We fancied a walk today as both needed fresh air and some exercise after the excesses of the last couple of weeks! So we decided to go for a walk near the Dordogne River, and La Roque-Gageac came to mind as its right on the banks and there is plenty to look at. Plus you can stay pretty much on the level if you avoid climbing the steps up to the troglodyte caves.
We found that beyond the riverside pavement, at the downriver end, you can cross the road and pick up a path which goes past the big chateau and behind some other properties, emerging to the view in the first image above. We came back along the road which I would not recommend in busier times as the “footpath” is more of a narrow pavement which protects the old wall from cars getting too close.
We also found a path which starts between the buildings in the centre of the main boulevard and leads up a few steps to the Exotic Gardens, basically a collection of tropical plants lining the pathway. At this time of year they look a bit sad and probably frostbitten as most are banana plants so not exactly accustomed to winters here. However, we assume they survive, and did spot what looked like huge flower buds on some, plus some small clusters of bananas.
Continuing on we found that there is also a Bambouserie, but the gate to this was securely padlocked so a no go this time, but nevertheless some new discoveries for us today!
