Walking and Cycling
Walking/hiking:
This is one of the real pleasures of the area. The Perigord Vert is still extensively wood covered with gentle hills and each commune has marked trails, ranging from 5 km’s to 25 km’s. Rarely used (but still well marked) the trails weave through woodland, past farms and small villages, over rivers, often providing arresting views. A perfect way to spend the day is to follow one of these, a small lunch pack carried and witness farming practices long since lost to most areas. The size of most farms here would be considered small holdings in the UK and whilst not certified as organic, are much less reliant on modern techniques and chemicals. Maps and advice can be provided.
http://www.everytrail.com/destination/perigord-limousin-regional-nature-park/trips/walking
http://www.pnr-perigord-limousin.fr/Decouvrir/Balades-et-randonnees/Activites-de-plein-air
Sections of the GR 4, GR 48 and GR 436 are nearby.
Cycling:
France is well set up for viewing by bicycle, with dedicated cycle paths all over the country supplementing the vast network of quiet back roads. In particular, the Voie Verte routes (voie verte means 'green lane' so traffic free) are particularly family friendly where everyone can cycle, roller-blade or just saunter along on fairly level routes free of cars. Our nearest is the “Voie Verte des Hauts de Tardoire” , a cycle path suitable for the whole family that runs a distance of 13 kilometres between Chalus and Oradour sur Vayres with bars and restaurants at either end and picnic spots along the way. The path has been constructed on a section of the old railway line that ran and at Bussiere-Galant is the Velo-Rail which, for a small fee, is a great family activity.
https://www.voieverte-enlimousin.com/
For more intense cycling, the local area is wooded with some challenging hills to get the heart rate going. The roads are quiet and the local scenario provides a wonderful backdrop. Stop for refreshments in one of the many local bars in the area.
The following company can supply bikes for hire and provides excellent cycling routes (click on either the Dordogne, Charente or Haute Vienne links for thousands of kilometres of clearly marked routes).