The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, certified on March 9, 1998, and renewed for 12 years on August 24, 2011, represents much more than a simple protected area. It is an identity, a source of attractiveness, and a guarantee of environmental quality for its inhabitants.
Spanning 1800 km² and encompassing 74 municipalities spread between the Dordogne (43 municipalities) and the Haute-Vienne (31 municipalities), this exceptional territory invites you to discover its natural and cultural riches.
An Exceptional Hiking Network
Over 2000 kilometers of marked trails await you to discover the Périgord-Limousin in all its facets.
The area is particularly suitable for trekking and hiking in all its forms:
- Walking and Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Donkey Trekking
- Mountain Biking
- Rail Biking (Vélo-rail)
The trails are registered in the Departmental Plan for Walking and Hiking Routes (PDIPR). Detailed trail maps are available at the local tourist offices, and some can be found at reception.
A Mosaic of Natural Environments
The Heather Moors
Once covering up to 32% of the Limousin region in the 19th century, these areas now serve as a refuge for remarkable wildlife, including:
- The Hen Harrier
- The Kingfisher
- The European Nightjar
- The Hoopoe
Wetlands
Covering 2.6% of the Park’s territory, these precious environments are divided into four main types:
- Wet Meadow
- Tall-Herb Communities (Waterway edges)
- Wet Woodland
- The Pond
The Forests
The forest covers 68,000 hectares, accounting for 37% of the Park’s territory, primarily composed of deciduous trees (oaks and chestnuts).
The Hydrographic Network
In 2001, 4,712 bodies of water were recorded, representing 2,176 hectares, a maximum density of 6 bodies of water per km². These ponds, created as early as the medieval era, served the purpose of:
- Fish Farming
- Water Retention
- Leisure activities (more recent usage)
Calcareous Grasslands
Covering approximately 530 hectares, exclusively in the southwestern part of the Park, these grasslands are characterized by:
- Poor and stony soils
- Low vegetation with thorny shrubs (Juniper, Blackthorn)
- Location on the edge of the Belle and Nizonne valleys
An Exceptional Geological Heritage
The Park is home to unique geological treasures:
- The Rochechouart meteorite crater with its impactites
- Veins of gold, quartz, and serpentine
- Deposits of kaolin, essential for Limoges porcelain
A Rich Cultural Heritage
The region is brimming with historical treasures:
- Châteaux and Manors
- A remarkable collection of Romanesque churches
- An industrial heritage linked to hydropower
- Hundreds of historic mills and forges
Local Products and Short Supply Chains
More than 80 producers practice direct sales within the Park’s territory.
The Park actively supports these producers through:
- Organizing farmers’ markets (Nontron Knife Festival, Mareuil Truffle Festival)
- Assistance with the creation of producer-owned shops
- Publishing a directory of direct-sales producers
The Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park invites you to discover its wonders throughout the year. Come explore this exceptional region where nature, history, and gastronomy meet in a preserved setting.
