Velorail Perigord Vert — Attraction in Nontron

This is so much fun! Prepare to spend 2 hours pedalling a railway buggy/vehicle on a disused section of railway track through woodland, over bridges, through tunnels, past abandoned stations and across country roads. Up to 5 people can ride each buggy with two people pedalling. The 5.5km route is predominantly uphill, but you are helped by an electric assistance motor, so even though you still have to pedal, it is much easier. After about 3 km you have a refreshments stop with ice cream and drinks and a pretty rudimentary toilet facility (we are in rural France after all) before continuing for another 2km. Then comes the really fun bit!! When you get to the end, your buggy is turned around and you head back to the start... downhill! Up to 30km an hour and not a lot of pedalling on the way back! The kids absolutely loved it and it wasn't that much of a workout if you used the electric assistance. Booking is essential (by phone), payment is cash only and there are 3 departures a day (10h30, 13h30, 16h30) but you MUST arrive 30 minutes before departure to pay, sign waivers and learn how to operate the...

The velorail is a unique, and fun, way to spend an afternoon in the Perigord Vert. You have to call to book in advance, which I was initially hesitant about as my French is very poor, but it was not a problem as they spoke very good English. When we arrived we were met by a very friendly (and funny!) man, who spoke perfect English. He explained how the velorail works, the rules and so on. Essentially you ride the velorail to a small park where there are some refreshments and a washroom before riding back to the start. The ride to the park was more difficult but the ride back is very easy and you can coast at a decent speed almost the whole way. Riding the velorail is not difficult if you can ride a bike, but if you can’t they rent an electrical device that you can use to power the velorail. I would highly recommend this experience during your visit to the Perigord Vert. Not only is it a lot of fun, it is a good cause run by volunteers who are trying to keep the...

This is absolutely superb and a must if you’re in the area. Well organised and staff speak a little English, you must book over the phone prior to going as there are limited slots. Lady on the phone was polite and spoke basic English enough to make the booking. €45 per cart, the experience takes about 2-3 hours with a stop 3/4 the way up the gradient for a rest, coffee (although UHT milk 🤢) and a loo stop.

It’s basically a small length of former railway line (7km) that you ride on a purpose built pedal cart on the tracks that seats 5. All carts have electric assist which is much needed, as the first leg is up hill all the way (but great fun coming back!!)

Winds through beautiful scenery, across a bridge over the river, and a small tunnel, passing through numerous level crossings (you must get off and walk the cart across).

Coming back it’s downhill all the way, and if you want to, you can gather quite a bit of speed!

Fantastic few hours out and...