A site boasting a variety of features
Campagne Forest, located at 30 min from Sarlat, is like a condensed version of Périgord in a single place. To begin with, a castle (12th, 15th and 19th-century) and its landscaped park, renovated in 2016, as well as a prehistoric Neanderthal site, the Roc de Marsal, and troglodytic dwellings. Next, it’s an ecological reserve (with 138 ha in a natural state, i.e. wilderness area) and a privileged site for open-air leisure fans. Depending on your preferences, you just need to choose your route and follow the signposts installed at the site’s entrance.
Two waymarked hiking trails
The forest offers two waymarked trails. Covering a distance of 2.5 km, for a walk which takes less than an hour, the “South forest loop” is perfect for a family stroll. The “Polissoir loop” is also easy but covers 5.5 km (about 1h45) and weaves its way through some of the site’s iconic must-sees such as the “escalier des Dames” (Ladies’ steps), “cluzeaux” (underground grotto shelters) and the “polissoir” rock, before reaching a wonderful observation point over the Vézère Valley. Guide book on www.rando.dordogne.fr.
Climbing, archery and potholing (caving)
The forest, running up the cliff which towers over the Vézère, is the perfect playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts. As well as the archery circuit and orienteering (targets and waymarks set up all year round), the woods proposes activities as part of the “Active Summer” campaign. Climbing, horse-riding, potholing (caving), night-time events (commentated walks, treasure hunts, etc.) and tree-climbing are on the agenda. The activities are supervised by qualified instructors. Booking required.
A bike park for all
The bike park is freely accessible all year round. It offers tracks of varying levels of difficulty for mountainbike lovers. Wooden structures and ground geology are suitable for children and adults alike, for champions and for beginners. Important: a helmet must be worn.
“Château de la Marquise” park
The ever-so romantic Château de Campagne (which goes by the name of “Château de la Marquise”, bequeathed to the French State in 1970 then transferred to the department in 2007, was hidden behind invasive vegetation for ever so long. Since 2016, when it was totally restored, it has shown itself in a new light. It is now surrounded by a park which gives pride of place to an arboretum, with areas focusing on historic features such as the serpentine, the water mirror, the labyrinth, the market garden, etc. Free access.
Map and rules at the site entrance, route de Sarlat opposite the Val de la Marquise campsite. More information from Bugue Tourist Office, 22 place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville.
Tel: +33 (0)5 53 07 20 48.
Journalist. Passions: the Périgord, history and the environment, nature and animals, horse and motorbike riding...and the culture of the Southwest with its rugby, bodegas, surfing, skiing...