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.
Sights in Dordogne
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Chapelle Saint Front de Colubri, Lalinde
Located <1 km away
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
Located 3.1 km away
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
Located 5.6 km away
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
Located 8.1 km away
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
Located 8.3 km away
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
Located 11.0 km away
Founded by Gérard de Salles in 1115, and affiliated to the Cistercians, the Cadouin Abbey is an incredibly well-preserved example of religious architecture.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Dordogne
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La Chartreuse du Bignac Restaurant, St Nexans
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
Located in 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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Bistrot 2 Restaurant, Monpazier
In conjunction with the Hôtel Edward 1er, you would expect the restaurant to maintain the high standards and quality that the hotel upholds. That it certainly does, with twists on French classics in a spacious and friendly dining area, set inside an historical stone building, typical of the Monpazier village and surrounding region.
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Les Merles Restaurant, Mouleydier
The restaurant boasts an innovative menu with a focus on fine local fare and seemless service. The very word Les Merles stands for honesty and delightfulness, which is reflected throughout the dining experience.
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Chateau de la Fleunie Restaurant, Condat-sur-Vezere
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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Jehan de Valon Restaurant, Rocamadour
Restaurant within l'Hotel Beau Site located at the heart of the mediaeval village of Rocamadour.
What to do
Things To Do in Dordogne
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
A delightful trip along the river that runs through the heart of Bergerac on a traditional wooden barge.
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Sarlat Panoramic Lift, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Located in Sarlat-la-Caneda
The glass lift with panoramic views, housed within the old Church Sainte-Marie’s bell tower offers a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift, whose walls are made entirely of glass, allows you a 360° view of Sarlat.
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Bergerac Wine Tours, Eymet
Located in Eymet
A full day tour for those interested in wine, the terroir, the makers and other local products of the Dordogne region.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
Travel along the valley of the five chateaux on traditional barges and discover some of the most beautiful sites.
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Aquarium du Perigord Noir, Le Bugue
Located 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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Le Petit Train de Bergerac
Located in Bergerac
Discover the historic town of Bergerac during this 30-35 minute tour of the towns most famous sights and features.
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).