Campagne brings together forests, hiking and heritage, offering a variety of ways to explore. The Domaine départemental de Campagne covers 337 hectares of forest, suitable for hiking and other activities in nature. There is also a 5.3-kilometre hiking route, a historic château with a park, and several outdoor activities. When planning your visit, it is worth considering these separately: the park has its own visiting hours, while the route and activities each have different focuses.
Landscape and hiking trails
The RĂ©serve biologique mixte de Campagne covers 171.81 hectares and combines two different approaches to conservation. Across 137.13 hectares, an integral biological reserve allows the forest to develop naturally. The remaining 34.68 hectares form a managed biological reserve that actively maintains open habitats. Thus, within the reserve, natural forest development and the management of open habitats sit side by side as distinct goals.
Another nature highlight is the park at the Domaine départemental: it has been awarded the “Jardin remarquable” label, and its notable trees form a rich arboretum. Visitors particularly interested in trees and landscaped parks will find a different focus here than on a hiking trail through the forest. The park is free to visit every day; however, from December to February, visits are limited to school holidays. Check the current opening arrangements before your trip.
The Boucle de la Forêt Nord / le Polissoir n°5 / Campagne is an easy-rated, yellow-marked hiking route. It is 5.3 kilometres long and leads to the Polissoir des Salles. This offers a clearly signposted hiking option with a named destination in addition to the forest area. The route is suited to travellers who want to structure their time outdoors around a specific trail and a place of cultural and historical interest.
The Falaise de la forêt départementale de Campagne also has its own distinctive landscape: it overlooks the Vézère and offers viewpoints across the valley and surrounding hills. Orienteering, climbing, archery and mountain biking are available at the site. Check before visiting whether your preferred activity is currently offered.
Château, park and church
The Château de Campagne brings together several layers of history: its oldest section dates from the 15th century. Since 5 April 2001, the château, including its outbuildings, the park and the enclosures have been listed as a historic monument. The park is open to visitors, but the château itself is not. It houses temporary exhibitions; as the programme changes, it is advisable to enquire about exhibitions during your trip.
The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Campagne is located at the entrance to the château park. The church dates from the 12th century and retains a Romanesque choir and carved capitals. It was listed as a historic monument in 1949. Its age, architecture and listing make it a heritage destination in its own right, regardless of whether the park or the hiking route is the focus of your stay.
More outdoor activities
The orienteering area in Campagne offers several courses, ranging from beginner level to a sporting challenge. One course is specifically designed for people with reduced mobility. If you are interested in orienteering, this range offers concrete options; check the current availability of the courses before your trip.
The bike park is open year-round and offers trails of varying difficulty, with wooden features and shaped terrain. As safety requirements may change, check the applicable requirements before using it. Another option is Tèrra Aventura: “Un Mystère qui ne manque pas de piquant” is a digital outdoor treasure hunt played using a mobile app. Before your trip, ask the tourist office for the latest information about this activity.
There are several ways to choose what to focus on: the park and arboretum showcase trees and garden landscapes, the marked trail leads to the Polissoir des Salles, and the activities at the Falaise and in the bike park cater to different outdoor pursuits. Campagne’s historic buildings add to the nature-based programme.
Discover more destinations: Antonne-Et-Trigonant, Saint-Vincent-De-Cosse, Saint-Jean-De-Côle, Le Pizou, Montaut, Peyrignac, Saint-Pompont, Saint-Germain-Des-Prés
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
