© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
Greenway (Voie Verte) of Lalinde Canal, Lalinde
A 9km stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) along the Lalinde canal
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.
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.
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.
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).
