The best walks and hikes around Nontron

Nontron, nestled in the heart of the "Périgord Vert," offers a wide array of hiking opportunities. There are over 200 routes available, catering to various skill levels and interests, from easy strolls to more challenging excursions.

The Nontronnais area is characterized by its lush, green, and discreetly hilly terrain, earning it the nickname "Périgord Vert." You'll find undulating plateaus, dense forests covering a significant portion of the area, and picturesque valleys carved by rivers like the Bandiat and Auvézère. Expect a mix of woodlands, agricultural lands, and meadows, all contributing to a rich, verdant environment.

Yes, Nontron offers several easy trails perfect for families or those new to hiking. For example, the Saint-Estèphe Pond – The Rocking Stone loop from Saint-Estèphe is an easy 4.6 km (2.9 miles) route that takes you past natural features like the Grand Etang and Roc Branlant. Another gentle option is the Lake Rouffiac – Rouffiac Leisure Center loop, an easy 6.4 km (4 miles) path around the lake.

Many of the trails around Nontron are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Beautiful dark forest path – Saut Ruban Waterfall loop from Savignac-Lédrier is a moderate 8.9 km (5.5 miles) circular hike that takes you through dense forests and past a waterfall. Another option is the Miallet Dam loop from Mialet, a moderate 8.3 km (5.2 miles) route around the dam.

Absolutely. The region's rivers, like the Bandiat and Auvézère, create beautiful valleys and features. The Beautiful dark forest path – Saut Ruban Waterfall loop from Savignac-Lédrier is a moderate 8.9 km (5.5 miles) trail that specifically highlights a waterfall. Additionally, the Hiking along the Dronne route offers scenic views as it follows the Dronne river.

Nontron's hiking trails often lead past fascinating historical and cultural landmarks. You can find routes that reveal the history of Grandmontine monks, pass by ancient menhirs, or lead to sites like the Dovecote Tower and a 12th-13th century troglodyte village. The Hike of the Château de Jumilhac explores the historical surroundings of the Jumilhac Castle, offering views of local architecture. Another route, the Hike of the old Priory Mill, takes you past historical structures and through woodlands.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Nontron offers several difficult routes. The Thiviers Church – Thiviers Old Town loop from La Faucherie is a demanding 26.9 km (16.7 miles) trail with significant elevation changes. Another difficult option is the Saut du Chalard – Parking & Trailhead loop from Champs-Romain, a 5 km (3.1 miles) route with steep sections.

The hiking routes in Nontron are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 780 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the tranquility of the dense forests, and the well-maintained paths that wind through river valleys and past historical sites.

Beyond the trails themselves, the Nontron region boasts several notable attractions. You can visit historical sites like Saint-Jean-de-Côle or the charming Thiviers Old Town. Castles such as Javerlhac Castle and Jumilhac Castle are also accessible, often with trails leading nearby. The Jardin des Arts within Nontron itself offers a peaceful walk with views over the Bandiat Valley.

Given that Nontron is situated in the "Périgord Vert" and within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park, its diverse natural environment, including dense forests and river valleys, provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The damp climate supports a rich variety of plant life, which in turn attracts various animal species. Keep an eye out for local birds, small mammals, and insects, especially in the quieter woodland and riverside areas.

The verdant nature of the Périgord Vert makes Nontron an appealing hiking destination for much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring bringing lush greenery and wildflowers, and autumn showcasing vibrant fall foliage. Summer provides shaded walks through the extensive forests, offering respite from the heat. Even winter can be suitable for hiking, with the landscape taking on a different, serene beauty.