Discover Daglan: dry stone, the Céou and hiking

Daglan offers visitors several specific points of interest: an exhibition about dry-stone construction and the Causse, the Église Saint-Martin, the Céou, as well as hiking and other outdoor activities. These options also vary in how much time they take and whether an appointment or booking is required. When planning, consider whether you would like to focus primarily on building history, a guided tour, or activities by the river and along the trails.

Dry stone and architectural history

Admission to the Maison de la Pierre Sèche et du Causse in Daglan is free. Its permanent exhibition comprises six sections: dry-stone structures, the Causse, vines, truffles, the grain harvest, and weather and climate. Alongside construction methods, it also explores nature and agriculture. The Maison aims to promote and preserve the area's natural and cultural heritage. Individual displays may change over time; check the opening hours before your visit.

The Église Saint-Martin de Daglan also offers a historical point of interest: it was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and altered several times. If you are interested in older buildings, you can explore its origins alongside the changes made in later periods. The exhibition and the church have different focuses: the Maison highlights dry stone, the landscape and regional topics, while the church is notable for its age and alterations.

The Céou and outdoor activities

Near Daglan, the Céou is classified as a first-category river and is used by kayakers. Competitions are held there in winter; dates may change, so it is advisable to check announcements before travelling. Fishing on the Céou is permitted with a fishing permit, which is available from the town hall. If you plan to fish, check the current rules and permit requirements in advance.

A three-hour excursion entitled “Géologie et Paysages” runs from La Roque-Gageac to Daglan. Dates are announced separately. This makes it different from activities that start in Daglan itself: this tour begins in La Roque-Gageac and ends in Daglan after three hours. When planning, take note of both the stated duration and the announced date.

Hikes with different focuses

Daglan is the starting point for numerous mountain biking and hiking routes. Conditions on individual routes may change; bear this in mind when choosing one. In 2020, the Département selected the Sentier de la Bégonie as one of the Dordogne's ten most beautiful hiking trails. This award dates from 2020.

Nature enthusiasts can choose from two free hikes, each lasting three hours. “Les plantes et fleurs du causse” starts in the village of Daglan, is led by an expert, and introduces visitors to the biodiversity of the Céou slopes. Dates are announced separately. “Les orchidées et plantes du causse” follows the slopes of Daglan during the flowering season and is led by members of the Société d'Orchidophilie. Both hikes are the same length; their main difference is their focus: general biodiversity on the Céou slopes, or orchids and other plants during the flowering season. Check the specific date of the seasonal hike before your trip.

Another guided hike in Daglan is three kilometres long and takes two hours. Along the way, visitors learn about dry-stone walls, shelters and cayrous. Tours are available by appointment; availability may change. Arrange your visit in advance. Compared with the three-hour hikes, this one is shorter, and the focus is on explanations of these architectural features.

Planning your time in the area

Sunday morning can also be a point to plan around: a market is held in Daglan then. The timing requirements for the other activities vary considerably—from excursions with dates announced separately to the flowering season and tours that require an appointment. Plan around the activity that interests you most, and check the Maison's current opening hours.

Discover more destinations: La Tour-Blanche, Pazayac, La Chapelle-Grésignac, Agonac, Soulaures, Lamonzie-Montastruc, Carves, La Chapelle-Montmoreau.

See the broader travel guide: Dordogne.