This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
Greenway (Voie Verte) of Lalinde Canal, Lalinde
A 9km stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) along the Lalinde canal
This stretch of pathway has been created to follow the Lalinde canal and has s smooth surface which makes it suitable for running, walking, biking and roller blading. This unofficial Greenway along the busy but nice Lalinde Canal, downstream from the lock (EDF factory) to the port of Lalinde.
Once you reach the town of Lalinde it is possible to continue on a further 7km. For this, switch sides and ride on the towpath on the left bank, avoiding the D703. At the next bridge you cross the D703, and have a wonderful view over the Dordogne. Cross the bridge and take the paved road towards the campsite 'Moulin de la Guillou'. You can follow this small road along the Dordogne to the beginning of the channel, in Mauzac (total + 7km from the town of Lalinde).
Alternatively, take the lovely towpath, on the right bank of the canal. This can be stony, with some grassy passages and some tarmac area. Once you reach the detention centre, take the paved road to the right, along the Dordogne to Mauzac.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Dordogne
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Road bike hire
Cycle hire delivery service along the Dordogne River
Cycle hire located in the Périgord Noir region of the Dordogne, in the village of Coux-et-Bigaroque.
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Mountain bike hire
Cycle hire in Sarlat-la-Canéda to explore the Dordogne’s heritage and cuisine
With a base at the very beginning of the Voie Verte in Sarlat, this company provides mountain bikes, electric bikes, and children's bikes for hire, as well as guided tours for groups.
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Town bike hire
Bike hire and delivery service in the heart of the Dordogne region
As an avid cyclist living permanently in the Dordogne, the owner of this company has over 15 years of cycling experience in the region. This extensive knowledge places him in the perfect position to advise customers on routes that suit their preferences and to select the best bikes for exploring the Dordogne.
What to see
On this cycle you will enjoy views of, and be able to explore, the basin of Saint-Capraise-de-Lalinde, Port de Couze, and the site of la Borie.
Sights in Dordogne
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Chapelle Saint Front de Colubri, Lalinde 
Chapelle Saint Front de Colubri, Lalinde
Chapel dedicated to Saint Front that dates back to the 8th century
Although it is believed to have dated back to the eighth century, Father Goustat wrote in 1883 that this building could date back to VIII, XI or even the fourteenth century. It has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt in part or in whole over the years.
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Moulin de la Rouzique Papermaking Mill & Museum, Couze-et-Saint-Front
Paper-making mill & museum in the pretty village of Couze-et-Saint-Front
In the paper-making village of Couze-et-Saint-Front, this traditional mill still makes paper by hand.
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Chateau de Lanquais, Couze-et-Saint-Front
Medieval & Renaissance style chateau in the heart of Dordogne
Self-titled as the "Unfinished Louvre in Périgord", this château combines medieval fortifications with an incomplete Renaissance palace.
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Eglise Saint Hilaire, Tremolat
Beautifully restored 12th century church on the outskirts of town
This church in very bad condition after the war, and so it was lovingly restored in the 1950s by the locals of the town who were very attached to its heritage.
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Eglise Saint Nicolas, Tremolat
A restored church originating in 9th century in the heart of the town
Trémolat's first church was built in the 9th century and now today all that remains of the original work are two arches, north and south of the nave at the intersection of the transept.
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Abbaye de Cadouin Abbey, Le Buisson-de-Cadouin
12th century Cistercian abbey in the town of Cadouin
Founded by Gérard de Salles in 1115, and affiliated to the Cistercians, the Cadouin Abbey is an incredibly well-preserved example of religious architecture.
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Where to lunch
Restaurants in Dordogne
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La Chartreuse du Bignac Restaurant, St Nexans
Gourmet restaurant with indoor & terrace dining located in an rural 17th century building
The dining rooms allow for views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Drinks can also be enjoyed in the small library or among the chestnut trees.
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Hostellerie de Plaisance Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Michelin starred gourmet restaurant overlooking Saint-Emilion
This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.
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Ferme-Auberge de la Rhonie Restaurant, Saint-Cyprien
Traditional farm food
This traditional farm serves good quality Périgord dishes using locally-sourced ingredients from its own farm and those nearby. It also has a lovely gîte which sleeps up to five people.
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Auberge de la Truffe Restaurant, Sorges
Truffle extravaganza in Sorges
Located in the world capital of the truffle, at this small hotel, the truffle has become the main feature.
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Hostellerie Du Perigord Vert Restaurant, Brantome
Produce that sings in this fine Brantome restaurant
Set in an inviting tranquil hotel just a short distance from the centre of medieval Brantome. A meal typical of the region including duck, foie gras and of course truffles can be enjoyed in the spacious restaurant or under the mulberry trees on the terrace in the summer.
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Chateau de la Fleunie Restaurant, Condat-sur-Vezere
Gastronomic haven in Castle retreat
Set inside a 106-hectare estate Castle, the restaurant setting alone is worth a visit, but with beautiful stone walls, painted wooden beams and decorated in traditional fashion, it is very much worth taking a step inside.
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What to do
Things To Do in Dordogne
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Cap Cauderoue
Outdoor adventure park
This outdoor park has a tree-top trail, paintball, mountain-biking, canoeing and horse-riding for those seeking a bit more adventure or a change from the pretty villages and vineyard visits.
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Montgolfieres du Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy the sights of the Perigord from above in a hot air balloon
With a fleet of five hot air balloons this company can take groups of 2 or 3 passengers up into the air above La Roque Gageac and the Dordogne river to enjoy a birds-eye view of this beautiful area.
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Aquarium du Perigord Noir, Le Bugue
The biggest fresh water aquarium in Europe is in Le Bugue
A great place for a family day out and to escape the pre-historic world of the Dordogne...instead, enjoy the family atmosphere and displays of this fresh water aquarium.
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Jacquou Parc, Le Bugue
A mini theme park featuring a water park, farm, restaurant & bar
A relatively small theme park but with a great atmosphere, plenty to do and a good day out for all of the family.
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Chateau les Merles Golf Course, Mouleydier
9 hole golf course just 20 minutes to the east of Bergerac centre
Open every day of the year this 9-hole, par 35, course is set in the lush countryside of the Dordogne and the grounds of Chateau les Merles.
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Foret des Singes Wildlife Park, Rocamadour
See the endangered Barbary Macaque roaming in this wildlife park
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
Directions
The Greenway begins 15km from Bergerac, on the edge of the D660, in the hamlet Le Tuilières.
Cross the canal (in the direction of the EDFfactory), where you will see three locks in the Dordogne river. An interpretive trail allows you to visit this site. Then follow the small paved road along the right bank of the canal, and soon you will find that it passes the basin of Saint-Capraise-de-Lalinde. This area is protected by the Conservatory of Banks of the Dordogne.
The path here overlooks beautiful homes that are built along the banks of the Dordogne. The first 3km of the trail is on tarmac and after that it becomes paved with gravel, although still good quality and fine for cycling. Continue along the route and you will pass the site of the Borie -a narrow strip of land between the canal and the Dordogne- a bit noisy (because of the D660, parallel). You will then pass a lock.
At km 6, you go around the port of Couze, and you have to cross the road and go left after 100m, then cross the D703, to continue on the right bank of the canal, on a towpath. (Note: you can also follow on the left bank, the quiet little road).
At 9.4 km you arrive at the town of Lalinde, opposite the church. A mountain bike centre is in the former home of the lock, on the waterfront (mountain bike hire, walking circuits).
