dordogne tourist map

Dordogne Travel Guide and Maps

The Dordogne département (24) is found within the Aquitaine region of the southwest corner of France . Most French people refer to the area as the Périgord, a name used for the region before the French revolution; the region changed its name to the Dordogne in 1790.

Location Map: Where Is the Dordogne and Why Go?

Why come to the Dordogne? Well, the beauty of the region is unsurpassed; rivers cut through limestone, leaving fantastic cliffs people have built around and into for thousands of years. The vast system of caves below the earth hold art so old it's difficult to think that people could have been so talented back then. And the cuisine is one of the best in all of the world. After all, the Périgord is known for Truffles and foie gras, two of the most sensuous tastes on the planet. You'll find lots of duck and goose cooked in interesting ways.

There are many chateaus in the Dordogne as well, a density similar to the famous Loire castles, just less visited.

The Dordogne is just inland from Bordeaux , so wine is no problem. Famous dessert wine is produced at Monbazilac, and cheap, adequate reds are produced around Bergerac.

The Dordogne is compact and full of things to do. It's a great place to take the kids.

Getting Your Bearings in the Perigord

Here is the entire Dordogne region. The region is divided into four parts, the orange dots represent the primary market towns.

• The Périgord Verte (green) is named for the verdant hills around the center, Nontron. Many rivers crisscross this section.
• The Périgord Blanc (white) is so named because of the landscape's exposed limestone, which has been used for building materials in the cities.
• The Périgord Pourpre (purple) is, as you might expect, a wine region. Wines take the names of the towns on the map, Bergerac, and Monbazilac.
• The Périgord Noir (black) is probably of the most interest to the traveler. It is here that the underground is laced with prehistoric painted and engraved caves. Over 150 sites line the Vézère river alone. The region is dark with trees, especially walnuts, for which it is famous, as well as being known for its black truffles. The center of the study of the region's prehistory is here as well, in the new National Museum of Prehistory perched on a cliff in the village of Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac.

Exploring the Perigord Noir

How much time need to visit Périgord Noir? If you like history, ancient castles and fortifications, prehistoric painted caves, natural beauty, and great cuisine you would not completely cover the area in a week. You'll save money by renting a vacation house for that length of time, either in the restored medieval center of Sarlat or the countryside.

You'll need a car, despite the fact that there are train stations in Les Eyzies and Sarlat. Most of the allure of the Dordogne is found in the countryside.

The map above shows the relationships between Sarlat, Les Eyzies, and Montignac, a golden triangle of history and prehistory. It doesn't take much driving to cover this area, the distance between Sarlat and Les Eyzies is only 10 km. To the east of Sarlat is the interesting pilgrimage site of Rocamadour.

Recommendations for a Short Trip

Les Eyzies - The National Museum of Prehistory, lunch at the Cro-Magnon Hotel (built into the limestone cliff, highly recommended cuisine and reasonable lodging prices), then a visit to Font de Gaume cave, just outside the tiny village of Les Eyzies. Most of the paintings here date back to the Magdalenian (12,000 bc).

Beynac - Cap Blanc - Castelnaud - Visit the restored castle that crowns the picturesque town of Beynac, see the three-dimensional carved horses of Cap Blanc, then go to the castle at Castelnaud and see how all that siege machinery worked.

Village Troglodytique de la Madeleine and Roque St-Christophe - where people have lived for 50,000 years or so.

Leave time for Lascaux !

Sarlat: Your Base in the Périgord

Founded in the eighth century, in Sarlat you'll find a beautifully restored 17th- and 18th-century core evocative enough for the town to be featured in many French films . Sarlat is located in the heart of the Périgord Noir and makes a fine base for your travels.

That said, the medieval center of Sarlat is, indeed, a tourist town. While prices haven't skyrocketed, in restaurants you'll find English menu translations you'll be able to laugh over for years. Shops selling canned foie gras are everywhere. Foie gras shops are the T-shirt shops of Sarlat.

But don't let that deter you. A stay in Sarlat will be rewarded by some great food and evocative views. The Saturday morning market is not to be missed.

Sarlat is 550 km from Paris and has almost 11,000 inhabitants. There are plenty of restaurants--an abundance of them in fact. Sarlat also is on the Paris-Souillac-Sarlat and Toulouse-Souillac-Sarlat train lines. It takes around 6 and a half hours to arrive at Sarlat from Paris .

You can stay in a hotel , of course, but it's much better to stay a while in a vacation home rental, where you can participate in the open air markets in this gourmet corner of France. HomeAway lists over 2,000 vacation rentals in the Dordogne, more than 10% of them in Sarlat la Canada.

Beynac, Château de Beynac, and Castelnaud: Castles for a Day

Beynac is a wonderful little town to visit in the Dordogne. The Château de Beynac , crowning the limestone cliff, has undergone a recent restoration, and the interior is quite nice. The chateau is privately owned, but you can visit from 10 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. in-season for 8 Euros. You can drive up, but parking below is recommended. It's a steep walk to the top, about 15 minutes.

Near Beynac is the Château de Castelnaud , whose history begins with the Crusade against the Albigensians, when it was owned by Bernard de Casnac, a keeper of the Cathar faith. The castle has gone through two rebuilding/restorations, one between 1974-1980 and the latest from 1996-1998. Adults visit for 10.90 Euros, children 10-17 for about half that. 10 and under walk in free. Open all year, hours vary with the sun. In July and August, a tavern operates on the premises.

Inside is the Museum of Medieval Warfare . Learn of weapons and siege machinery here through reconstructed weapons. Chateau de Castelnaud is a great place to take your kids if they like this sort of thing. Some educational programs are provided to youngsters.

Recommended Prehistoric Sites

There are hundreds of caves within a 20 km radius of Sarlat--some open, some not. Here's a recommended list of prehistoric sites in the Périgord Noir.

• Lascaux II - Tourists haven't been able to go inside Lascaux since 1963 when algae and calcite began to dim the paintings (Lascaux, it is said, recovered), but they've done a bang-up job of recreating parts of the cave close by. It took 10 years of work to painstakingly recreate not only the paintings but the exact profile of the walls of two galleries. Then, head on over to nearby Le Thot, especially if you have kids. It's a prehistoric theme park that recreates the environment Cro-Magnon would find familiar.​
• Cap Blanc - Like horses? Well, 13,000 years ago folks carved a three-dimensional frieze at the back of a rock shelter featuring almost life-sized horses that seem to jump out of the wall. It's a short, but impressive, visit.
• Font de Gaume - Visitors can see thirty of the most beautiful cave paintings, most from about 12,000 BC. About a mile south is Les Combarelles, with a profusion of intermingled engravings of many animals, the horse is represented most frequently.
• La Roque Saint Christophe - A stronghold in a limestone cliff, occupied from Cro-Magnon to relatively recent times. It features one of the largest natural terraces in Europe, with a great view of the river. Close by is the Prehistoparc, where your kids can see how life was lived by Cro Magnon. There are good walking trails here.

Resources for Visiting

The Dordogne, especially the Périgord Noir zone, is small enough that you might discover your favorite places just by driving around. If you have just a short time, a map and guide might help.

When you arrive in the Périgord, look for a copy of The Paths of Prehistory in Périgord . It's a great introduction to the history of the region with great photos you won't be able to take, as well as some pretty nice maps. It's by Editions Ouest-France and the ISBN is 273732260x.

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Dordogne

I fell in love with the Dordogne on my week-long visit last year to France. It’s a region that took me by surprise and enchanted me with historic villages and charming chateau. This guide to visiting The Dordogne is all of my favorites from my trip.

The Dordogne is a region often overlooked by American tourists, perhaps because many consider visiting other regions of France first like Provence or Normandy. But the Dordogne should not be skipped, it’s an incredible place of history, grand landscape, and lots to do. It makes for a wonderful destination after Bordeaux as this is the closest major city.

For me, this region is quintessential France. It has it all and you can easily spend a proper week or so road-tripping the region. With its rich history, natural beauty, and gastronomic treasures, the Dordogne continues to be a celebrated destination that offers a truly immersive French experience.

Why is the Dordogne Famous?

The Dordogne region in France is famous for its captivating blend of prehistoric heritage, medieval charm, and culinary excellence. I know travelers come to explore the renowned Lascaux Caves, stroll through picturesque villages like Sarlat-la-Canéda , and savor the region’s iconic cuisine.

If you’re considering your time in the Dordogne, read on for how to spend your time, where to stay, and more in the Dordogne.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in the Dordogne:

• Le Petit Manoir , for best historic, luxury stay in Sarlat
• Hotel Montaigne , for the best modern stay in Sarlat
• Domaine de Rochebois , for the best luxury countryside retreat

For more on how to make the most of your time, don’t miss my in-depth guide to Sarlat-la-Canéda !

A Guide to the Best Things to Do in the Dordogne

Helpful Travel Tips for Visiting Dordogne France

Getting there.

To reach the Dordogne Valley, you can fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, which is the closest major airport to the region. From there, you can rent a car and drive east to the picturesque Dordogne Valley. Bordeaux to the Dordogne Valley is approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive, depending on your specific destination within the Dordogne region. Having a car is an absolute must for visiting, I always use Discover Cars for the best rates.

Length of Time

I think 5-7 days is the right amount of time for exploring the Dordogne. You can’t do it all in a week but you would get a good sense of the area. It’s quite vast, the third largest area in France, so keep this in mind.

Time of Year

The best time to visit the Dordogne region in France is during the spring and early autumn. April to June and September to October offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities. These months also tend to be less crowded with tourists compared to the peak summer season. However, if you enjoy warmer weather and don’t mind larger crowds, July and August are also popular months for visiting the Dordogne.

Where to Stay in The Dordogne to Visit

One of the most challenging parts of planning a trip to The Dordogne is finding the right area to stay. When I did all of my research, I landed on the most central location of Sarlat-la-Canéda . The town of Sarlat-la-Canéda is in the heart of the valley and has everything you need. You’re minutes from the river, other picturesque towns, and sights. I’ve also included other incredible accommodations that would be worth considering.

Sarlat-la-Canéda Hotels

• Le Petit Manoir for best historic, luxury stay in the center
• Hotel Plaza Madeleine À Sarlat for a historic stay in the center
• Les Cordeliers for best luxury hotel just outside the city center
• Hotel Montaigne for the best modern stay in Sarlat
• Domaine de Rochebois for the best luxury countryside retreat

Other Notable Hotels to Stay At

• La Vieux Logis , a Relais & Chateux property in Trémolat
• Château de la Treyne along the river (unreal hotel for the pricepoint)
• Hôtel de Bouilhac in Montignac for a design stay
• Chateau de Maraval for a design maison d’hôte in Cénac-et-Saint-Julien
• Châteaux dans Les Arbres for most unique stay
• Le Moulin du Roc   for luxury with Michelin restaurant in Champagnec-de-Belair
• Le Moulin de l’Abbaye for luxury stay with Michelin restaurant in Brantôme

The Best Villages To Visit in The Dordogne

There are dozens of villages to choose from in the Dordogne when it comes to exploring. I’ve pulled together my top three favorites from this list of the best villages in the Dordogne . Many of the villages in this region are designated Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (which translates to “the most beautiful villages of France”).

Domme is a picturesque village nestled atop a hill overlooking the Dordogne River, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming shops, Domme is a must-visit destination for some of the best views over the Dordogne Valley. There are some great restaurants in town and lots of shops on the main street.

Beynac-et-Cazennac

Nestled along the Dordogne River, the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac is just under the Château de Beynac, a medieval fortress that looms above the village. This village is one of my favorites as it’s so petite but offers wonderful views and a step back in time. Do note that there aren’t many services here in terms of restaurants, more of a historic village to stroll.

La Roque-Gageac

This may be one of the most iconic villages on the Dordogne River, as it is built into the side of the cliffs. It’s dramatic, and right near lots of things to do. On the river’s edge, you’ll find several restaurants and shops lining the street. But don’t forget to make the climb up to the quiet village area.

Incredible Things to Do in Dordogne, France

Taste the local cuisine.

One of my favorite parts of time in the Dordogne is the chance to experience cuisine, often referred to as Périgord cuisine. Duck and goose play a central role in many traditional dishes, with specialties like duck confit, foie gras, and magret de canard (duck breast). Truffles, both black and white, are highly prized and used seasonally — keep an eye out for black truffle dishes.

The region is also known for its walnut-based products, you’ll see shops everywhere selling these seasonally. Chestnuts, wild mushrooms, and game meats such as venison and wild boar feature prominently in seasonal dishes. It’s such a foodie paradise and there are many Michelin-starred restaurants and cozy local cafes to stop into.

Visit Historic Castles

Dordogne is most known for its impressive medieval castles like Château de Castelnaud , Château de Beynac , and Château de Hautefort . All of these are wonderful castles to visit while there, and one other picturesque castle to visit is Château des Milandes . This historic château is renowned for its association with Josephine Baker, the famous American-born French dancer, who once owned the property and spent part of her life here. You can explore the château’s elegant interiors and lush gardens. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Get Outdoors in the Dordogne

Paddle along the picturesque Dordogne River, taking in the scenic views and passing by charming villages and dramatic cliffs. It’s one of the best things to do and several places offer kayaks for rent along the river. There are many hikes and other places to go cycling as well if you’re looking to get active. This tour starts in Vitr ac and offers guided canoe tours down the river, whereas this kayak rental tour is self-guided.

Explore the Underground Caves and Prehistoric Sites

The Dordogne region is famous for its network of underground caves and grottoes, many of which are home to prehistoric art and stunning geological formations. The UNESCO Heritage Site of Lascaux caves in Montignac is renowned for its Paleolithic cave paintings, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory.” Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, Font-de-Gaume is one of the last caves in France with original prehistoric paintings that are still open to the public. The cave features intricate drawings dating back over 17,000 years. There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites across Périgord Noir, so be sure to carve out some time for this.

See the Candlelight Tour of Les Jardins de Marqueyssac

This might be the best thing to do in the Dordogne. While Les Jardins de Marqueyssac is worth a visit any time of the year to see the exquisite gardens, they do have a special experience. In the summer months, the gardens are open late through night and are filled with two thousand little candles to light the paths. It’s so special and well worth booking tickets in advance.

Visit the Famous Sarlat-la-Caneda Farmer’s Market

There is not a better market in France than Sarlat’s farmers market. It draws in so many visitors that the town shuts down for market days — do arrive early! The big market is on Saturday morning though there is a seasonal one on Wednesday as well. You’ll find all of the fresh produce and seasonal cuisine here, a great spot to stock up on souvenirs.

See a Few Museums

Visit museums like the Musée National de Préhistoire in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil and the Château de Losse to appreciate the region’s cultural heritage. The Musée National de Préhistoire in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in prehistoric history. Located in the “Capital of Prehistory,” this museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts, tools, and artworks from the region’s prehistoric periods.

Take a Day Trip to Rocamadour

If you’re looking for another iconic village in France to visit and doable within a day’s trip, consider Rocamadour in the Lot. It’s one of my favorite villages, somewhere I grew up going. It’s built into the side of the mountain, and so picturesque.

There are so many day trips that can be done for this region. I know people who even go as far as the volcanic mountains of Puy de Sancy and Puy de Dôme, icons of Massif Central.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Dordogne travel guide

Visit Dordogne (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France)

The Dordogne has stunning medieval castles, historical villages and towns, and the famous prehistoric caves of the UNESCO listed Vezere Valley to enjoy, each of them set in the attractive landscapes of the region, with rivers, forests and beautiful countryside, so it is no surprise that the Dordogne is one of the most popular destinations in France!

Note that the Dordogne area is quite large, perhaps two hours drive from north to south and a similar distance east to west, even more if the places are not close to the larger roads, so you are unlikely to see everything in one visit - no problem though, because you will certainly want to come back again!

Perigord Noir - the south-east Dordogne

In Perigord Noir you will find many of the most famous castles, towns and villages of the Dordogne region, many in spectacular locations, and with fascinating histories to tell - but you will also find more tourists and busier roads, especially in high season.

Sarlat is the 'medieval capital of the Dordogne' and perhaps the most lovely town in France, and is in the heart of Perigord Noir.

Three of the villages here are listed among the 'most beautiful villages in France: the riverside setting, ancient village streets and castle make Beynac a highlight for visitors; the ancient stone houses along the river at La Roque-Gageac make it very scenic and Domme is a hilltop village with some of the best views in the Dordogne as well as extensive caves in the village centre. Close by the pretty village of Carlux has a ruined castle in its centre.

To the west of these principal towns and villages, Saint-Cyprien is another attractive Dordogne market town and also the quiet village of Siorac-en-Perigord .

Among other castles in the area, Chateau de Montfort is a fairytale castle on a hill a few kilometres from Sarlat, Chateau de Puymartin is another of the lovely castles in Perigord Noir, and the attention to historical detail and the views across the river make Chateau de Beynac a treat for visitors.

Chateau de Castelnaud is both a medieval castle and an extensive museum of medieval warfare - your children will love it! An interesting contrast nearby, the 15th century Chateau des Milandes is well known because Josephine Baker owned the castle during the 20th century.

There are some attractive gardens to visit whilst in the area. The Jardins de Marqueyssac is perhaps the most popular but the Jardins d'eau at Carsac-Aillac and the Jardins de Cadiot at Carlux are also a treat, and the Jardins du manoir d'Eyrignac are one of the most lovely gardens in France.

Near to La Roque Gageac the Jardin de la Ferme Fleurie is a pretty garden bursting with colour and on the edge of Domme the Jardins d'Albarede sit in a pretty valley.

North of Sarlat (close to the Manoir d'Eyrignac) you will also enjoy a walk around the pretty village of Saint-Genies and perhaps the small town of Salignac-Eyvigues if you are nearby.

France This Way review: this is certainly the most visited part of the Dordogne and contains many of the highlights although we would be inclined to visit outside high season if possible to appreciate it at its best.

Vézère Valley and Les Eyzies to Terrasson

In this part of the Dordogne you can explore the prehistoric settlements of the Vézère Valley - the roots of prehistoric man in Europe are in the Dordogne region and much of the region is now a UNESCO listed world heritage site. Although there are no large towns here, this is the most central part of the department, so is a good choice if you hope to explore all parts of the Dordogne.

The most famous attraction here, the Lascaux caves are probably the most famous prehistoric cave paintings in the world.  Montignac is a pretty riverside town most visited for its proximity to Lascaux caves.

Les Eyzies is a small village which would generally be considered as the centre of any tour of the Vézère valley: see Les Eyzies . Les Eyzies is home to the National Museum of Prehistory , the Pole International of Prehistory and the prehistoric shelters of Abri Pataud and the Abri Cro-Magnon .

Close to Les Eyzies, Font-de-Gaume has the only prehistoric paintings in the Dordogne where visitors can see the originals. Another very interesting prehistoric settlement is set into the side of a cliff along the Dordogne river at La-Roque-Saint-Christophe .

The nearby village of Le-Moustier was also home to some important prehistoric discoveries. Also near here is the pretty village of Campagne whose castle has very pretty gardens that are free to visit.

Among other towns and villages here, Saint-Leon-sur-Vezere is a very pretty village on the Vézère river centred around a lovely 12th century church; Plazac is a very tiny village, but also very picturesque; Saint-Amand-de-Coly is another of the exceptionally pretty villages to be found nearby.

The most important castle in this part of the Dordogne, despite being abandoned for several centuries, Chateau de Commarque has now been rediscovered is a fascinating castle to visit. A little further north, the world renowned Gardens of the Imagination in Terrasson are a major highlight, and you can explore the small village of Badefols d'Ans .

France This Way review: the sense of contact with prehistory along the Vezere as you visit the caves and prehistoric dwellings make it a very interesting region, and it is also very scenic, perhaps the most picturesque part of the Dordogne department.

Perigord Purple - south-west Dordogne

As well as well known medieval towns such as Bergerac , on the Dordogne river and with a lovely historic centre, this is a region to discover many small bastide villages and towns (bastides are medieval 'new towns' founded in the 12th-13th centuries) several of which are found in the southern Dordogne (with others further south in Lot-et-Garonne such as Villereal and Monflanquin ).

Several villages here are classed among the 'most beautiful villages in France' such as Belves , a very attractive village with a great deal of character; Monpazier , among our favourite five villages in the whole of France and unmissable when you visit; and Limeuil is a pretty village on the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne rivers.

Near to here is the small village of Urval which has a very unusual ancient communal bread oven.

Among the other popular towns and villages, Beaumont-du-Perigord is a small traditional bastide town; Cadouin is a very small village with an imposing abbey, listed as a UNESCO heritage site; to the south of Bergerac, Eymet is a traditional medieval bastide town; Issigeac is an unspoiled medieval village very well known for its Sunday market. Molieres is officially an 'unfinished' bastide but is still very pleasant to explore!

Not far from Cadouin the small village of Montferrand-du-Perigord is a very small village on a steep hill in a scenic part of the Dordogne and Saint-Avit-Senieur is visited for its medieval abbey, a listed UNESCO heritage site. Villefranche-du-Perigord is a bastide town in the valleys to the south of the Dordogne.

The renowned wines of Monbazillac are produced just south of the Bergerac where you can visit the château of Monbazillac . The hilltop position and far reaching views make Chateau de Biron one of our favourite castles in Perigord Purple.

East from Bergerac, Le Bugue is a small town on the river well placed to explore the centre of the region and Tremolat is a picturesque village - the nearby Cirque de Tremolat has incomparable views across the Dordogne river. The pretty village of Paunat with its abbey church is also near here and is home to the gardens of the Chartreuse du Colombier .

Slightly off the more popular tourist trails, Villamblard is a very traditional French town in the countryside north of Bergerac.

France This way comment: many visitors love this region for its unspoiled nature, medieval villages, and also the lower visitor numbers and quieter roads. See Perigord Pourpre .

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Perigord Vert and Perigord Blanc - the northern Dordogne

Less visited than the southern parts of the Dordogne department, the north also has its share of market towns and castles, beautiful scenery and picturesque villages, including Perigueux, 'capital' of the Dordogne. Part of these northern areas fall within the Perigord-Limousin Natural Regional Park.

Perigueux is an important regional centre with an imposing byzantine cathedral and interesting medieval town. North of Perigueux, Brantome is a town and abbey in a particularly lovely setting on the Dronne River and you can also visit Bourdeilles , and the castle around which the pretty village developed, which make for a lovely stroll in the northern Dordogne.

Further north near the border with Charente are the villages of Varaignes , Mareuil-en-Perigord , Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-Saint-Robert and Lusignac.

Other towns include Nontron , a quiet town to the south of the Natural Regional Park of Perigord-Limousin; Thiviers , renowned for being the foie gras capital of the northern Dordogne; Sorges , known as the truffle capital and also with an interesting garden of 50 parterres called Le Bouquet ; Saint-Astier with its pretty riverside setting; Riberac , a quiet town well known for its important regional market; and the market town of Excideuil .

Further west are the quiet towns and villages of Neuvic sur l'Isle with its chateau, Mussidan and Issac which is close to the Chateau de Montreal.

Among the castles of interest here are the Chateau de Jumilhac , sometimes called the 'sleeping beauty castle' and famous for its multi-spired roofline; the Chateau de Puyguilhem , unusual in being a renaissance period castle - most here are medieval in origins; and the Chateau de Hautefort - often claimed to be the most beautiful castle in the Dordogne, Hautefort also has very impressive views.

Our favourite village in the northern Dordogne, Saint-Jean-de-Cole is in a riverside setting and has an old stone bridge, a castle and many lovely houses.

France This way comment: this region is quite different in character to the 'central' Dordogne and provides a quite different visitor experience, with less major sights but more peace and quiet. Lovely region to unwind! See Perigord Blanc and Perigord Vert .

Popular activities

Apart from exploring many of the towns and villages there are numerous leisure activities available in the Dordogne. Our personal favourites include:

• Canoeing along the Dordogne river, available in many of the popular tourist destinations along the river and also in places along the Vézere and in Brântome
• Visiting one of the popular Dordogne markets
• Exploring the quiet backroads which are usually unknown to tourists and discovering the perfect picnic spot
• Cycling through the small hamlets and rolling countryside on quiet roads
• Horseriding is widely available
• There are many other activities including several organised around the 'prehistoric connection' such as dinosaur parks and prehistoric village

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Map of dordogne and places nearby, visit near dordogne with france this way reviews.

The French version of this page is at Dordogne (Francais)

More information

• See more places, tourist attractions and local markets at attractions in the Dordogne
• See an index of all Dordogne communes
• Feature article: countryside and bastide towns in the southern Dordogne - Monpazier, Villefranche-du-Perigord and area

French version: Dordogne (Francais)

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Dordogne map

This Dordogne map shows some of the places, castles and other highlights of the Dordogne and is best used in conjunction with the guides to the four regions of Perigord, or with the towns , chateaux and caves of the region. You can visit any place marked on the map - just click on the little sign.

While a large number of the main attractions on the map can be seen during one holiday, a significant amount of driving might be involved! See our Dordogne Regions Guide for suggestions about which region of the Dordogne you might like to focus on and our Dordogne Holiday Planner for advice on where to stay.

The most visited region of the Dordogne can be seen on the map above between Le Buisson (25km east of Bergerac) and the region across to Sarlat.

Some of our favourite places to visit in the Dordogne include:

Sarlat is a nice lively town even in winter.

With lots of cafes and restaurants it makes an excellent base for visiting the area. Bergerac is a particularly good place to enjoy the Bastille day celebrations on the 14th July when it has a huge firework display over the river.

During the summer you can do evening visits of the troglodyte parts of the abbey with a guide.

In order to protect the original the paintings have been copied in a new location next to the original cave but the copy is incredibly well done.

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Must-see attractions in The Dordogne

Grotte de Lascaux

The Dordogne

France’s most famous prehistoric cave paintings are at the Grotte de Lascaux, 2km southeast of Montignac. Naturally sealed and protected for millennia, it…

Grotte de Font de Gaume

This extraordinary cave contains the only original polychrome (as opposed to single-colour) paintings still open to the public. About 14,000 years ago,…

Château de Castelnaud

The massive ramparts and metre-thick crenellated walls of this quintessential medieval fortress (occupied by the English during the Hundred Years War)…

Grotte de Rouffignac

Hidden in woodland 18km north of Les Eyzies, this tri-level cave is one of the most complex and rewarding to see in the Dordogne. Board an electric train…

Musée Gallo-Romain Vesunna

Part of the park that contains the Tour de Vésone, this sleek museum designed by French architect Jean Nouvel encompasses a 1st-century Roman domus …

Jardins de Marqueyssac

Horticulture fans won’t want to miss these famous manicured gardens, stretching along a rocky bluff overlooking the Dordogne Valley. Signposted paths lead…

Weekly Markets

Sarlat-la-Canéda

For an introductory French market experience, visit Sarlat’s heavily touristed Saturday market, which takes over the streets around Cathédrale St-Sacerdos…

Grotte des Combarelles

This narrow, very long cave 1.5km east of Font de Gaume was the first rediscovered in the valley, in 1901, and is renowned for its animal engravings. Look…

Château de Beynac

Towering gloriously atop a limestone bluff, this 12th-century fortress’ panoramic position above the Dordogne made it a key defensive position during the…

Cathédrale St-Front

Périgueux’ most distinctive landmark is most notable for its five creamy Byzantine tower-topped domes (inspired by either St Mark’s Basilica in Venice or…

Place des Cornières

From the town’s three gateways, Monpazier’s flat, grid-straight streets lead to the arcaded market square (also known as place Centrale), surrounded by an…

Place du Marché aux Oies

A life-size statue of three bronze geese stands in the centre of beautiful place du Marché aux Oies (Goose Market Sq), where live geese are still sold…

Musée National de Préhistoire

Inside a marvellous modern building alongside the cliffs, this museum provides a fine prehistory primer, with the most comprehensive collection of…

Château des Milandes

This 15th-century château, 3km southwest of Beynac, is famous for its fabulous former owner: glamorous dancer, singer and music-hall star Josephine Baker …

Abri de Cap Blanc

While most of the Vézère’s caves contain engravings and paintings, this overhanging cliff-face contains a handful of unusual large carvings in relief,…

St-Front Quarter

North of the cathedral is this fabulous tangle of cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses. The best examples are along rue du Plantier, rue de la…

L’Elevage du Bouyssou

The Dordogne is famous for its foie gras. You’ll see duck and goose farms dotted throughout the countryside, many of which offer guided tours and…

Les Sangliers de Mortemart

Sainte-Alvère

See wild boars being raised in semi-freedom on this farm just outside Mortemart. These porky cousins of the modern pig were once common across France, but…

Moulin de la Tour

The humble noix (walnut) has been a prized product of the Dordogne for centuries, and is still used in many local recipes – cakes, puddings, pancakes and…

Grottes de l'Abbaye

Behind the former abbey – Brantôme’s most illustrious landmark and now the town hall – lie moody caves, originally a place of pagan worship and then part…

Château de Biron

Eight kilometres south of Monpazier, this much-filmed château is a glorious mishmash of styles, having been fiddled with by eight centuries of successive…

In an effort to bring the prehistoric age to life, Le Thot, 8km southwest of Montignac, places reproduced Lascaux cave scenes alongside displays about Cro…

Grotte du Sorcier

About 8km west of Les Eyzies, near the hamlet of St-Cirq, this privately owned cave features several animal engravings dating from around 15,000 BC to 17…

Église Ste-Marie

Église Ste-Marie was ingeniously converted by acclaimed architect Jean Nouvel, whose parents still live in Sarlat, into the town’s touristy Marché Couvert…

Roman Amphitheatre

The ruins of the city’s amphitheatre, designed to hold more than 20,000 baying spectators, was one of the largest such structures in Gaul. Today the tops…

Cathédrale St-Sacerdos

Once part of Sarlat’s Cluniac abbey, the original abbey church was built in the 1100s, redeveloped in the early 1500s, and remodelled again in the 1700s,…

Grotte du Grand Roc

Around 3km northwest of Les Eyzies along the D47, this cave contains an array of glittering stalactites and stalagmites. A joint ticket (adult/child €11/6…

Jardin des Enfeus

Behind the cathedral, the Jardin des Enfeus was Sarlat’s first cemetery. The rocket-shaped Lanterne des Morts may have been built to honour a visit by St…

Écomusée de la Truffe

Sorges, 23km northeast of Périgueux, has an informative museum describing truffle growth and gathering, as well as a shop with local products. There's…

Château de Puymartin

This impressive turreted château, 8km northwest of Sarlat, was first built in 1270, destroyed in 1358 during the Hundred Years War, and rebuilt around…

Château de Hautefort

This castle was originally built in the Middle Ages, but was rebuilt in the 17th century. The main reason for a visit is its beautiful formal gardens,…

This small interpretative centre is a good stop for history buffs interested in reading up on bastides, or, for a bit more family fun, playing one of the…

Manoir de Gisson

Tour this mansion, dating from the 13th century, in the heart of Sarlat to get a taste of how the bourgeoisie lived. There's a cabinet of curiosities in…

Lanterne des Morts

The Lanterne des Morts is a dramatic monument – it's shaped like a giant rocket – that was built to honour a visit by St Bernard, one of the founders of…

Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie du Périgord

The city’s museum displays fine Roman mosaics, prehistoric scrimshaw, medieval stonework from the Cathédrale St-Front, and interesting art (mainly from…

Cour des Chanoines

This attractive medieval courtyard can be reached via an alleyway off rue Tourny or from the Jardin des Enfeus. The passage from Cour des Chanoines leads…

Cour des Fontaines

Appropriate to its name this picturesque medieval courtyard contains a bubbling fountain. You can find it down an alleyway off rue Tourny or reach it from…

Château de Lanquais

This château, with portions dating from as early as the 12th century, though much of it is in the later Italian Renaissance style, is fully kitted out…

Tour de Vésone

This 24.5m-high cella (inner shrine) is the last remaining section of a massive 2nd-century Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to the local goddess Vesunna.

Maison de la Boétie

This striking 16th-century Italian Renaissance–style house opposite Cathédrale St-Sacerdos is the birthplace of writer Étienne de la Boétie (1530–63).

More destinations you need to see

The Perfect 4 to 5-Day Dordogne Road Trip Itinerary

Published on July 19, 2023

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

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The Dordogne Valley is one of the best locations in France for a family holiday, with many quaint villages to visit, prehistoric caves to explore and, of course, the Dordogne River to kayak down and cool off in. 4 to 5 days in Dordogne is perfect to follow the river and visit the must-see destinations in the region, and our Dordogne road trip itinerary will take you through the most logical route to see and experience as much as possible.

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! You can always rent a canoe or kayak and have a great getaway in the Dordogne.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Dordogne?

The Dordogne Valley stretches further than just the Dordogne region, so you might end up spending more time in the area than you anticipate.

What’s more, there are no big cities in the area for a city break or weekend away, so if you’re wondering how many days to spend in Dordogne for your holiday, consider that to see most of the sights you’ll spend a couple of hours each day on the road, so you’ll want to spend at least 3 days in Dordogne, although ideally around a week.

One of the best-known and most popular activities in the Dordogne is kayaking down the Dordogne River, and you can rent boats of different sizes from many locations along the river, from half a day up to a week, and make use of the free bus rides taking you back to your original location.

So, to make the most of the area and enjoy at least a day on the river, you’ll need to spend 3 days in Dordogne, but if you want to see more of what the area has to offer, from the cliffside town of Rocamadour to the underground rivers of Padirac, 4 days in Dordogne is best.

However, since the Dordogne is a warm, slow-paced, rural location, to fully enjoy the activities as well as get a feel for the culture and enjoy some downtime with a pastis in one hand and a book in the other, you should try to spend 5 days in Dordogne or more.

You can base yourself in a central location such as Gourdon and take short trips each day to minimise moving around a lot, or you can follow our Dordogne road trip itinerary along the Dordogne River and camp or rent properties in each location to minimise your time on the road.

Getting To & Around Dordogne

The Dordogne is not the easiest location to reach with public transport, so you’re best off driving there if you’re comfortable taking long journeys in the car.

The biggest airport near the region is Bordeaux Airport, so if you’re coming from a faraway location, your best option may be to fly to Bordeaux , rent a car and drive to the Dordogne. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices for car hire.

However, you can also fly from some destination to Bergerac, the most central and one of the largest towns in the Dordogne, or to Brive-Souillac Airport which is closer to the stops on our route, but a much smaller airport.

There are trains and buses traversing the region, however, the timetables aren’t particularly convenient for tourists, especially for the smaller villages, so having to rely on public transport may disrupt your enjoyment of the area.

The roads are in very good condition though, so you can easily cycle through the Dordogne or drive through and enjoy a 5-day Dordogne road trip, moving around at your own pace.

Within each village, you’ll find you won’t need public transport as each destination is easily walkable, although if you want to save your legs or whizz around a village and rush to the next stop on your Dordogne itinerary, there’s a petit train (a small tourist train with an audio guide) in most places.

4 to 5 Days in Dordogne Itinerary

The 300-mile Dordogne River provides the valley with lush vegetation and great biodiversity for you to enjoy as you travel through the area.

But the Dordogne Valley is also home to some of France’s most spectacular prehistoric sites and 21 winners of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France” award, so there’s plenty to get stuck into in 4 to 5 days in Dordogne.

Day 1 – Collonges-la-Rouge to Bretenoux

Our itinerary to visit the Dordogne Valley will take you on a circular route, assuming you start your journey in Brive-Souillac Airport where you can rent a car for the duration of your trip. However, you can also begin in Bergerac or Bordeaux and join the loop from whichever location is most convenient.

Collonges-la-Rouge

The first stop on your road trip, just 25 minutes driving from Brive-Souillac Airport, is the incredible town of Collonges-la-Rouge.

French speakers will have an idea from the name, this town is made of largely red sandstone and limestone thanks to the region’s high iron oxide content, and boasts an extraordinary number of châteaux and flamboyant gothic buildings, giving it the nickname, the town of 25 towers.

You can walk around the streets and wonder at the colourful mediaeval buildings, including the Château de Vassinhac which is now a very authentic and unique guesthouse, but still open to visitors during the day, and the Mermaid House, now a small museum, named after the mermaid statue in the doorway.

The village may be small but you can still find a number of authentic French restaurants and bistros, for a morning coffee or midday lunch before heading on to your next stop.

Tours de Merle

The furthest point East on our Dordogne road trip, and a stop we simply couldn’t ignore, is Tours de Merle. Named after the impressive castle that was built on a hilltop jutting out of the gorge between the 12th and 15th centuries, Tours de Merle was once a thriving feudal village and is now a historic town that welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Visit the historic houses, the ruined castle and the village museum to discover the long history of the small town either on a self-guided tour, or book a guided tour to enhance your experience. Then jump back in the car and take the D13 for around an hour Southwest to Bretenoux.

Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle

Finish the first day of your trip to the Dordogne at the magnificent Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle; the 12th-century castle stood strong through the feudal disputes of the Middle Ages, with towers, residences and gates added to the structure to resist attacks from all sides.

After changing hands, the castle then became a luxurious home in the 16th century, before being damaged in the French Revolution and suffering further from a devastating fire in the 1850s.

Today, the castle is owned and managed by the state, at the behest of its last owner, French opera singer Jean Mouliérat, who asked for its decoration to remain the same after he spent the end of his life repairing and restoring the impressive building.

You can see the splendid castle standing out on the landscape as you approach as well as see the impressive interior for a modest fee.

For your first night in the Dordogne, you can head back to the nearby town of Bretenoux to find a small collection of restaurants and just drive along the riverside to find some lovely campsites – some of which have gites, bungalows and tents to rent in case you didn’t bring your own.

The Dordogne Valley is one of the best places in France to go star-gazing due to the few cities and minimal light pollution, so before you head to bed, make sure to take a look and get a panoramic view of the night sky and count the shooting stars.

Day 2 – Caves and Medieval Villages

Your second day in the Dordogne takes place in the northern Lot department, exploring the mighty caves and gorgeous villages of the Dordogne River.

A short drive along the Dordogne River will take you to the charming medieval town of Carennac – another of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. This small village will take you on a journey back through time as its medieval origins are proudly still on display through its old stone houses and religious buildings.

As you walk around the village after your morning coffee and croissant, stop by the 12th-century Saint-Pierre church with its ornate entrance, peaceful cloister and legendary sculpture “Entombment”.

You can also see the impressive Château des Doyens overlooking the Dordogne River, which now houses the Museum of Art and History of the Dordogne Valley, so you can learn a little about the area while you’re there.

Next, drive for 10 to 15 minutes South to see one of France’s top attractions.

Gouffre de Padirac

Le Gouffre de Padirac, or Padirac Cave, is a 103-metre-deep cave in Padirac that you can visit and take a boat ride on the underground river!

Either by stairs or taking the lift, you can descend into the cave and marvel at the enormous stalactites that reach down from the cave ceilings as you pass through the different chambers on the river, reaching the extraordinary Salle du Grand Dôme, named such because of its whopping 94 metre-tall ceiling!

The cave itself is around 13°C, so make sure you bring a jacket with you even if you’re in the height of summer, and it’s a good idea to book in advance in July and August to ensure you get the chance to see this wondrous place.

Drive on for another 20 to 25 minutes to reach one of the Dordogne’s most famous towns.

Any Dordogne itinerary that missed out Rocamadour would be amiss, however, if you’re limited on time and have only 3 days in Dordogne, you should leave a whole day to spend in Rocamadour as there’s plenty to see and do.

This cliffside town is iconic to the Dordogne Valley and a hotspot for tourists and pilgrims alike due to its unique layout and fantastic vistas. Walk or take the Petit Train around the town and stop by the religious complex known as la Cité Sainte de Rocamadour, with its chapel built onto the rocky cliff edge and providing the destination for many pilgrimages for over a thousand years.

The Chapelle Notre Dame has a 12th-century black Madonna statue which pilgrims pray to in search of miracles, and non-believers and historians still find themselves in awe of the incredible artwork.

Behind the chapel lies Rocamadour Castle, built to protect the pilgrim site in the 1300s and in good shape today, ready to welcome tourists to discover the history of the village and enjoy a spectacular panorama for a small fee.

As you walk around the town, you may notice some large birds of prey flying above; head to the Rocher des Aigles for an up-close look at the bird displays, or simply position yourself high up in the village to see all kinds of eagles, vultures, owls, macaws and many more bird species take flight.

If you haven’t had your fix of ancient history yet, head over to Rocamadour’s Grotte des Merveilles, a 22,000-year-old cave filled with stalactites and original palaeolithic paintings of equine animals in amazing condition.

Lacave Caves

Although you can happily spend a whole day in Rocamadour, you can’t come to this part of the Dordogne Valley without taking a quick trip to the caves of Lacave. You’ll also end your day closer to the campsites on the banks of the Dordogne River.

Clearly named after its top attraction, Lacave has an enormous cave that is well worth a visit. Either on foot (bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes) or with the small electric train, you can take an hour and 20 minute-guided tour of around 1 km or the 4 km long tunnels running underground and learn of the 150 million years of history that created this amazing maze of caves.

Like all caves in France, flash photography is prohibited, but you can take non-flash photos to remember the amazing caves.

Day 3 – Adventuring on the Dordogne River

You can’t visit the Dordogne without taking a boat out along the river. Head to Souillac (or anywhere on the Dordogne River) and rent a kayak or canoe for the whole day or just a morning or afternoon, and spend the rest of your day in the town of Souillac.

Canoeing or Kayaking

The banks of the Dordogne River are beautifully green and dotted with glorious châteaux and mediaeval villages that make boat trips down the river some of the most idyllic.

Whichever company you start at, you’ll be taken via a free shuttle bus down the river where you can then start your journey back and arrive back at the boat rental company. This can be booked in advance here.

The river is mostly flat and calm, with small islands causing the current to flow faster, but no rapids or dangerous areas, making it a perfect place for first-time kayakers or families to enjoy a day out. There are also many small beaches where you can stop and enjoy a picnic or pick up a Croque Monsieur at a small riverside cafeteria before continuing your journey.

Along the journey you’ll be able to spot herons and kingfishers, and if you’re lucky, some salmon and eels migrating upstream.

If you’ve been out for the day on your kayak, Souillac is the perfect place to return to as it’s a pleasant small town with many restaurants and campsites.

Souillac also has an impressive 1,000-year-old abbey worth visiting as you amble around the small town looking for somewhere to eat, such as Le Quercy de Souillac, a small French restaurant serving fresh local produce for a reasonable price.

However, Souillac also offers more to visitors than you may imagine, with its large market on Friday and Sunday mornings from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm, drawing locals and visitors from many nearby villages, as well as its yearly jazz festival.

Souillac en Jazz lasts for a few days in the middle of July each year and sees a range of jazz artists play open-air concerts in the town, which you can buy tickets for online, or be lucky enough to overhear as you sit in a nearby brasserie.

Day 4 – Discovering Dordogne Towns

As you reach the border of the Dordogne department and enter 4 days in Dordogne, you’ll discover the small towns that make the Dordogne Valley so famous.

The Dordogne Valley is home to many historic towns, and none shows off its identity more proudly than Gourdon. With beautiful mediaeval stone houses with wooden doors in winding pathways, as you walk the city streets you can’t help but feel as though the town has looked the same for the past 500 years – and you wouldn’t be wrong.

At the beginning of August, you’ll come across a fantastic mediaeval festival taking place in the town, with many locals donning old-fashioned garb to bring the streets alive as they would have been hundreds of years ago.

These festivals also bring arts and crafts stalls as well as other local and traditional products for sale for visitors to peruse, not to mention the battles that take place in the squares, displaying traditional weaponry and fighting techniques to onlookers.

The historic town of Gourdon, or Bastide, surrounds a church on the hilltop and has its original city planning that defended the town from attack through the 12th to 15th centuries, so you can walk up the winding streets to the church to obtain amazing views over the town and surrounding area.

Gourdon’s market also takes place each Saturday morning from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm, so you can grab some fresh fruits, cheeses (try the local Rocamadour cheese for a real treat) and breads for a picnic, or just admire the local handicrafts.

A 25-minute drive through the countryside will take you back to the Dordogne River where you can find the beautiful town of Domme. Founded in the 13th century, Domme is another bastide town, formed due to its strategic location on a hilltop, with the Dordogne River to the North for protection.

It’s a perfect town to wander around on foot, or experience from the Petit Train accompanied by an audio guide, as the pale-stone buildings create a wonderful aesthetic, especially with the classic French hanging baskets filled with small flowers to brighten up the bridges, streets and windows.

You can enter the town through the ancient town gates, La Porte des Tours, which served as a prison during the Hundred Years’ War which ravaged many towns in the Dordogne area during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Prisoners of the Knights Templar engraved strange symbols and markings into these walls which you can still see today; pick up a brochure from the Tourist Office to see how they’ve interpreted the symbols.

Domme is also famous for its walking trails that take you around the clifftop for stunning views over the river and countryside as well as a peaceful exploration of the local flora and fauna.

Head to Place des Halles, the old marketplace to find a restaurant for lunch before heading off to the nearby town of La Roque-Gageac – or if you still have time, learn about the traditional way of life in Domme and the Périgord area in the Oustal du Périgord Museum, located in the central square, near the entrance to Domme’s caves.

La Roque-Gageac

Just 10 minutes driving from Domme is one of the most picturesque villages on the Dordogne River: La Roque-Gageac. This small village sits on the riverside, backed by an enormous rock, giving the village a wonderful aesthetic. It’s a great place to explore on foot and find small traditional shops selling local handicrafts and produce such as walnuts, goat’s cheeses and foie gras.

Built into the cliffside is an old fort, the remains of which you can admire from below or visit via a long set of stairs, while set a little back from the riverside is the marvellous Château de la Malartrie, a 19th-century mansion built in the Renaissance style.

Explore the incredible exotic gardens of the village, complete with palm trees, bamboo and banana trees, creating a tropical jungle atmosphere in this small mediaeval village.

If you’re in La Roque-Gageac for lunch or dinner, look no further for restaurants than Fat Pig; this local restaurant showcases the best of the local produce for a reasonable price (especially with the set menus), with fantastic views from the large terrace overlooking the Dordogne River. If you want one special night on your trip to Dordogne, it should be here.

The Marqueyssac Gardens

Just a 5-minute drive from La Roque-Gageac is the final stop on day 4 of your Dordogne itinerary, the splendid gardens and château of Marqueyssac.

With 6 km of paths leading through the ornately designed and curiously shaped gardens, the Jardins de Marqueyssac are a peaceful adventure for most, although can be an exciting one for others with many activities to take part in on offer in the gardens too.

From getting-to-know-nature workshops to corn mazes, there’s plenty to do for people of all ages, not to mention the Candlelit Nights every Thursday from 7 pm to midnight in July and August.

On these Candlelit Nights, visitors can wander the gardens, lit up by 2000 candles leading visitors through the gardens to the nearby waterfall with views back over the Dordogne and La Roque-Gageac.

Not only does the candlelight create playful shadows and intriguing shapes in the gardens, but there are four musical performances to be found at various locations around the gardens, as well as candle-making workshops for the children, and fairies on stilts wandering around the gardens.

Tickets are only available online, so make sure you get yours in advance; if you’re visiting the Dordogne in Summer, be sure to check out this magical setting.

Day 5 – Sarlat to Lascaux

As you arrive at your final day in the Dordogne, you can’t miss out on the small yet mighty village of Sarlat, nor the most incredible prehistoric site in France.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Like many villages in the Dordogne, Sarlat-la-Canéda, also known simply as Sarlat, is a small mediaeval village that proudly displays its heritage from street to street, making it a wonderful place to discover on foot.

But unlike the others, Sarlat actually has the highest number of historical buildings in one area than anywhere in France! Plus, thanks to the village being restored in the 1960s, you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.

You’ll be forgiven for bursting into song as you walk the streets surrounded by old stone buildings, as Sarlat has been the setting of many mediaeval films, including the 1982 French adaptation of Les Misérables!

The one curio that stands out against the mediaeval backdrop of the town, however, is the unbelievably large black doors that welcome you into Sarlat’s legendary St Mary’s Church, which now holds the food hall.

You can explore the local gastronomy through numerous food festivals in Sarlat in Spring and Autumn, although through Summer the streets are filled with theatrical and cultural displays to entice visitors.

Wednesday mornings and all-day Saturday you can find Sarlat’s market, offering the region’s best honey, chestnuts, mushrooms, truffles, duck and foie gras – just some of the Dordogne’s specialities. It is possible to arrange a gourmet tour here.

Head North for 20 minutes on the D704 to reach one of Dordogne’s (and France’s) most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the prehistoric caves of Lascaux!

Although visitors have been unable to visit the original cave discovered by four school boys and their dog in the 1940s since 1963 due to fears of the cave paintings deteriorating, historians, artists and archaeologists expertly recreated the caves and their paintings using the same materials and techniques as the original, thus Lascaux 4 was born.

There is no indication that you’re visiting a replica – a testament to the incredible talent of those who copied the original – as you descend into the cave and your eyes widen at the thousands of images painted on the cave walls displaying the historic fauna of the area some 17,000 years ago.

Affectionately nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Prehistory, the cave walls have over 900 animals on display, from deer and bulls to ibex and cows, and one bird-headed person, each in remarkable form and vibrant colours given the materials and knowledge of prehistoric man.

These cave paintings are some of the best examples of Upper Palaeolithic art, and some of the best preserved, so you can’t miss out on a trip to Lascaux 4 during 5 days in Dordogne.

The cave is rather narrow so people with severe claustrophobia may wish to skip the cave itself and head on to the on-site museum and gift shop where you can still learn a great deal about the history of the area, but everyone else is highly recommended to visit the cave to appreciate the artistic skill and interest of our ancestors.

The Gardens of Eyrignac Manor

For those visiting the Dordogne in Summer – which comes highly recommended due to the excellent weather as well as the many activities that take place through July and August – you can’t miss out on an evening in the Jardins d’Eyrignac.

Every Monday night over Summer, the proprietors of Eyrignac Manor open its gardens for a fantastic White Picnic. This family-friendly evening sees white blankets placed all over the gardens for visitors – wearing only white – to sit and enjoy a picnic with the sunset, followed by music, dance and fireworks.

Each ticket includes a visit to the gardens, so get there before sunset to explore the wonderful horticulture before relaxing for the evening with your own picnic, or one you’ve bought on-site, and a drink from the cocktail bar. Dogs are allowed for ordinary visits to the gardens but are unfortunately not permitted during the picnics due to the number of visitors and abundance of food.

It’s also a popular event, so to guarantee entry, book your ticket in advance and have a spectacular final night of your Dordogne Valley road trip!

Where to Stay in the Dordogne Valley

Hostellerie de la Bouriane – Located in the town of Gourdon, this 3-star hotel is perfect for those looking for a tranquil escape while visiting the Dordogne Valley. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from along with other amenities for guests to enjoy.

Le Relais des galets – This 3-star hotel located in the town of Domme is another wonderful option when visiting the Dordogne Valley. They have a number of great rooms to choose from along with a fantastic location outside of Domme.

Le Manoir – This country bed and breakfast just 5 kilometres outside of the town of Souillac is an excellent option in the Dordogne area. There are a number of great rooms to choose from along with a fab breakfast available and an on-site swimming pool.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Dordogne hotels!

If you want a city break, the Dordogne Valley is not for you. But if you’re interested in relaxing in the French countryside and indulging in local gastronomy as well as exploring ancient historical sites, you absolutely have to spend 4 to 5 days in Dordogne.

Are you visiting the Dordogne region? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

This looks like an interesting tour. What beautiful, strange gardens

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The Dordogne River at Domme , Périgord.

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Dordogne Travel Guide

The most quintessential French getaway, the Dordogne is beloved among tourists and locals alike for its picturesque countryside, fortified towns and rich historic significance. Our destination experts have combed the various towns and villages to find the best chateaux and villas in Dordogne located in the most idyllic locations. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a handy Dordogne travel guide with everything to see and do.

For harried city dwellers, Dordogne’s natural beauty is sure to revive your body and mind. A sunny, serene and welcomingly lazy corner of the country, it’s dotted with chateaux and picturesque bastides. Enriching the Dordogne experience, you’ll get to sample drool-worthy dinners where duck, black truffles and goat’s cheese take pride of place on the table alongside excellent local wines.

Typical Sights

• Lascaux IV  – Examine replicas of the famous Paleolithic paintings.
• Chateau de Hautefort – Wander the grounds of this elegant fortified château.
• Dordogne River – Hike on the banks, kayak or drive along this tranquil waterway.
• Gardens of Marqueyssac – Play hide and seek in the maze of impeccably sculpted hedges.
• Saint Front Cathedral – Admire this multi-domed Byzantine church, the largest building of its kind in Aquitaine.
• La Roque-Gagnac – Visit this stunning village, ranked among the ‘most beautiful villages in France’.
• Grotte de Rouffignac – View prehistoric graffiti at this colossal tri-level cavern.

When to Visit?

The Dordogne can be visited year-round. The majority of holidaymakers come in July and August when the weather is at its best, sitting sunny around 35 degrees Celsius. This is also the liveliest time to visit, with a high chance that you’ll stumble across a fete, fair, celebration, or even one of the seasonal evening markets, allowing you to enjoy cheerful al fresco meals with locals.

You will, of course, be joining the crowds, which means roads, restaurants and popular attractions will be busier. Late spring and early autumn are quieter alternatives, though the weather at these times may be more changeable.

If swimming and sunbathing aren’t a must for you, consider coming between October and April . During the colder months, the summer crowds will have truly dissipated, revealing a side of Dordogne rarely seen by most travellers. There is often mist, frost and even an occasional dusting of snow in the valleys.

For ardent gourmands, there is yet another reason to forgo the warmth of summer: black truffle season, which runs from December to March . Bear in mind that many of the top attractions and restaurants will close for the cold season, though some chateaux do remain open.

Getting Around

• Airports: Fly from the UK to Bergerac or Bordeaux. From there you can rent a car and continue your journey. Other airports include Brive Vallée de la Dordogne, Perigueux and Aurillac Tronquiere.
• By ferry: The best ferry ports for reaching the Dordogne region are in the north-east of France, at St Malo or Cherbourg. Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth to St Malo and also offers services from Portsmouth to Cherbourg alongside Condor Ferries. Other options include Caen, where Brittany Ferries sails from Portsmouth, and Le Havre, which is served by LD Lines.
• Public transport: Getting around the Dordogne without a car can prove restricting. Sarlat is the main public transport hub, with trains connecting it to other regional destinations including Bergerac and Le Buisson-de-Cadouin. Train services in the region are slow, irregular and infrequent. Buses, alas, are even worse.
• By bike: The Dordogne has lots of scenic bike routes, though the region is hilly in parts, so cyclists should be prepared for taxing uphill slogs. On the flip side, there is an almost limitless selection of gorgeous villages in which to stop for rest and refreshments.
• Hiring a car: The Dordogne’s exquisite rural landscapes and generally quiet roads make driving enjoyable. Car rental companies such as Europcar and Avis offer pick-ups direct from the region’s major airports.
• By Taxi:   If you don’t hire a car, then there are plenty of taxi companies operating in the Dordogne area, such as Taxi Faugére and Taxi Cy. You can find a larger list of providers here .

Hidden Gems

• Rise early for the Périgueux Market and marvel at the sheer variety of foie gras, meat, cheese, fresh bread, fruits and vegetables for sale. The market’s setting, under the shadow of the city’s magnificent many-domed cathedral, is stunning.
• The fantastically laid out Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum allows its visitors to play archaeologists for the day as they gaze directly down through a glass panel into the excavated remains of a first-century residence below ground.
• The Chateau des Milandes manor house functions as a monument to vaudeville superstar Josephine Baker who once lived here. A museum inside pays homage to the singer’s colourful and intriguing life.
• Night markets, or marchés nocturnes, are an integral part of life here in the Dordogne, and a great excuse for the villagers to eat, drink and be merry. Join in on the fun at Loubejac ’s evening fete, which takes place on Thursday evenings throughout July and August. Don’t give away your neophyte status by arriving empty-handed; seasoned night-market visitors bring their own knife and fork.
• A sleepy, one-church hamlet surrounded by forest, Urval goes without mention in most guidebooks, but we think it’s worth a gander if only to experience its authentic yesteryear charm. Its Périgourdine-style architecture and 14th-century communal bread oven hark back to days gone by.

Best Family Activities

On a successful family holiday, every member of the brood will be catered to. You might think Dordogne, with its slow-paced rural ways and stuck-in-time ambience, won’t be your kid’s cup of tea, but the various caves, rivers and walled medieval citadels are perfect for younger travellers to explore. In addition to nature’s charms, there are adventure parks, aquariums and child-friendly museums too.

Best of all is the laid-back attitude that locals have to children: many of the restaurants, farms and wineries you visit will be family-run, so the owners go out of their way to make sure you and your little ones feel truly welcome.

• Chateau de Castelnaud  goes one better and has battle recreations, armour workshops and live demonstrations of trebuchets – fiercely impressive medieval catapults!
• If you want to travel in style, you can use Ze Chauffer to drive you around – tours can be personalised to your family’s taste.
• Descend below the views and visit some of the region’s impressive caves and grottos with the kids. Lascaux is by far the most famous, but a guided tour around the  Cave of Font-de-Gaume  will show you genuine cave paintings, unlike Lascaux’s reproductions.
• We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the river! One of the most popular things to do is canoeing or kayaking – and it’s pretty gentle, so kids of all ages can enjoy it. Canoe France is a good place to start.
• Aux Etangs du Bos  is a great water park that’s perfect for a summer day trip, while  Les Villages Bournat takes the whole family back in time.

If you’re looking for more family-friendly ideas, be sure to check out the best activities for kids in Dordogne .

Best Family Cycling Routes

Known as the “Voie Vert” (the “Green Routes”), several routes through the Dordogne countryside completely ban all motorised vehicles, making them perfect for families on foot, bikes or horseback! Some of them might be a bit lengthy for younger kids, but a shorter trip will be a great way to introduce them to the fantastic views and brand new landscapes.

• The route from  Trelissac to Marsac sur l’Isle  follows the river. It has plenty of rest stops too, making it a nice, gentle activity.
• The Vialard to Grolejac route also takes in the river but goes a little inland too for a change of scenery. This long route can be done in full or in part if you feel like a more leisurely day.
• The green route through  Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière in Thiviers  takes you into the heart of the country – it’s totally unspoilt and makes the most of the beautiful countryside.

Things to Do

Gathering your nearest and dearest for a summer get-together in a Dordogne villa may be the best decision you’ve made all year. Good wine, good food, good weather and good company? Sounds like a no-brainer. But the secret to ensuring your Dordogne getaway goes swimmingly is to plan ahead and arrange some unforgettable activities for the group. Here are some of the best group outing ideas for grown-ups in the Dordogne.

• Gouffre de Padirac  is our top pick, with a truly impressive descent before enjoying a boat ride while you’re down there.
• Dordogne is the ideal place to explore by bike, whether you just fancy a little ramble to the nearest boulangerie or a route that’ll challenge both your fitness and your thighs!
• And on a similar note, a time-honoured way of enjoying the best of the Dordogne is on the river. Canoe Roquegeoffre Port D’Enveaux  hire out boats, and can even help you out with what routes to take.
• Jardin Eyrignac  opens its beautiful gardens to visitors and hosts a number of workshops that adults are bound to enjoy.

Want more to explore with friends? Visit our blog on the best group activities in the Dordogne !

Dishes to Try in Dordogne

Dordogne’s gastronomic scene tends to be dominated by one little creature: duck. You’ll find one or several duck dishes on almost every menu in the region. From slow-cooked duck confit, sautéed breast and smooth foie gras all feature heavily in the region’s cuisine.

Walnuts also flourish in the Dordogne and are used not just in their raw form, but to make oil, wine (vin de noix), cheese and bread. Truffles and cèpes, so prized by gourmands, are also mainstays on Dordogne’s culinary scene. Every budget is catered to, with inexpensive truck-stop restaurants and farmers’ markets offering bargain dining deals, while fine-dining establishments plate up extravagant, once-in-a-lifetime Michelin-star meals.

Wine-wise, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Bergerac area is the Dordogne’s main wine-producing region and includes everything from dry whites (Bergerac and Montravel) and full-bodied reds (Pécharment) to dessert wines (Saussignac and Monbazillac).

• The local goat’s cheese known as cabécou is well worth sniffing out, though you’ll often find it in salads served at bars and restaurants.
• The Dordogne is also famous for its walnuts , which you’ll find in cakes, pastries, oils and flours – as well as being a tasty snack on their own, of course.
• Dine out on magret de canard (pan-fried duck breast from the Moulard breed) or a duck gizzard salad.

Best Foodie Experiences

Ideal for those who like to plan their holidays around their food, these experiences ensure you really get a taste for the Dordogne’s delicious cuisine.

• Chateau Feely  in Saussignac takes pride in creating organic terroir wines that are a little out of the ordinary. They can arrange lunch to accompany your tasting and provide a fascinating introduction to winemaking as well as their own particular ethos.
• Want to take a little of that unbeatable South of France cuisine back with you?  Le Chèvrefeuille Cookery School , found in Saint-Cyprien, will take you on a market tour to grab some ingredients before teaching you the secrets of whipping up a delicious, authentic meal.
• Bergerac Wine Tours  are also great if you want to learn more about the region’s winemaking heritage – they’ll pick you up from your villa or chateau and take you around select vineyards and wineries, so by the end you’ll be fully clued up on France’s most celebrated export.
• Got a sweet tooth? It’s well worth indulging in the Dordogne’s mouth-watering cakes and pastries, but make sure you check out the  Bovetti Chocolat Museum  in Terrasson-Lavilledieu. There are hands-on activities and a shop to pick up some treats to take home!

Now that you know all about this region with our Dordogne travel guide, why not check out our luxury villas in Dordogne ? Whether you’re holidaying with your family, large group or significant other, there’s sure to be something to suit your needs. And, if you need a little help deciding, our concierge team are happy to help.

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The Dordogne valley

What and where is the dordogne.

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What and where is the Dordogne, and why is it so popular ?

The department of the dordogne (24).

• Perigueux itself; the city has a beautiful historic centre, around its ancient Cathédrale Saint Front, one of the oldest in France (though rebuilt in the 19th century)
• The caves and prehistory area of the Vezère valley between Montignac, Lascaux and Les Eyzies
• The "medieval" city of Sarlat
• and the Dordogne valle y itself, between Le Buillon and Aillac, an area including several of the finest of the Dordogne castles.

The rest of the Dordogne valley area.

Dordogne accommodation options

Tourist information in Dordogne

Get tourist information for Dordogne

Visiting a new destination always raises typical questions, here is a list of practical information covering everything from money exchange, to national holidays, driving, health and more.

Time in Dordogne Like the rest of France, Dordogne is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1), but from late March until late October, summer time (GMT+2) applies.

Opening times in Dordogne In addition to the times shown below, large department stores, as well as supermarkets and shops in tourist resorts may open outside these times, especially in the summer (or in the winter for ski resorts!). In general, pharmacies, banks and shops close on Sundays.

• Shops: 9.00-12.00; 14.00-19.00
• Offices: 9.00-12.00; 13.00-17.00
• Banks: 8.30AM-12.00; 13.00-17.00

Post offices in Dordogne Post offices (La Poste) are usually open from 09:00 in the morning until 12 noon, then reopen after lunch until around 17:00/18:00. Some will also open on Saturday morning.

National holidays in France Many shops and offices close for longer periods around Christmas and Easter, as well as for the festivals of Corpus Christi in May/June and Bastille Day on 14 July.

• 1 January - New Years Day
• Mar/Apr - Easter Monday
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 8 May - VE Day
• May - Ascension Day (39 days after Easter)
• May/June - Whit Monday (49 days after Easter)
• 14 July - Bastille Day
• 15 August - Assumption of the Virgin
• 1 November - All Saints' Day
• 11 November - Remembrance Day
• 25 December - Christmas Day

Driving regulations For more information about driving in France please see our Driving Guide .

• Speed limits on: motorways ( autoroute ) 130kph; dual carriageways 90kph; minor roads 90kph; urban roads 50kph
• Seat belts: Must be worn in front seats at all times and in rear seats where fitted
• Drink driving: Random breath-testing exist any time of the day and especially at night. Limits are as follows - 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, for your own safety as well as others. Two breath tests must be carried in the car.
• Fuel (petrol - essence ) is available in different grades - unleaded ( Sans plomb ), and diesel ( gazole ).
• Petrol stations are normally open 06:00-22:00, closed Sundays, though larger ones that are often self-service are open 24 hours. Most take credit cards. Note there are fewer petrol stations in the mountain areas.

Safe water Tap water is generally safe though it can be heavily chlorinated. Mineral water is recommended as is cheap to buy and is sold as eau gazeuse (carbonated) and non gazeuse (still). Remember to drink plenty of water during hot weather.

Electricity in France The power supply in Dordogne is 230 volts. Sockets accept two-round-pin style plugs, so an adaptor is needed for most non-continental appliances and a transformer for appliances operating on 100-120 volts.

Telephones in France Most public telephones do not take coins. A phonecard (Telecarte) can be purchased from post offices, tabacs and some supermarkets. NB. Emergency calls can be placed without the use of coins or phonecard. The international telephone code for all of France is +33. If you want to dial a number within France from a land line, you do not need to use the international code before the rest of the number. However if you are using a foreign mobile phone to dial a French number then you will need to enter the +33 before the number. For telephone operator dial 3006 from a landline - this is an automated service to place a call.

Personal safety in France The national police force are split into 3 - Police Nationale , Gendarmerie Nationale and Compagnie Republicaine de la Securite . In addition to this most cities and towns have their own Police Municipale who deal with petty crime, traffic offences and road accidents. If you need a police station ask for the ' gendarmerie ' and for police assistance just call '17' free from any call box or telephone.

To help prevent crime:

• Do not carry more cash than you need
• Do not leave valuables on beach or poolside
• Beware of pickpockets in markets, tourist sights or crowded places
• Avoid walking alone at night

Health in France For further information please see our Health and Emergencies section. Drugs - Prescription and non-prescription drugs and medicines are available from pharmacies, distinguished by a large a green cross. They are able to dispense many drugs that would only be available on prescription in other countries. Medical Insurance - Nationals of EU and certain other countries can get medical treatment in France with the relevant documentation, although private medical insurance is still advised and is essential for all other visitors. Dental Services - Dental treatment is not usually available free of charge as all dentists practice privately. Dental treatment should be covered by private medical insurance.

Toilet facilities Nowadays, the majority of public toilets are of the standard variety, though you might still come across an old-fashioned 'squat style' toilet. In some French towns and villages you can now find an automated, self-cleaning toilet which is both hygienic and practical. You put in your coins (often a euro) and push open the door. You have 15 minutes to do your business. After you close the door behind you, the robotic cleaning starts, with disinfectant spraying from all corners, brushing of the toilet seat and bowl and then a final blow dry.

Other recommended places for a similar visit are: department stores, shopping malls, gas stations along the Autoroute, fast-food restaurants, and railway stations. Often, you will encounter an attendant (who regularly cleans the toilets) with a saucer for receiving your coins. In fast-food places, as in cafés or bars, you are expected to have a drink or something to eat. While most toilets in these places have separate men and women facilities, they tend to be right next to each other with open entries and (for the lucky woman) a full view of urinals and the men using them (only seen on the back!). No embarrassment is evident, as there is none from the French male driver who seems to delight in stopping his car alongside the road and taking a pee just a step away from his vehicle. You don't see French women squatting alongside the road. Then again, perhaps the dearth of Turkish toilets may have resulted in a lack of female proficiency.

Sun advice The sunniest (and hottest) months are July and August with an average of 11 hours sun a day and daytime temperatures of 29ºC. Particularly during these months you should avoid the midday sun and use a strong sunblock.

Rules for swimming pools in France A swimming pool at your disposal during your stay in Dordogne is on many visitors' wish list. With the hot summers, it's a delight to take a dive into the sparkling waters. The dark side of such pleasure is the annual statistic of accidental drowning (average of 47 deaths per year in France and 152 non-fatal accidents), particularly of children under 6 (22 deaths per year and 33 non-fatal). In 2003, the French parliament passed a law, which came into effect on January 1, 2004, for properties that are rented, and 2006 for properties that are not rented out. So if your holiday rental gives you access to a pool, you should expect a gated pool. This applies to private homes, as well as hotels, camping grounds, gites, or any other place that receives paying guests.

Note that if there's an accident and there is no gate, the insurance companies here in France do not cover.

Tax - VAT in France VAT is currently at 20%. There are reduced rates of 10% (restaurant food, books, public transport, cleaning services) and 5.5% (essential foodstuffs).

Further information and advice in France You should not reveal any personal information about yourself, such as your address, credit card details, telephone number, on the Internet or via email unless you are certain that it is safe to do so and that any confidential or private information you share over the internet is sent by secure encryption means.

It is always your responsibility to ensure full compliance with any passport, visa, and inoculation requirements as governed either by your country of residence or by those you will be travelling to.

Be advised that various consumer protection schemes and laws relating to travel and tourism companies exist for your financial protection and that it is in your interests to be aware of such schemes.

Any activity in the mountains can be considered a dangerous activity. We advise you to make yourselves fully aware of such potential dangers and the likeliness of their occurrence in your case. Such dangers include: venturing beyond your own capabilities or those of the group you are in the company of; ignoring safety warnings and advice made available locally or through television, newspapers or via the Internet, with regards avalanches, piste closures, rock falls, landslides and high water levels; venturing off-piste or to areas of uncertainty without a qualified guide or advice from local experts; improper preparation, fitness, and provision of equipment and protection from the elements.

You should always ensure that you have obtained sufficient insurance cover, either via your own policy or through that of any event organiser or operator, appropriate to the activities you will be participating in and you should carry details of this on you at all times.

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Welcome to Perigord!

Is there a difference between Dordogne and Périgord?

Today, Périgord and Dordogne are synonymous and refer to the same territory. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decided to create départements to simplify the administrative organization of France. The criteria for department names were geographic or hydrographic, and Périgord was named after its main river: the Dordogne.

Certainly the most beautiful department in France, It comprises four major natural regions: in the center, the Périgord blanc (Périgueux, Ribérac); in the southeast, the Périgord noir (Sarladais); the Périgord vert (Nontronnais) at the foot of the Limousin mountains; and in the southwest, the Périgord pourpre (Bergeracois). The Périgord Blanc is made up of limestone plateaus, cut by rivers (Isle, Auvézère, Loue, Dronne), where the valleys widen. The middle Isle valley forms the backbone of a slightly different region to the south of Périgueux, where maritime pines are making their appearance. The Sarladais region is a land of pechs, round hills topped with chestnut coppice and pine forests; low valleys planted with walnut trees, tobacco fields and orchards. The green Périgord, the Nontronnais, is covered with trees and heathery moors, where the chestnut tree reigns supreme. It's a land of basins and valleys, with fat meadows invading the gentle slopes. Purple Périgord, whose valley widens downstream from Bergerac, is a region of orchards and vineyards.

The terrain began to form as early as the Primary Era, when the Massif Central emerged from the earth's crust. These crystalline rocks are found in the north-east, on the edge of the Limousin region. But the formation of Périgord occurred mainly in the Secondary Era, when the sea invaded Aquitaine, pushing limestone deposits to the foot of the Massif Central. Jurassic limestone gave rise to the causse périgourdin. Later, Jurassic limestone formed the soil of the Périgord Blanc and most of the Périgord Noir. But it was during the Quaternary era that the main rivers (Dordogne, Vézère, Isle, Dronne) appeared and carved out the valleys.

Visit Dordogne department (here we call it Périgord) is located in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region (but we call it South West), bordered by the ramparts of the Massif Central, the Causses of Quercy, the orchards of Lot et Garonne and the gravelly soil of Gironde, you'll pass through many of France's most beautiful landscapes and villages.

Sacred temple of prehistory where cro magnon inspired by the Vézère valley has expressed all its art. With its 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites, it's part of the history of mankind that awaits you. You'll discover parietal art in the frescoes of the Lascaux cave in Montignac, and in the caves and shelters lining the valley as far as Les Eyzies de Tayac, where the Musée National de Préhistoire and the Pôle International de la Préhistoire remind us that it was here that Cro-Magnon Man was discovered.

A land steeped in history, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, where castles bearing witness to past conflicts now imbue the Dordogne valley with a sense of serenity and calm. The troglodytic fortresses of La Roque Saint-Christophe, La Madeleine and Reignac and remarkable castles such as Hautefort, Beynac, Losse, Castelnaud, Commarque... illustrate the region's eventful history.

Welcome to this beautiful country where everything is poetry, or literature that sometimes borders on genius. Etienne La Boétie (a native of Sarlat la canéda, capital of the Black Périgord ) or Michel de Montaigne. Périgord knows that its landscapes, its villages Its products owe everything to a touch of the Creator, a little lighter than elsewhere. A rich natural environment and exceptional architecture, with no fewer than 8 villages classified as France's most beautiful villages.

Even during the summer months, there's still plenty of room for sunsets on the ochre stones atop the limestone cliffs, for afternoons listening to the breeze sing through the leaves of the poplars, for feet in the clear waters of our rivers, and for walks, horse rides or bike rides under the chestnut trees. These moments will tell you, better than anyone else, the story of this multifaceted land.

The Périgord is a sanctuary that has preserved essential values. Here you'll find scents that awaken the most beautiful memories, landscapes that resemble children's dreams, and caves that gave birth to a part of humanity.

Every now and then, it's nice to stock up on the certainties and sweets of this world. Nature cradles you in its valleys, forests and rivers. The fresh air and traditional Périgord gastronomy are a bonus.

From the ponds and forests of the Nontronnais, to the wine roads of the Bergeracois and the paths of the Sarladais: it takes time to discover it all. Perigord.com will help you organize your stay.

And if the heat of summer wearies you, autumn and spring are superb times to slip into the silence of Sarlat's alleyways or between the thick walls of its castles. The seasons stretch out slowly, and from Easter to All Saints' Day, the color palette of the Great Painter up there is reason enough to stop here.

And even winter, so sad at times, takes on the allure of a temple where time seems to stand still, nestled by the fire in a vast Périgord fireplace.

It's impossible to get bored here: there's so much to see, so much to do, so much to taste, the people of Périgord have thought of everything to keep you entertained. You'll find everything you need to enjoy the rivers, forests, roads and paths, rocks and even the air. We invite you to browse our site and plan your vacation in the tourist Périgord.

The flag of the Dordogne was chosen at the time of the French Revolution, when the department was created on March 4, 1790. It corresponds to the coat of arms of the Counts of Périgord.

The flag of the Dordogne features 3 lions in profile in gold with claws out, tongues out and a blue crown.

Unlike the Basque, Corsican or Breton flag, which is omnipresent in these regions, the Dordogne flag is not very present in Périgord, but you'll often find it in the castles you visit.

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Best Castles in Dordogne

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

The Dordogne Valley is a rural department in Southwestern France in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region . Named after the river that runs through the department, Dordogne Valley is famous for its pretty little villages and well-preserved medieval castles.

This part of France is said to be home to 1001 private and public castles. The Dordogne Castles aren’t the most refined castles in France , as they were built for defense rather than decoration. As a result, they’re mostly huge and sparsely decorated, very different from the castles in the Loire Valley . However, they’re still interesting, and exploring them is one of the best things to do in Dordogne .

Castles in the Dordogne Department – Historical Background

In the 10th – 11th centuries, the Dordogne Castles were established on naturally strong points, rocky escarpments, spur points, almost always near land or river communications axes to control them and impose a toll.

In the 13th century, the Dordogne was an area of major conflict between France and England. It was the Hundred Years’ War that most marked this region. To best understand its history, you have to go back to 1337, when Eleanor of Aquitaine married the heir to the English throne and gave part of the Périgord to the English. The Dordogne River was the symbolic frontier between the two enemy kingdoms. On the French side, the Château de Beynac faced off with the Château de Castelnaud, then in British possession…

The centuries that followed transformed the architecture and appearance of the fortresses, which grew more open and took on more windows.

Today, the Castles in the Dordogne are still the guardians of the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers and they are silent witnesses of a turbulent chapter of France’s history.

Dordogne Castles Map

Click here to see the Dordogne Castle Map on Google

If you’re ready to experience this vital part of France’s history, then here’s a list of the best castles in Dordogne. A few of them are located in some of the most beautiful towns in Dordogne while others are best explored on a Dordogne road trip .

1. Château de Castelnaud

This château in Dordogne is located in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the heart of the Périgord Noir. It was built from the 12th to the 15th centuries and it offers beautiful views over the Dordogne Valley and across the river.

Château de Castelnaud has a tumultuous history. It was taken by Simon de Montfort during the Albigensian Crusade and then by the English during the Hundred Years War. After a siege ordered by King Charles VII in 1442, the French ultimately took it.

The castle was rarely occupied after the 17th century but was listed as a Historic Building in 1966 and extensively restored. Today it’s home to the museum of War in the Middle Ages, an important collection of weapons and armor as well as reproductions of siege machines from the Middle Ages.

2. Château de Beynac

This is one of the best-preserved and well-known Chateaux in Dordogne. It’s located in the commune of Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of the prettiest villages in all of France, and is on the other side of the Dordogne River, facing Château de Castelnaud. The two castles have been eternal rivals throughout the ages.

Château de Beynac was built in the 12th century by the Barons of Beynac and over the years has seen many illustrious defenders, including King Richard I and Simon de Montfort, leader of one of the Albigensian Crusades.

At the time of the Hundred Years War, Château Beynac was one of the strongholds of France. Not far from there, on the other side of the Dordogne Rival, Château de Castelnaud was in the hands of the English.

The oldest part of the castle, the keep, is in a Romanesque style, but the castle boasts later additions like a 14th-century residence and 17th-century apartments. It also has lovely apartments with their original woodwork and painted ceilings, a Renaissance fireplace, and 15th-century frescos.

Chateau de Beynac was bought by Lucien Grosso in 1962 and several movies have been shot there including Chocolat and Jeanne d’Arc.

3. Chateau de Commarque

The Château de Commarque looms on a hillside above the valley of the river La Beune in the Vézère Valley. It’s in the commune of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil and is one of the most interesting castles in the Dordogne Valley.

This fortified castle was built during the 12th century at the intersection of two important commercial roads. Originally it was just a wooden tower built to protect two important trade routes in the region: the road from Périgueux to Cahors and that from Brive to Bergerac. The ambitious Beynac family took control of it and expanded it from a wooden tower to the stone keep that stands today.

During the Hundred Years’ War and the French Wars of Religion, it changed hands several times and was abandoned in the 18th century.

The castle was rediscovered in the 1970s and bought by Hubert de Commarque, a descendent of the original builders. Today you can explore the 12th-century Romanesque tower and Gothic keep and experience the renovation through the meticulously kept photographic records.

4. Château de Puymartin

Château de Puymartin is in the commune of Marquay, between Sarlat-la-Canéda and Les Eyzies. Construction on this château began in the 13th century, but it boasts a range of styles due to later additions. The predominant style today is Neo-Gothic, due to the Marquis Marc de Campbell de Marzac, who restored the castle in the 19th century. 

Today, the castle is privately owned by the family of Count Henri de Montbron. It’s best known for its ghostly resident, the White Lady.

According to the stories, Thérèse de Saint-Clar (one of the castle owners in the 16h century) was caught with her lover when her husband unexpectedly returned from war. As punishment, she was held captive in the north tower until her death, when she was walled there. It is said she wanders the castle at midnight, always returning to her north tower cell afterward.

5. Château des Milandes

This is one of the prettiest Castles in Dordogne and it’s located in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. Château des Milandes was built in 1489 by François de Caumont, Lord of Castelnaud, to please his wife, Claude de Cardaillac. She transforms it deeply in the wish to live in a less austere castle than Castelnaud.

In 1947, the chateau was bought by Joséphine Baker. Joséphine was an American-born entertainer, French Resistance agent, and civil rights activist. She was also the first black woman to star in a major motion picture. She passed away in 1975 but this château is still dedicated to her memory and in 2012 was awarded a ‘Maison des Illustres’ by the French Ministry of Culture.

Today, this château in Dordogne boasts beautiful gardens designed by Jules Vacherot as well as a fascinating Bird of Prey display where you’ll get to learn more about the ancient art of falconry.

6. Château de Biron

Located in the commune of Biron in the valley of the Lède, the Château de Biron is listed as a Major Site of Aquitaine and a Historic Monument. It’s owned by the Dordogne department and boasts a surprisingly harmonious mix of architectural styles.

Originally built in the 12th century, the castle bears signs of every century from the 12th onwards. While you’re there, you can explore the 12th-century keep, the Renaissance apartments, the State chambers, and the double chapel (two floors) where some of its owners are buried.

A quick look at a Dordogne Castles map will explain why this castle changed fortunes so many times. It’s located in a strategic position on the borders of Périgord and Agenais and close to the fortified town of Monpazier. The castle was held by the Gontaut-Biron family until 1938, when the family fell into ruin and the château was sold to the Dordogne department.

7. Maison Forte de Reignac

This is one of the most unique Châteaux in Dordogne. It’s located close to the village of Tursac and is built right into the rock, with an overhanging cliff as a roof. This surprising cliff-castle is the only one in France that’s still completely intact.

Like many other sites in the Vézère Valley, this site was occupied since prehistoric times. The front of the house was built in the 14th century, but the rock shelter was occupied for long before that. Inside you’ll find a display of the prehistoric objects found at the site as well as numerous rooms with period furnishings.

This château inn Dordogne actually has a brutal history. It was once home to ‘The Billy Goat of Reignac’, who exercised his ‘jus primae noctis’ or right of the first night over the women of the area with extreme brutality.

The castle is currently home to a display of torture instruments from the Middle Ages to the modern-day that would seem to perpetuate this violent theme.

8. Château de Monbazillac

Located in the commune of the same name, in the Purple Périgord, this 16th-century Dordogne castle is famous for its serene beauty and surrounding vineyards producing excellent whites.

The castle’s layout is very simple: a rectangle with four large circular towers at the corners and access through a fixed bridge with two arches. It has a mix of medieval defensive systems and Renaissance elements of the time.

Fully furnished, the Château of Monbazillac is open to tourists for free and guided visits. There’s a glass of Monbazillac wine offered to each visitor at the end of the visit.

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