4.4
(403)
1,811
hikers
68
hikes
Hiking around Saint-Médard-D'Excideuil offers exploration of the scenic Dordogne department, characterized by a lush environment with abundant forests and varied terrain. The region features rivers like the Loue and Auvézère, providing picturesque settings for trails. Hikers can expect paths with reliefs that offer scenic views, ranging from gentle riverside walks to routes with elevation gains. The area is situated within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, featuring karstic massifs and plateaus.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
4.7
(10)
69
hikers
8.81km
02:20
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
3.8
(4)
28
hikers
13.0km
03:35
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

4.5
(2)
43
hikers
4.00km
01:08
90m
90m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.0
(8)
19
hikers
6.03km
01:38
90m
90m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.3
(6)
18
hikers
10.7km
02:57
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Located in Hautefort, in the Dordogne region, the Hôtel-Dieu is much more than a former hospital: it is a 17th-century architectural masterpiece and the headquarters of the Museum of the History of Medicine, which houses an exceptional collection of more than 6,500 medical objects.
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Hautefort Castle is one of the few surviving examples of classical architecture in southwest France. Situated on a rocky spur overlooking the village of Hautefort, it offers a majestic silhouette that is more reminiscent of the Loire Valley châteaux than the region's typical medieval fortresses.
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Very pleasant visit to this very well maintained castle. The gardens are absolutely stunning. It's like being in a cartoon at times, the paths and the flowerbeds are cut with a line. Very beautiful surroundings, very green landscapes. We feel good in this place.
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Castle with character, the frame of the tower is not to be missed. The French gardens and the park are magnificent
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Uphill path to reach the castle of Hautefort. A very well maintained castle. The gardens are absolutely stunning. It's like being in a cartoon at times, the paths and the flowerbeds are cut with a line. But with original shapes and it's surprising.
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Final steep gravelpush to the chateau of Hautefort
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There are over 70 marked hiking trails around Saint-Médard-D'Excideuil, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and fitness levels. These include 32 easy routes, 36 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes.
The terrain around Saint-Médard-D'Excideuil is diverse, characterized by a lush environment with abundant forests and varied landscapes. You'll find paths along rivers like the Loue and Auvézère, as well as routes with reliefs that offer scenic views. Expect a mix of shaded forest paths, riverside walks, and trails with elevation gains.
Yes, Saint-Médard-D'Excideuil offers several family-friendly hiking options. Many trails are accessible for beginners and families, such as those leading to the Saut Ruban Waterfall. An example of an easy route is the Château d'Excideuil – Enchanted rocks loop from Excideuil, which is 4 miles (6.4 km) long.
While many trails in natural areas are generally suitable for dogs, it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially in forested areas or near wildlife. Please check for any specific local regulations or signage regarding dogs on trails before you go.
Absolutely! The magnificent Saut Ruban Waterfall is a highlight for hikers in the region. You can explore it via the Enchanted Forest – Saut Ruban Waterfall loop from Génis, a more challenging route that takes you through a tranquil forest setting to this beautiful natural site.
The region is rich in history and dotted with landmarks. You can hike to the historic Château de Hautefort and Gardens, as featured on the Hautefort Castle – Hautefort Castle loop from Cherveix-Cubas. Another route, the Enchanted rocks – Château d'Excideuil loop from Excideuil, incorporates historical landmarks and natural rock formations.
Yes, many of the trails in Saint-Médard-D'Excideuil are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Hiking loop from Saint-Raphaël and the Enchanted rocks – Château d'Excideuil loop from Excideuil.
The lush environment of Saint-Médard-D'Excideuil makes it enjoyable for hiking during much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer provides shaded paths through forests, while winter can offer a different, tranquil experience, though some paths might be muddy.
The hiking routes in Saint-Médard-D'Excideuil are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, the beauty of the lush forests, and the opportunities to discover historical sites and natural features like waterfalls.
Yes, Saint-Médard-D'Excideuil offers a good selection of easy walks suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. There are 32 easy routes available, such as the Hiking loop from Saint-Raphaël, which is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and takes about 1 hour 8 minutes.
For experienced trekkers seeking a challenge, there are a few more difficult routes available. One such option is the Enchanted Forest – Saut Ruban Waterfall loop from Génis. This route is 13.6 miles (21.9 km) long with significant elevation gain, offering a more strenuous and rewarding experience.
While specific parking details vary by trailhead, many popular routes and attractions, especially those starting from villages like Excideuil or near sites like Hautefort Castle, typically have designated parking areas. It's recommended to check the starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking options.


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