Gorges du Bandiat & Sentier des Forges
Below Nontron's clifftop the Bandiat river has carved a steep, wooded gorge that was once the industrial heartland of Périgord iron-smelting — and the 12 km Sentier des Forges (Trail of the Forges) follows the river between the ruins of 17th-century iron foundries, mossy mill-wheels and swimming holes shaded by ancient oaks. It is one of the most atmospheric and least-crowded walks in the entire D
The walk: what you will pass
The trail begins at the Moulin de la Forge car park just north of Nontron on the D675 and follows the right bank of the Bandiat south through dense mixed forest. Within the first kilometre you pass the skeletal stone walls of the Forge de Savignac-Lédrier, a 17th-century iron foundry that smelted ore for the French navy and is now a classified historic monument open for free exploration.
Further along, the path crosses a series of old millrace channels and wooden footbridges before reaching the Étang de la Forge — a still, dark pond dammed in the 1600s that reflects the surrounding beeches perfectly and makes one of the best mirror-image photographs in the Périgord Vert. In summer, locals swim here from a grassy bank on the eastern shore.
Practical trail notes
The full out-and-back walk to Savignac-Lédrier village and back is about 12 km and takes 3–4 hours at a leisurely pace. A shorter 5 km loop returns via the plateau road and suits families with young children. The path is well waymarked with yellow blazes throughout.
Wear waterproof trail shoes as the riverside sections stay muddy well into June. The walk is at its most beautiful in October when the beech canopy turns copper and the river runs high after autumn rains. Carry water — there are no cafés on the trail itself.
More of Nontron
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Nontron →
