The route of this future Dordogne cycle route could be modified in order to preserve biodiversity

Initially planned for the left bank of the Vézère, the route of the cycle route could be moved to the right bank of the river in order to preserve two ancient forests which are home to remarkable biodiversity.

The final route is expected next winter and is therefore subject to change. Since it was unveiled in spring 2025, the greenway cycle route that will connect Les Eyzies to Coly-Saint-Amand, mainly along the Vézère, has encountered two obstacles: local residents and environmental protection associations.

While waiting for the Vallée de l'Homme Community of Communes (CCVH), which is responsible for the project management of the 42 km route, to find a solution to cross the Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère cingle with the INGC (Gers) design office and local residents, a second black spot could be resolved: the section linking Les Eyzies to Tursac.

On July 10, the president of the CCVH and mayor of Les Eyzies, Philippe Lagarde, met, at their request, with members of two associations, Sepanso Dordogne and SOS Forêt Dordogne (the LPO was also associated).

Reading the biodiversity atlas prescribed by the CCVH, Bernard Bousquet identified two problematic passages. Vice-president of Sepanso, this retired forest ecologist worked to create and preserve national parks and nature reserves under the aegis of various institutions: European Union, World Bank, UNESCO, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).

This is the Chemin des 7 Tours, on the edge of Les Eyzies and Tursac, and the Marzac forest, near the eponymous castle. Drawing on this inventory of environments and species carried out by naturalists - "one of the richest in France" whom he salutes in passing - Bernard Bousquet invokes the richness of the flora and fauna (peregrine falcon, jackdaw, common raven, etc.) that flourish in the shade of two forests: one a few decades old at the Seven Towers, the other even older and depicted as a mature forest "uncut since the middle of the 19th century," he assesses.

A double observation which would make it difficult to develop cycle paths near these cliffs, with several nuisances as a result: "earthworks, tree cutting".

“The CCVH asked us to advise the design office”

In a constructive spirit, the associations suggested that the route remain on the right bank of the Vézère, continuing the first section from Saint-Chamassy to Les Eyzies, which arrives from Saint-Cirq. The route would follow the Micoque loop path, which runs alongside the departmental road before passing under the railway bridge.

The route would remain on the municipal road until the hamlet of La Cour and could join a path winding through the forest before reaching the place called La Goudelie, near the troglodyte village of La Madeleine, then join the Lespinasse bridge.

It would still be necessary to ensure the gradient of the route, with slopes that should not exceed 3 to 4% maximum, in order to allow families to cycle. "The CCVH asked us to advise the design office," concludes Bernard Bousquet, indicating the positive climate in which this consultation took place.