The Itinerary Is Set — A Small-Group Walking Tour Comes Into Focus

Wander with us in rural France

I walked a lot of trails that didn’t make it into this itinerary. I walked the not-so-great ones so my guests don’t have to. And now, it’s time for the big reveal.

What follows is the itinerary exactly as it appears on the website at: wewanderfrance.com. It’s intentionally a little vague. First, because this week has been thoughtfully designed and I want to respect the care that went into it. And second, because I don’t want every step mapped out in advance for the people who join me. I want there to be oohs and ahhs, moments of surprise, and the pleasure of discovery — not the feeling of checking villages off a list. Here is a picture of exactly what I saw as I walked into a village on the itinerary.

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Here’s the itinerary.

Walking Rural France: A Small-Group Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome to the Dordogne Countryside

• We’ll meet at the Brive-la-Gaillarde train station and travel through winding country roads to your home for the week: a beautifully restored stone grange set in peaceful countryside near Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. Each traveler has their own large private bedroom, a quiet experience after our days exploring this beautiful region.

• We’ll take a gentle walk from the property to stretch your legs and breathe in your first notes of the countryside. In the evening, we gather at the grange for a cozy Welcome Dinner—a delicious surprise and an easy, warm way to connect with your small group.

Day 2: River Walks & First French Village

• This morning we’ll head into the nearest medieval village for fresh pastries and a slow stroll through its ancient lanes. From here, we’ll set out on a scenic walk into the surrounding hills, looking back over rooftops, river, and rolling landscape—your first taste of the region’s quiet magic.
  Lunch will be in a local restaurant before we spend the afternoon exploring nearby corners at an easy pace.

• Dinner and evening on your own.

Day 3: Goat Cheese, Clifftop Views & Storied Stones

• After breakfast, we make our way to one of the region’s small goat farms to learn how a beloved local cheese is made—simple, rustic, and delicious. Then we travel to a dramatic cliffside village, where we take a memorable walk into its heart. Expect winding lanes, sacred history, and views that stop conversations.

• We’ll enjoy a leisurely French lunch and a wander through remarkable medieval architecture.

• Dinner and evening on your own.

Day 4: Red Stone Villages & Countryside Wanders

• Today we explore one of France’s most extraordinary red-stone villages—so picturesque it feels carved from a storybook. We’ll spend the day walking through ancient lanes, surrounding countryside, and neighboring hamlets filled with quiet charm and hidden corners.

• Lunch will be at a wonderful local restaurant known for its warm hospitality and regional dishes.

• Dinner and evening on your own.

Day 5: The Signature Walk: Hilltops, Valleys & Waterfalls

• This is our iconic walk of the week. After breakfast we begin in a hilltop village with sweeping views, then descend along a beautiful trail toward a valley village that looks unchanged for centuries. After lunch in a family-run restaurant, we’ll explore its lanes before beginning the long, rewarding climb back.

• Our path carries us past a dramatic waterfall, along wooded cliffs, and across a quiet French causse with grazing sheep and rocky terrain. The views at the top are unforgettable—you’ll look back at where your own legs carried you, a moment that stays with you long after the journey ends.

• If time allows, we may visit additional charming villages nearby.

• Dinner and evening on your own.

Day 6: Market Day & River Valley Wonders

• Saturday brings one of France’s most beloved markets. We’ll spend the morning wandering medieval streets filled with local produce, artisan goods, and irresistible treats. After lunch at one of the town’s many fantastic restaurants, we take a scenic drive into the famous Dordogne River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape known for cliffside castles and breathtaking views.

• A relaxed return to our lodging.

• Dinner and evening on your own.

Day 7: Farewell & Departure

• We share one last breakfast together before I drive you back to the station for your onward journey. Goodbyes are often bittersweet—the best sign of a week well spent, with new friends, deeper confidence, and memories that will last long after you return home..

Distances: Walks range from 3 to 7 miles on selected days. We walk at a moderate pace with time for rest, photos, and discovery.

Yes, AI helped me write up the itinerary but I think it sounds good without giving it all away. So that brings me to a poll. I could really use your help. Does the itinerary sound good? Does it sound too vague? I’d love to know your honest thoughts.

Thanks for following along as I build this dream. It’s never too late to be what you wanted to be. Check out the website at wewanderfrance.com