UK airports to Limoges, France. From there take a taxi to Limoges train station and catch the Paris to Toulouse to Brive la Gaillard. Journey time from Limoges to Brive is about 1 hour. Ryan Air & Flybe also have scheduled flights from several UK airports to Bergerac, France. Taxi or hire car for the transfer. A greater choice of operators fly to Toulouse from where there is a shuttle bus to Toulouse train station. Then catch the train towards Paris.
Note: Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you.
Self Drive from UK
Channel ferry crossings from Dover are provided by a number of operators including P&O Ferries & DFDS seaways. Crossings are also provided by train with Eurotunnel.
Once in France, the journey from Calais to your first guest house takes about 7 hours (excluding long breaks).
Further Information & Advice
For useful advice about independent walking and preparing for your self guided holiday please take a look at the articles in our top-tips section. Once you have booked on this independent walking or trekking holiday, further information about the walking, the region and what to bring, will be sent to you. We do have a web page dedicated to what clothes and equipment you should bring. Please contact us if you need any further information.
Extra Nights
Extra nights are possible at any of the stopovers. As the walking days are not overly long for the grade, there is already quite a bit of time to visit the historic towns and villages. An extra night in Turenne would give you more time to visit the chateau.
City Breaks
Toulouse is France’s fourth largest city, located on the banks of the Garonne River. Founded by the Romans it owes its nickname of “Ville Rose” or pink city to the use of brick used in much of its architecture from Antiquity to the present day. It dresses the façades with warming colours, from soft pinks to the most flamboyant oranges. Toulouse counts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Canal du Midi (designated in 1996 and shared with other cities), and the Basilica of St. Sernin, the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe, designated in 1998 along with the former hospital Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques because of their significance to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail. We can add on a city break of varying numbers of nights according to your wishes.
Bordeaux is a great destination for a city break and can be easily combined with this walking holiday, as you’ll be picked up from the city. Bordeaux sits on the banks of the Garonne River and is known for its Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, notable art museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and its 18th- to 19th-century mansions, as well as public gardens which line the elegant river quays. We can book a city break for you and provide you with all the information you need for a great stay.
Tailor-Made trips
Here is a selection of our tailor-made trips that include the southwest of France. Please use them for inspiration if you are looking to add extra options to your walking holiday or create your unique tour of France.
French Royal Journey Through History and Wine
If you are looking for a trip that combines the best of everything France has to offer, world-renowned wines, unparalleled gastronomy, castles worthy of the greatest hero movies, this trip is for you! The journey begins in Paris, a city where every street corner promises a new architectural marvel, and where every restaurant and bakery promises authentic French cuisine. Take a trip back in time to the Palace of Versailles before immersing yourself in the Loire Valley, where you’ll explore the most majestic castles and taste exceptional wines. Throughout your adventure, discover Bordeaux and its charming coast, a region that revolves around the production of wine. It’s a royal experience that perfectly combines all the authentic French gems.
Family Adventure Through France’s History
Welcome to France! Are you prepared to embark on this incredible tour through History? Starting in Paris, the city of love, and continuing through Bordeaux, Dordogne, Carcassonne & Marseille, you will explore the rich history of France. From the age of prehistory to contemporary times, you’ll delve into the nation’s abundant cultural legacy. A journey that will appeal not only to history enthusiasts but also to children intrigued by French culture. This trip promises a stunning perspective on French history while savouring the country’s splendour, including its architecture, landscapes, and cuisine!
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