When planning a trip to Calviac-en-Périgord, there are several different options to choose from: hiking, historic buildings and a zoological experience. When planning your route, it is worth distinguishing the PDIPR hiking trail from the Boucle des Pechs. Both start in Calviac-en-Périgord, but each highlights different aspects of the landscape. For historic sites, accessibility is an important factor to consider in addition to age.

Hiking between the Dordogne Valley and the inland area

The PDIPR hiking trail starts at the car park by Calviac Town Hall and follows the signposted route. It follows a cycle path built on a former railway line, passes hazelnut groves and reaches Aillac. The route also passes through hamlets along the Pechs, small hills that run perpendicular to the Dordogne Valley.

The Boucle des Pechs also starts in Calviac-en-Périgord. It first follows the Voie verte through the Dordogne Valley, then heads inland through areas with remarkable architectural heritage. The differences are clear when comparing the two routes directly: the PDIPR hiking trail is defined by the town hall car park, Aillac and the Pechs; the Boucle leads from the Dordogne Valley inland along the Voie verte. This makes it easy to distinguish the two hikes by their named stops and sections of landscape.

Trail conditions and markings may change. Check the current signage before setting out.

Churches and architectural history

The main construction phases of the Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens date from the 12th and 15th centuries. Since 18 September 1970, the church has had protected status in France as a Monument historique. Its architectural history and heritage protection are two distinct points in time: the construction phases mentioned and the precisely dated protection date.

The Château de Braulen is a fortified manor house dating from the 17th century. It is privately owned and cannot be visited. The remains of Sainte-Radegonde lie three kilometres northeast of Calviac-en-Périgord; they include a Romanesque church that is open to visitors. Access is therefore an important difference when planning a visit to these sites: the château is not accessible, while the church at Sainte-Radegonde can be visited.

Access arrangements for the remains of Sainte-Radegonde may change. Check whether a visit is possible before making a detour.

Landscape and wildlife experience

Calviac-en-Périgord is one of the communes in the Natura 2000 site FR7200660 “La Dordogne”. This is another geographical point of reference, in addition to the specific routes and the commune’s buildings.

The Réserve Zoologique de Calviac has two kilometres of shaded paths. The “Visite Privilège” lasts three hours and includes encounters with the animals as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the reserve. The distance and duration offer different ways to plan your day: the paths provide a specific distance, while the Visite Privilège can be allowed for as a three-hour block of time. Check dates and availability for this experience in advance.

Discover more destinations: Pontours, Badefols-D'ans, Saint-Laurent-La-Vallée, Couze-Et-Saint-Front, Manzac-Sur-Vern, Tocane-Saint-Apre, Coulounieix-Chamiers, Corgnac-Sur-L'isle

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.