Gentle Pursuits in the Perigord Vert
The North Dordogne (Périgord Vert) offers gentle outdoor activities perfect for those seeking a relaxing holiday. Most of our guests at Beaux Souvenirs enjoy leisurely walks, the occasional bike ride, sessions in our private on-site gym, and plenty of peaceful pool time in the garden. Here's our guide to the outdoor activities our guests typically enjoy during their stay in Mialet.
Walking Near Mialet
The North Dordogne is a stunningly beautiful region where woods and valleys are crisscrossed with walking trails. Away from main routes, even the roads are quiet enough to walk all year round.
The Barrage de Mialet Walk:
Our most popular walk with guests is the reservoir circuit - just 1.4km from the gîte. This peaceful 9km circular route around the lake takes 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace and is suitable for all abilities. The flat, well-maintained path offers lovely views of the lake and is excellent for birdwatching from the special birdwatching station. You'll often spot herons, waterfowl, and, during spring and autumn migrations, some interesting visiting species. There are plenty of seats and picnic tables along the route, and for those who like to keep fit, various pieces of exercise equipment are available for free, overlooking the lake. Distance from Beaux Souvenirs: 1.4km (15-minute walk)
Walking Resources:
As Mialet lies within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, there are hundreds of marked trails throughout the region. At the gite, we provide two local walking maps covering routes in our immediate area - these show the quieter lanes and tracks that are perfect for gentle exploration. For those wanting more extensive route information, you can download the 'Mon Parc Périgord-Limousin' app on Google Play, which covers the entire regional park.
Cycling Near Mialet
Some guests bring their own bicycles, while others arrange hire locally. The quiet country roads around Mialet are ideal for leisurely cycling through woods, fields and quaint villages.
Bike Hire:
Atelier Cycles 24 in Saint-Pardoux can arrange delivery to or pickup from the gite if arranged in advance.
Distance: 15km from Beaux Souvenirs
Cycling Routes:
For detailed route planning, visit Freewheeling France, which provides English-language cycling routes throughout North Dordogne.
TIP: If you like the idea of cycling but don't fancy going on the road, why not check out the Velorail, where pedalling on an old, unused railway track feels a bit safer?
Velorail du Perigord Vert
The Vélorail at Cognac-sur-l'Isle is popular with our guests - it's a gentle pedal along a disused railway track through lovely countryside, crossing viaducts and passing through stations. Two people pedal the 5-seater bike while up to three others can sit back and enjoy the journey. A bit of effort is required (tip: pay a little extra for the battery pack), but it's a superb and unique way to see the area. Various route lengths available. Booking ahead is recommended during peak season. Distance from Beaux Souvenirs: 25 minutes (22km). Read more about the Vélorail
Perigueux Golf Course
Golfing Near Mialet
Several guests enjoy playing golf during their stay at Beaux Souvenirs. There are six courses within an hour's drive, ranging from convenient 9-hole layouts to championship 18-hole courses.
Nearest Course
Golf du Genet - Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière New in 2018, this 9-hole course is the closest to Mialet and most convenient for a quick round. Distance: 30 minutes (25km)
Popular 18-Hole Courses
Golf Club de Limoges - Limoges. Designed by renowned European architect Hubert Chesneau, this 55-hectare course is picturesque, flat, and suitable for all skill levels. Distance: 52 minutes (51km)
Golf Club de Périgueux - Marsac-sur-l'Isle is A peaceful wooded course where water features prominently, yet remains technical and accessible to all levels. Distance: 54 minutes (59km)
Golf de la Porcelaine - Near Panazol, Limoges. Rolling landscape course where everyone can play at their own level. Distance: 1 hour 2 minutes (58km)
Golf de Saint-Junien - Les Jouberties Designed in a superb wooded area, this challenging yet enjoyable course features well-defended greens and interesting obstacles. Distance: 52 minutes (54km)
Popular 9-Hole Course
Domaine d'Essendiéras - St Médard d'Excideuil: a variety of interesting holes with magnificent views. Distance: 44 minutes (44km)
Most courses offer equipment hire. Contact us if you'd like help with bookings or recommendations.
On the Water Near Mialet
Canoeing:
For those wanting a leisurely paddle, Brantôme offers gentle canoeing along the Dronne River. The picturesque route past the abbey and through peaceful countryside comes in 8km (2 hours) or 12km (3 hours) options. Beginners are well catered for. Perfect for a different perspective on one of the region's most beautiful towns. Many guests combine this with lunch in Brantôme.
Distance from Beaux Souvenirs: 25 minutes (25km)
Fishing:
The Périgord, with its rivers Dordogne, Vézère, and Dropt, plus numerous lakes, boasts excellent fishing potential with 1,800km of category one rivers and 200km of category two rivers.
Fishing Permits:
Annual licence: Around €88 (all of France, both categories)
15-day holiday licence: €32 (June 1 - December 31)
Daily permit: €10 (valid in issuing department only)
The easiest way to buy a licence is at a tobacco shop, fishing tackle shop, or our village post office in Mialet.
What you can catch: Trout, Chub, Carp, Pike, Zander, Perch, Shad and other species
Barrage de Mialet: Permits ( Carte de Peche)available from the village post office (6-minute walk from Beaux Souvenirs)
For more information, visit Fly Fishing in France
Tip: Game fish predominantly inhabit 1st (Premiere) Category Lakes and Rivers from mid-March to mid-September. 2nd (Deuxième) Category Lakes and Rivers are predominantly populated by coarse fish, mainly throughout the year.
Other Outdoor Activities Near Mialet
Horse Riding
Stables in Dournazac offer rides from one hour to full-day excursions. All abilities catered for.
Distance: 9 km from Beaux Souvenirs Details: Académie des Arts Chevaleresques
For keen equestrians, Arnac-Pompadour - France's National Stud - hosts racing fixtures and equestrian events throughout the season.
Distance: 1 hour from Beaux Souvenirs
Adventure Activities
Zipwiring and Tree Climbing Espace Hermeline in Bussière-Galant offers zipwiring and tree climbing for those wanting something more adventurous.
Distance: 30 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs
Airsports
- Hot Air Ballooning Spectacular views over the Dordogne countryside from Hautefort.
Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs Details: Details:https://www.montgolfiere.fr
- Parachuting Tandem skydives from Périgueux airport. Prices from €265
Distance: 55 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs Details:https://air-mauss.com
- Scenic Flights Discover the villages and châteaux of the Périgord Blanc from the air. Take off from Périgueux airport.
Distance: 55 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs
Plan Your Active Holiday
From gentle walks around the reservoir to championship golf, leisurely canoeing to tandem skydiving, the Périgord Vert offers outdoor activities to suit every taste and fitness level. Most of our guests find the perfect balance between exploring the area and relaxing by the pool at Beaux Souvenirs.
We're always happy to provide recommendations, help with bookings, and share our insider knowledge of the best spots. Contact us for current details and suggestions tailored to your interests.
Things to See & Do
Mialet
The charming village of Mialet is located in the Dordogne, South West France in the Aquitaine region.
Top 12 Attractions
There are so many places to visit and things to do in our area. To give you a little taster we have created a list of our top 12 favourites.
What to See in Our Region
There are countless places to visit within a 2-hour radius of Miallet. Here are the main sites including drive time and distance.
Where & What to Eat
Eating out is a fabulous experience in this part of France and there is a huge variety of establishments to choose from.
Festivals & Events
Annual calendar of festivals & events in the Dordogne and nearby departments.
Sports & Outdoors
The North Dordogne or Perigord Vert is a perfect location for those with a great affinity to the great outdoors.