Your guide to walking, cycling, golf, canoeing, fishing and more in the Périgord Vert
The North Dordogne (Périgord Vert) rewards those who want to get outside and breathe. Woods and river valleys stretch in every direction, the roads away from the main routes are quiet enough to walk year-round, and the pace of life invites you to slow down and notice things. Most visitors to Beaux Souvenirs combine gentle activity with plenty of pool time: a morning walk, an afternoon on the water, an evening planning where to eat. Here's our guide to what's on offer nearby.
Walking and cycling near Mialet
The Barrage de Mialet Walk:
Our most-recommended walk starts just 1.4km from the gîte. The reservoir circuit - 9km in total, taking two to three hours at an easy pace - runs along flat, well-maintained paths with open views across the lake. A dedicated birdwatching station along the route is open to all, and the lake attracts herons, waterfowl, and visiting species during the spring and autumn migrations. Picnic tables and benches are dotted around, and around a dozen pieces of outdoor exercise equipment are placed along the route - free to use and overlooking the water. Note that parts of the path are stony, so sturdy footwear is advisable, particularly if you plan to run the circuit.
Distance from Beaux Souvenirs: 1.4km (15-minute walk)
Walking Resources:
Beaux Souvenirs sits within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, which means hundreds of marked trails are on your doorstep. We keep two local walking maps at the gîte covering the quieter lanes and tracks closest to us. For longer routes across the full park, the Mon Parc Périgord-Limousin app (Google Play) is the most practical resource.
Cycling routes in North Dordogne
Some guests bring their own bikes; others arrange hire locally. The country lanes around Mialet weave through woods, farmland and small villages with very little traffic, good cycling territory at any pace.
Bike Hire:
Atelier Cycles 24 in Saint-Pardoux can deliver to or collect from the gîte if arranged in advance.
Distance: 15km from Beaux Souvenirs
Route planning:
For English-language route maps across North Dordogne, Freewheeling France is the best starting point.
Vélorail du Périgord Vert
If you'd rather stay off the road entirely, the Vélorail at Cognac-sur-l'Isle is worth knowing about. You pedal a five-seater rail bike along a disused railway line through open countryside, crossing viaducts and passing through old stations, with no traffic, no hills to worry about, and the kind of views that take a while to appear from a car window. Two people pedal while up to three can sit back and watch the scenery pass. The battery pack add-on, a small extra cost of around €10-15, takes the effort out of the inclines and is worth every cent on a warm day. Booking ahead is advisable during July and August.
Distance from Beaux Souvenirs: 25 minutes (22km). Read more about the Vélorail
Perigueux Golf Course
Golfing Near Mialet
There are six courses within an hour's drive, ranging from convenient 9-hole layouts to championship 18-hole courses.
9-hole courses
Golf du Genet, Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière. A 9-hole course opened in 2018, compact and well-maintained, good for a morning round without having to drive far. Distance: 30 minutes (25km)
Domaine d'Essendiéras, St-Médard-d'Excideuil. An interesting mix of holes with long views across the surrounding countryside. Distance: 44 minutes (44km)
18-hole courses
Golf Club de Limoges, designed by architect Hubert Chesneau, is a flat, tree-lined course that plays well for all levels. Distance: 52 minutes (51km)
Golf Club de Périgueux, Marsac-sur-l'Isle. A wooded course with water features on several holes; technical but accessible. Distance: 54 minutes (59km)
Golf de la Porcelaine, near Panazol, Limoges. Rolling parkland layout suited to players of any level. Distance: 1 hour 2 minutes (58km)
Golf de Saint-Junien, Les Jouberties. Well-defended greens and a satisfying variety of obstacles in a wooded setting. Distance: 52 minutes (54km)
Contact us if you'd like help with bookings or course recommendations.
On the Water Near Mialet
Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding in Brantôme:
The gentlest introduction to paddling in this part of France is on the Dronne at Brantôme. The river here runs slowly and clear past the abbey and through open countryside; you see the town from a completely different angle, low on the water with the stone buildings rising above you. Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are all available, with routes running to either 8km (around two hours) or 12km (around three hours). No experience needed; many visitors combine it with lunch in Brantôme afterwards.
Distance from Beaux Souvenirs: 25 minutes (25km)
Fishing:
The Périgord has around 1,800km of Category 1 rivers, fast-flowing water dominated by game fish such as trout, and 200km of Category 2, slower rivers where coarse fish, including carp, pike, perch and zander, are more common. The Barrage de Mialet reservoir is a short walk from the gîte and a good local option.
Fishing permits:
Annual licence: Around €88 (valid across France, both categories) 15-day holiday licence: €32 (1 June to 31 December) Daily permit: €10 (valid in the issuing department only) Licences are available from the village post office in Mialet, six minutes' walk from Beaux Souvenirs, or from local tobacco and fishing tackle shops.
For more details on rivers, species and seasons, Fly Fishing in France is a good English-language resource.
Equestrian events at Arnac Pompadour
More outdoor activities near Mialet
Horse riding near Mialet
The Académie des Arts Chevaleresque in Dournazac offers rides from one hour to a full day, through the wooded hills of the Périgord Vert. Suitable for all levels. For those with a deeper interest in equestrian sport, Arnac-Pompadour, France's National Stud, hosts race meetings and events throughout the season.
Dournazac stables: 9km from Beaux Souvenirs • academiedesartschevaleresques.ffe.com
Arnac-Pompadour: 1 hour from Beaux Souvenirs
Zip wire and tree climbing near Mialet
Espace Hermeline in Bussière-Galant offers zip lines and tree-climbing trails for those who want a bit more adrenaline. Distance: 30 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs
Airsports near Mialet
Hot air ballooning: Float over the châteaux and river valleys of the Périgord from Hautefort; the bird's-eye view of the same landscapes you've walked makes for a striking contrast. montgolfiere.fr Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs
Parachuting: Tandem skydives from Périgueux airport from €265. air-mauss.com Distance: 55 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs
Scenic flights: Low-level flights over the villages and châteaux of the Périgord Blanc, departing from Périgueux airport. Distance: 55 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs
Distance: 30 minutes from Beaux Souvenirs
Ready to plan your active Dordogne holiday?
Walking and cycling in the Périgord Vert, canoeing and kayaking in Brantôme, golf, fishing, or something altogether more daring - Beaux Souvenirs puts you in the middle of it.
We're happy to help with bookings, timing and local knowledge: just ask
Things to See & Do
Mialet
A pretty village with genuine French character, a bakery, a butcher, and a brasserie with a bar, all within a five-minute walk of Beaux Souvenirs.
Top 12 Attractions
Here are the twelve places in our region we think you simply shouldn't miss. We've visited every one, so we can personally vouch for them.
What to See in Our Region
Castles, caves, cities, gardens, Roman remains and medieval villages, all within a 2-hour drive, with distances and times to help you plan.
Where & What to Eat
From village brasseries to Michelin-starred dining, this region is a food lover's paradise. Think truffles, foie gras, duck and artisan markets piled with local produce.
Festivals & Events
With food fairs, music festivals, national celebrations, and some wonderfully eccentric local events, there is something happening nearby throughout the year.
Sports & Outdoors
From walking, cycling, golf, and horse riding to zip-wiring and vélorail adventures, this region rewards the active as much as the relaxed. Our doorstep guide covers it all.