What if this summer you escaped the crowds and went on an adventure in two of the most beautiful regions of France? Treat yourself to an unforgettable getaway between medieval villages and breathtaking panoramas , through the hiking trails of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and Domme , jewels of Tarn-et-Garonne for the first and of Périgord Noir for the second.

Set off with your backpack and let yourself be seduced by these emblematic routes , perfect for combining nature, heritage and gastronomy

 

Here are 3 must-see trails to discover this summer for a vacation with a taste of Nature and Heritage

Hike No. 1

Midi-Quercy Country on foot: hiking in the heart of a medieval setting

Discover an exceptional region by exploring the Midi-Quercy region on foot, a true mosaic of landscapes, hilltop villages and magnificent natural sites.

This tour immerses you in the heart of an authentic Southwest , between spectacular gorges , medieval bastides and wooded plateaus . Unmissable starting point: Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val , architectural pearl nestled in the Gorges de l'Aveyron, classified as a Natura 2000 site. At every step, the narrow streets full of history, the vertiginous cliffs and the crystal-clear rivers offer a striking spectacle. Here, heritage is experienced at the rhythm of nature : stone houses, lively markets, artisanal remains... The route is accessible to all and lends itself equally to family hiking as to a sporting escapade . Along the way, unmissable stops await you: Roc d'Anglars, old tanneries, Maison Romane... so many opportunities to contemplate, breathe, explore.

Listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val opens the doors to the Middle Ages by exploring:

  • The Romanesque House , the oldest civil building in France
  • The old tanneries , witnesses to a flourishing craft industry
  • The Sunday market , for a 100% local immersion

Also an ideal spot for canoeing, climbing or mountain biking enthusiasts. 

👉 Learn more about the Le Pays Midi Quercy walking route in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.

Hike No. 2

GR® 46 through the authentic Tarn-et-Garonne

The GR® 46 crosses France from north to south, but the section in Tarn-et-Garonne alone is worth the detour. Between gentle hills, fertile valleys, and stone villages, this route immerses the hiker in a peaceful atmosphere at the heart of rural life.

Along the trail, you will come across villages such as Montpezat-de-Quercy , renowned for its collegiate church and Flemish tapestries, or Laguépie , nestled at the confluence of the Viaur and Aveyron rivers. The path also leads to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, which you never tire of rediscovering. See its points of interest in Hike No. 1 above.
The landscapes are ever-changing: oak woods, open fields, rivers below... Perfect for lovers of long walks, this route combines natural immersion and little gems of local heritage.

The must-sees along the way:

  • Montpezat-de-Quercy and its jewels of sacred art, with a series of five exceptional tapestries made in Bruges.
  • Laguépie , haven of peace between Aveyron and Viaur
  • The diversity of landscapes, ideal for hiking
  • Swimming spots and peaceful panoramas , ideal for breaks in the great outdoors

Discover the GR® 46 route for hiking in Tarn & Garonne this summer

Getaway in Tarn & Garonne

Hike No. 3

Harrison Barker's Dirt Roads

Literature and nature in the Dordogne
Inspired by the stories of Harrison Barker, a 19th-century English travel writer, these trails retrace his steps through the Dordogne Valley.

He explored this region with a sense of wonder, describing in his notebooks the unspoiled beauty of the landscapes, the richness of the rural heritage, and the warmth of the local welcome. Today, his writings have given rise to a unique itinerary that combines hiking, history, and cultural immersion .

Between Domme , a hilltop fortified town offering one of the most beautiful panoramas in the region, and the famous villages of the Castelnaud valley, La Roque-Gageac, Beynac, etc., the paths you take immerse you in a setting that is both wild and steeped in history.
Forest walks, crossing troglodyte villages, and plunging views of the Dordogne River. To complete the experience, excerpts from Barker's notebooks punctuate the path, adding an extra touch of soul to the walk.

Don't miss :

  • Domme and its ramparts overlooking the Dordogne
  • La Roque-Gageac, a village carved into the cliff
  • Castelnaud Castle and its medieval collections
  • Poetic markings, the true common thread of the hike
  • A secondary route of the Camino de Santiago for a spiritual detour

Learn more about the major hiking trails in the Périgord Noir

Getaway to the heart of the Périgord Noir

Why should you do these hikes this summer?

✅ Gentle tourism, off the beaten track
✅ Exceptional and preserved landscapes
✅ A living heritage to discover at your own pace
✅ Additional activities (markets, canoeing, cycling, gastronomy)

So, are you ready to swap the asphalt for hiking trails?
Tarn-et-Garonne and Périgord Noir await you for a vacation that combines nature, culture... and adventure.

Find tourist accommodation in: