Horseback Riding in the Dordogne: Routes, Riding Centers, and Tips

The Dordogne is one of the best-equipped departments for horseback riding: approximately8,500 kilometers of marked trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, centers for all skill levels, and routes ranging from a few hours to several days. If you’re staying at Slow Village Saint-Cybranet, on the edge of the Céou Valley, or at Slow Village Séveilles, between the Dordogne and Vézère valleys, several equestrian centers and marked loop trails are less than 30 minutes away.

This guide will help you choose a route that suits your skill level, find a reliable center, and plan your outing properly—whether it’s a one-hour hike or a trip lasting several days.

The Vézère Valley: From Prehistoric Sites to Cliffs

Around Tursac, several horseback riding trails have been mapped out by riders: the Moustier trail (16 km) and the Madeleine trail (19 km) are suitable for beginners riding with a guide, while the Plazac trail (24 km) is better suited for experienced riders. Plan on a full day, including a lunch break.

Further to the northeast, the Coly trail starts in Lardin-Saint-Lazare: 31 km with an elevation gain of about 480 m, recommended for experienced riders only. For guided rides in this area, the Sardin Equestrian Farm in Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin is an equestrian tourism center with a stopover lodge, where rides are led by certified guides.

The Valley of the Castles, from Castelnaud to Beynac

This is the most visited area of the Périgord Noir, featuring the castles of Castelnaud and Beynac, which face each other on opposite sides of the Dordogne River. In Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, just a few kilometers from Slow Village Saint-Cybranet, the equestrian farm La Vallée des Châteaux offers 1- to 8-day trail rides, with overnight accommodations, a swimming pool, and on-site camping. To round out your stay, check out our selection of the most beautiful castles around Slow Village Séveilles.

Along the Céou River, you’ll come across “béals”—old canals that once supplied water to the mills. These are great spots for a break in the shade during the summer.

The Périgord region of the bastides, for multi-day hikes

In Alles-sur-Dordogne, at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers and not far from Slow Village Séveilles, La Haute Yerle equestrian farm—which has specialized in trail riding since 1982—offers rides by the hour and 2- to 6-day trail rides from March through November. For independent riders, longer routes designed in collaboration with the departmental committee are available online: the best-known one connects Brantôme to Bonaguil Castle in 8 days and 169 km, passing through Limeuil, Cadouin, and Monpazier. Riders must be comfortable at all three gaits.

To find your way, follow the departmental trail markers: yellow for the loops, green for the connecting trails that link them together. The Departmental Equestrian Tourism Committee (CDTE) also publishes a map, “Le Périgord à cheval,” which includes a list of stopover points and can help you plan a customized trail ride. If you prefer a shorter outing, our article on horseback riding in the Périgord Noir features other trails accessible from our villages.

The Guided Walk

A one- to two-hour group ride at a walking pace, with a guide who will assign you a horse based on your skill level. This is the best way to make sure you’re comfortable before booking a full day.

A Walk for Kids

Parents lead the pony and follow a marked trail. Bos Cheval Rouge in Belvès offers this type of rental, as well as rides with or without an instructor. At the Arc en Ciel Pony Club in Campagne, there is a marked trail in the forest designed for very young children.

The Introductory Weekend

In the Périgord Vert region, in Sarrazac, the Ferme de Sapharey offers a weekend package for less experienced riders: a first day of introductory lessons with a 1.5-hour ride, followed by another ride the next day. The package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast, dinner, and two picnics.

Hiking from a central point

You stay in the same place every night and set out on a different loop each day. No luggage to carry and a hot meal in the evening: a star-shaped hike is the simplest option for a first three-day hike, and it works very well when starting from a Slow Village.

Workshops and Hiking with a Pack Donkey

Pony clubs and equestrian centers organize camps for children and teens during school breaks; for example, the Arc en Ciel Pony Club, supervised by state-certified instructors. In the Vézère Valley, it’s also possible to go on a hike with a pack donkey carrying your luggage—which is handy if not everyone is riding a horse. For the hikers in your group, our suggestions for hikes in the Périgord Noir are a great addition to this itinerary.

Before booking a multi-day trail ride, check the required skill level. A “comfortable at all three gaits” package assumes you know how to trot and gallop outdoors, which requires more than just a few short rides.

How do you choose a horseback riding center in the Dordogne?

Three criteria are most important: qualified instructors, horses in good condition, and clear information about the required skill level. Here’s what you should check before reserving your spot.

Coverage to Check

Membership in the FFE guarantees insurance coverage and a regulatory framework. For trail rides, equestrian tourism certifications and “Cheval Étape” stops are good indicators. Ask who will be leading the ride: an equestrian tourism guide (ATE) or a certified instructor knows the terrain and knows how to respond in case of a problem.

Horses and Group Size

If possible, go see the horses before you set out. Horses that live in the pasture, are in good condition, and are properly shod for rocky terrain are a good sign. With more than eight riders, the guide has a hard time keeping up with everyone: a small group is safer.

Reviews and What's Included

Focus on recent reviews that discuss safety, horse assignments, and meal quality, rather than the overall rating. Also check what’s included in the price: lodging, lunch, luggage transport, and helmet rental. A low price may hide several additional charges.

A few resources to help you get started with your research

In Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, La Vallée des Châteaux à cheval offers 1- to 8-day trail rides, riding courses, and overnight accommodations. In Belvès, Au Bos Cheval Rouge, certified by Cheval Étape, organizes rides and treks and rents ponies. In Alles-sur-Dordogne, the equestrian farm La Haute Yerle offers rides by the hour and treks lasting 2 to 6 days. On the Vézère side, the Sardin equestrian farm in Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin features a stopover lodge and organizes treks year-round. For children, the Arc en Ciel Pony Club in Campagne offers lessons and rides suitable for even the youngest riders.

This list is not exhaustive. Call ahead to confirm availability, rates, and the required skill level, and ask how horses are assigned to riders: the answer will tell you a lot about the center’s professionalism.

What are some tips for a successful horseback ride in the Dordogne?

The season, the pace of the stages, and the equipment are just as important as the choice of route.

Choosing the Right Season and Time of Day

Spring and early fall are the best times to go: the trails are dry, temperatures are moderate, and there are fewer insects. In the summer, set out around 8 a.m., take a long break in the shade at noon, and set out again after 4 p.m.—for both you and the horses.

After it rains, the descents on limestone become slippery. Dismount and walk alongside your horse on these sections.

Set a Pace for Your Steps

For an amateur rider, plan on 20 to 25 km per day, or four to five hours in the saddle, including breaks. Take a short break every hour to check the girths and the horses’ hooves. Locate water sources before each day’s ride; some streams run dry in August. On a long trek, plan for one rest day every five stages.

Preparing Your Equipment

Be sure to bring a helmet, boots with heels, mini chaps, a waterproof jacket, a water bottle, and a first-aid kit. Download the GPS track for your route: the trail markers are reliable, but taking a wrong turn in the forest could set you back an hour.

Respect the premises

Ride through the villages at a walk, close the gates behind you, and stay on the marked trails. Part of the route passes through private property where horses are merely tolerated.

How to Take Great Photos

To take photos of Beynac or Castelnaud, late afternoon offers the best light. In the Vézère Valley, the morning mist over the river makes for beautiful photos. Stop your horse before you take out your phone, and keep a firm grip on the reins.

Where should you stay during your horseback riding trip in the Dordogne?

For multi-day trail rides, trail lodges and equestrian inns welcome riders and horses for the night, often including dinner and breakfast. The CDTE map lists many of them, as well as guest rooms and bed-and-breakfasts.

By train, the Sarlat and Buisson-de-Cadouin stations are served by the Bordeaux–Bergerac–Sarlat line. Buisson-de-Cadouin and Belvès are also located on the Périgueux–Agen line. Arrange your transportation in advance with the equestrian center or your lodging.

For a hub-and-spoke hiking trip or day hikes, Slow Village offers two lodging options in the Dordogne. Slow Village Saint-Cybranet, on the edge of the Céou Valley and a few kilometers from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, is ideally located for exploring the Valley of the Castles, with the option to swim in the river on the way back. Slow Village Séveilles, a 13-hectare estate of meadows and woods between the Dordogne and Vézère valleys, offers easy access to Belvès, Alles-sur-Dordogne, and prehistoric sites.

Planning a horseback riding trip in the Dordogne involves three steps: choosing a route suited to your skill level, booking with a reputable outfitter, and arranging convenient lodging where you can rest between rides. The villages of Saint-Cybranet and Séveilles are great starting points for combining horseback riding with a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature. Find all our destinations on the Slow Village website.