Saint-Mesmin brings together trails of different kinds, the Auvézère with its cascade and viewpoint, and cultural events throughout the year. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first choose the focus of your trip: a hike, time by the river or a visit timed around an event. The options in the area offer different ways to plan your stay.
On foot: long-distance trail and circular walks
The GR646 long-distance trail passes through Saint-Mesmin and ends in Le Change, near Périgueux. A different option is the “Boucle du saut Ruban”: this circular trail starts in Saint-Mesmin and is 2 km long. The “Gorges de l’Auvézère” circular trail is also signposted here along the roads. This gives you a long-distance trail, a short loop with a stated distance, and another circular trail.
These differences can help you choose: if you are looking for a hike with a clearly stated distance, you can follow the Boucle; the GR646, by contrast, continues through Saint-Mesmin to its endpoint near Périgueux. The Gorges circular trail has its own connection to the area, with signs along the roads. These descriptions cover different trails without combining them into a single route.
The Auvézère, Saut-Ruban and the viewpoint
Discover Saut-Ruban on the paths along the Auvézère. The path to the Saut-Ruban cascade is suitable for a riverside picnic. You can reach Gabourat by a forest path leading to a small footbridge over the Auvézère. The cultural trail also includes a footbridge over the river; it is 44 m long.
For a different view of the landscape, visit the Veaupeytourie viewpoint on the upper edge of the gorges. From there, you can see the Auvézère and the village. This makes it easy to distinguish between different kinds of outings: the path to the cascade is suitable for a riverside break, while the viewpoint looks out over the river and village. Both offer a specific reason to include the area around Saint-Mesmin in your travel plans.
Water activities
Canoeing, kayaking and hydrospeed are practised on the Auvézère in Saint-Mesmin. Taking part requires experience and suitable conditions. For experienced participants, these water sports offer a different focus from the riverside trails. If you are considering them for your trip, take both your own experience and the conditions into account.
Culture and events throughout the year
On the first Sunday in September, a pilgrimage takes place on Puy des Ages hill, ending at the Notre-Dame-de-Partout chapel. The chapel was built in 1958. The Trail des gorges de l’Auvézère takes place in Saint-Mesmin in February. Check the specific event date if you are planning your trip around it.
The Troupe du Saut Ruban also adds its own rhythm to local cultural life: it rehearses weekly, refreshes its play each year and gives the first performance in Saint-Mesmin. Taken together, the pilgrimage, the February event and the theatre group’s work offer different reasons to look beyond trails and river activities when planning a trip.
When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide whether hiking, the Auvézère or a cultural event will shape your stay. The short Boucle, the long-distance trail, the riverside paths and the seasonal events all offer different points of reference, without requiring you to follow a set itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Aubin-De-Lanquais, Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière, Tamniès, Audrix, Augignac, Clermont-De-Beauregard, Mayac, Corgnac-Sur-L'isle.
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
