Labelled 'Grand Site de France', the Vézère Valley in the Dordogne, with its decorated caves, wild cliffs, abundant nature and its unique troglodyte and medieval architecture, has been charming humans for 40,000 years.
The 'World Capital of Prehistory', Les Eyzies, is nestled in the heart of the Périgord Noir, on the banks of the Vézère river.
It is in this privileged setting that Bèstia invites you to reconnect with nature in an unforgettable and joyful way.
Located just 3 minutes from the centre of Les Eyzies, 20 minutes from Sarlat, 45 minutes from Périgueux and 2h30 from Bordeaux and Toulouse, Bèstia sits at the very heart of the Dordogne's golden triangle.
Bèstia means 'animal' in Occitan, the historical language of Périgord.
Bèstia is a mixed herd of humans, llamas, goats, pigs and bees living peacefully within an old 18th-century farmstead, just 2km from the centre of Les Eyzies. We offer activities for all ages that strengthen the bond between humans and nature.
Walks with llamas and/or goats allow you to discover the wonders of this territory in a lively, sensitive and eco-responsible way.
Animal welfare is the cornerstone of Bèstia. Awareness through direct contact with animals allows you to get to know them better, understand their needs and behaviour, and forge inter-species friendships.
The therapeutic power of the most common pets (dogs, cats) is well documented — the Bèstia team will be delighted to show you that closeness with farm animals is just as enriching. The bond between animals and humans of all ages nurtures a vital force that promotes happiness and wellbeing for all species.
Forging inter-species friendships opens the door to meeting the other with curiosity, learning respect for those around us and for our environment, developing empathy and a sense of responsibility, reducing stress and rediscovering harmony and fulfilment.
Bèstia offers guided walks with llamas and/or goats on a lead, set within an exceptional natural landscape. The goats can also be taken on a self-guided walk.
These walks allow you to discover the wonders of this territory in a lively and sensitive way, through a locally-rooted approach to tourism that is eco-responsible, sustainable and creative.
Meetings with the animals without the walk are also possible — come and spend a special moment with them on the farm: whether to relax by their side, peacefully settled in a meadow, or to treat yourself to a mini "artist's retreat" and sketch them… Don't hesitate to get in touch to tell us what you have in mind!
1h - 2h
Idyllic paths wind through forests and meadows rich in biodiversity and heritage, past medieval dry-stone walls, abandoned villages and breathtaking viewpoints.### More details - routes:
A few tips, a little time for mutual taming, and off you go with the goat(s).
| duration | adult | child* |
|---|---|---|
| 1h | 8€ | 5€ |
| 2h | 12€ | 8€ |
| Optional picnic (Organic & sourced locally) | ||
| adult | child* | |
| 15€ | 10€ | |
Cash payment only
Group rates on request
Minimum charge: €35
* 3-16 years
| duration | adult | child* |
|---|---|---|
| 1h | 7€ | 4€ |
Minimum charge: €25
Fearless and bold, Blanquette & her triplets 'Pim, Pam & Poum' are always ready to embark on a new adventure with you.
Very cuddly, attentive and intelligent, they love spending time with humans.
Goats are among the very first animals to have been domesticated by humans. They charm with their spontaneity, friendliness and confidence.
Gentle and graceful, these animals are sure to enchant you. Llamas belong to the camelid family, along with camels and dromedaries, as well as three other species native to South America: alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas.
They are not commonly seen here in France, but they adapt very well to our climate. Before the arrival of the Spanish in South America, they mainly occupied low-lying terrain. By introducing sheep farming, the Spanish pushed llamas up to the high plateaus of the Andes.
Superb pack animals, llamas can carefully carry luggage and picnic baskets, and even children up to 25 kg.
Excellent browsers, they also make a valuable contribution to clearing overgrown land.
Having spent her early years on a farm with many animals just outside Les Eyzies, Michela has always maintained a very strong connection with this territory.
She spent the second part of her childhood in Zurich, Switzerland, then lived in England. She is fluent in English, German and French.
After years of travelling, she returned to her roots and settled as a farmer in 2016 on an old 18th-century farmstead.
A qualified equestrian tourism guide, she has been working in eco-tourism for over fifteen years, managing 350 km of hiking trails in the Dordogne and the Lot for a British company. With passion and warmth, she loves sharing her deep fondness for animals and the rich natural beauty of this wonderful region.
Animal welfare is close to our hearts, and Bèstia offers a safe haven for vulnerable animals.
Part of the herd has found a sanctuary here — a second chance at life, one that this time respects their need for space, companionship and care, so long overlooked.
You can support Bèstia through a regular contribution (sponsorship) or a one-off donation — every penny goes towards feeding, caring for and properly housing the animals.
Walks by appointment only email hidden (activate javascript)
Michela Thomann
06 76 51 60 40
Siret 820 313 195 000 19
