5 km featuring a mill, an abandoned railway, improbable ostriches, and a mysterious tunnel for cows.
The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park has a knack for transforming a seemingly ordinary corner of the countryside into an open-air cabinet of curiosities. Its teams have carefully marked hundreds of trails connecting the region’s remarkable sites—and tucked away on one of them, starting from Château le Verdoyer, is a family walk we like to call the Tacot Loop: about 5 km, a modest elevation gain, and a series of little surprises that make this excursion much more than just a digestive stroll.
Practical information
~5 km
1.5 to 2 hours
Easy
All year round
Start
The loop is accessible directly from the campsite, no car required. It is perfectly suited for families with children, casual walkers, and well-behaved dogs on leashes—as attested by many guests who would gladly do it all over again.
The start: between the two ponds
Everything begins in the heart of the estate. Simply head down between the campsite’s two ponds, walk along the fishing pond until you reach the edge of the property, and join the small road leading to the hamlet of Maziéras. You are welcomed by a few lovely, well-restored houses, and it is here that the marked path heads off to the right along a steep trail.
Along the way, you will pass the Maziéras Mill—one of the many watermills that once dotted the rivers and streams of the Périgord Vert, essential to the region’s agricultural and artisanal life. While some have been converted into homes, this one now houses a craft brewery. The path then continues through the woods, in the quiet of a temperate forest.
The old ‘Tacot’ station: when the train used to pass through here
You then emerge at an isolated building by the roadside, with a simple, functional architecture typical of early 20th-century railway structures. This was the Saint-Saud Tacot station. The “Tacot”—an affectionate nickname given to this little steam train—connected Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière to Saint-Mathieu-en-Limousin between 1912 and 1934. The station now houses the municipal weighing system, but it is not hard to imagine travelers waiting there, suitcases at their feet.
A bit of history: the climb toward Freisseing was so steep that passengers would sometimes get out of the carriage to lighten the load… and help the train climb. Welcome to the era of participatory public transport.
From this point, you are walking on the old Tacot track itself—recognizable by the passages carved into the rock to let the train pass through. A piece of history beneath your feet.
Ostriches: no, you’re not dreaming
The walk has a surprise of considerable size—literally. As you walk past a farm, do not be surprised if large, long-necked birds approach the fence to observe you with as much curiosity as you have for them. Ostriches, right in the heart of the Périgord Vert. The farm offers meat, eggs, and feathers for sale—a unique address to note in your travel journal.
The cattle underpass: a 19th-century tunnel for livestock
This is the highlight of the walk. The Cattle Underpass is a small tunnel dug under the railway line, spanning the Malincourie stream on the border of the Saint-Saud-Lacoussière communes. Its role? To allow herds to cross without obstructing the train. It is not visible from the main path—you must follow the small wooden sign to find it and enter. A low, damp, and delightfully anachronistic passage, perfect for impressing children (and adults).
The Malincourie flows peacefully right beside it: it is the perfect spot for a short break, to let your dog cool off and regain some strength before the final stretch.
The return: the valleys of Freisseing and Pierre Blanche
The path heads back up toward the hamlet of Freisseing, overlooking the valley and offering beautiful views of the surrounding meadows and woods. After a few quiet houses, you turn right toward the hamlet of Pierre Blanche. And almost without realizing it, you find yourself back at the Verdoyer ponds—exactly where you left them. The loop is complete.
As a family with an “elderly” dog and two children, it took us 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy every detour. But one thing is certain: it will be a beautiful afternoon.
Tips before you set off
The walk is accessible all year round. In spring, wild orchids dot the forest edges; in autumn, the mushrooms and colors turn the path into a living palette. In winter, the silence of the woods and the mist over the valleys have their own magic. Walking shoes are recommended, especially after rain—some woodland paths can become slippery.
For any questions regarding the route, variations, or other marked trails in the region, the campsite reception is there to guide you. You can also consult the resources of the Regional Natural Park at pnr-perigord-limousin.fr, or find the GPS track for the Tacot Loop on Visorando.
