The Dordogne Valley is an unbelievable area in France. It’s bought a number of the greatest cities in France, picturesque villages and heaps of vineyards which are good to discover while visiting the west of France. There are such a lot of issues to do within the Dordogne Valley that you can be spoilt for selection.
We’ve visited the Dordogne Valley many occasions and like it! It’s a particular French area and simple to discover for those who’re already renting a automotive in France. Plus, you’ll get to attempt all of the scrumptious cheeses, wines, and recent produce grown on the rolling hills across the Dordogne Valley.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time visiting the Dordogne Valley, I’m sharing a few of our favorite locations you shouldn’t miss. Have a tremendous time exploring France. Oh, and as all the time, message us for those who want any extra recommendations on how or the place to go to in your Dordogne Valley journey. We’re all the time completely satisfied to assist.
1.) Bergerac
Nestled within the southwest nook of the Dordogne, Bergerac is a beautiful city good for an evening or two. Round 50 km from the town of Bordeaux (throughout the regional border from the Dordogne Valley), Bergerac is steeped in historical past and has distinctive quaint buildings.
You see, plenty of the outdated city has been constructed utilizing timber frames, and it truthfully seems to be idyllic once you’re right here.
While right here, be sure that to go to Chateau de Tiregand, a stunning citadel and winery which you could go to. Right here, you may be a part of a winery tour and even attempt some native wines (that are scrumptious, by the way in which). It’s unbelievable, particularly as this place has been round for the reason that 1600s.
Afterwards, be sure that to discover the Récollets Cloister. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the town and dates approach again to the 1600s. This can be a a lot simpler choice to go to for those who don’t fancy driving because it’s proper within the metropolis centre.
Plus, when you’re inside Récollets Cloister, you’ll get to wander round and see the outdated cloisters that have been constructed on the medieval citadel gardens within the metropolis.
Oh, and don’t overlook, you may also see two statues of Edmond Rostand within the metropolis as a result of he made Cyrano de Bergerac certainly one of his performs’ topics.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Paris
2.) Rocamadour
Travelling west from Bergerac, round 2 hours by automotive, you’ll attain the enduring village of Rocamadour. Visiting this clifftop village is well the most effective issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and it’s steeped in historical past.
Now, one factor to notice: it may well get fairly busy on this little city, particularly on the height summer season days. In reality, it’s an everyday prevalence that Rocamadour has extra guests than residents. It will get very busy.
As soon as right here, you’ll have to park. We all the time discover it best to park at ‘Parking 2’ on Pl. de Chateau. Right here’s the Google Map hyperlink, simply in case you wish to pop it in your GPS system.
After parking, put in your strolling sneakers and stroll the cobbled streets and hilly alleys that make Rocamadour so particular. The outdated clifftop village is full of small retailers promoting wines, oils, lavender, and extra.
Afterwards, be sure that to cease by the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame of Rocamadour. It’s been one of many Dordogne Valley’s most revered pilgrimage websites since Medieval occasions.
Inside, you’ll see the Black Madonna statue and this iconic website within the village. One factor to notice is that there are many steps right here, so be ready with water and shade for those who’re visiting within the peak of summer season. Alternatively, a seasonal ‘mini prepare switch’ will take you from the underside to the highest – avoiding all these pesky steps.
Lastly, if you’d like an awesome view of Rocamadour, drive to this level on Google Maps. The views throughout the valley are breathtaking.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Bordeaux
3.) Sarlat-la-Canéda
Simply west of Rocamadour, Sarlat-la-Canéda is a picture-perfect medieval city within the Dordogne Valley that’s completely simple to go to. You see, it’s comparatively near the close by Commarque Fortress (which is one other must-see spot, by the way in which).
You possibly can even take excursions inside and discover this medieval spot. Anyway, I’m rambling… let’s get again to Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Now, I’d advocate spending no less than a day in Sarlat-la-Canéda, particularly for those who’re visiting on the weekend like we did. You see, the city is a hive of exercise, with the Sarlat Saturday Market promoting essentially the most monumental quantity of cheeses, pate, cured meats and honey.
Actually, you’ll wish to eat your approach across the stalls.
Simply be sure that to take loads of luggage with you. There are numerous farmers’ stalls with completely different native produce, which I can assure you’ll be taking residence with you.
Afterwards, wander the cobbled streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda and see the centuries of historical past on foot. Now, don’t overlook to go to the Lanterns Des Morts (the Lanterns of the Useless). It’s proper behind the Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos and completely distinctive on this space of the Dordogne Valley.
It’s the right method to spend a day, stopping for lunch and having fun with this excellent city.
Afterwards, hop again in your automotive and drive round 20 minutes to the close by Chateau de Beynac. It’s one other medieval gem within the Dordogne Valley and an outdated fort that also stands proudly overlooking the area.
I completely like it, and it’s simply the most effective issues to do within the Dordogne Valley for those who’re on a street journey.
Learn extra: Greatest cities in France to go to
4.) Perigueux
One of many bigger cities within the Dordogne Valley, Perigueux is a gem you received’t wish to miss. You see, it’s the right place to remain in a single day (or perhaps a few days) and act as a base to gradual journey the town and the broader space round Perigueux.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to essentially the most well-known cathedral within the area, Saint-Entrance. It’s completely colossal, and you may simply tour the within for over 45 minutes and be taught a lot extra about its historical past.
Love museums? Then, you’ll wish to head to the Périgord Museum of Artwork and Archaeology. You possibly can spend hours inside, particularly for those who’re something like me and have to learn each signal and artefact’s origins. You’ll see every little thing from Stone Age artefacts to modern-day artwork that’s stunning.
Speaking of museums, one other gem within the space is the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum. It harkens again to Roman occasions when this space was beneath Rome’s affect. To today, you may nonetheless see remnants and be taught extra in regards to the historical past of Romans in Perigueux, too.
Oh, and for a tasty dinner, pop into Hercule Poireau. Their menu is all the time seasonal and native, and the meals is scrumptious.
5.) Domme
Round a 25-minute drive south of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme is a surprising little space (or commune) that’s nice for just a few hours of exploring. Visiting is well the most effective issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and I’m quaint to discover on foot. Sure, as you’ve in all probability gathered, you’ll do plenty of strolling within the Dordogne Valley.
After arriving, be sure that to go to the Grotte de Domme. It’s a colossal cave system the place you may see heaps of stalagmites and stalactites which have fashioned over 1000’s of years.
The entire expertise will take round 90 minutes and is beautiful when you’re inside. Simply be sure that to pack a jacket; it may well get chilly within the caves.
Afterwards, head over to des idées à la noix for his or her yummy crepes. They make the tastiest, fresh-to-order crepes and galettes (a bit like open pies, if that is sensible).
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to within the north of France
6.) La Roque-Gageac
When you’re following the Dordogne River, you then’ll simply come throughout La Roque-Gageac. Sure, it’s small, however that’s all a part of the attraction of visiting the Dordogne Valley.
Now, there’s a devoted parking space (simply right here on Google Maps) that lets you pay for just a few hours’ keep and wander round La Roque-Gageac.
I’d advocate heading to Les Courtines for his or her scrumptious charcuterie boards and tartans for lunch. Their backyard is gorgeous on a sunny day and nicely value consuming outdoors if climate permits.
Alternatively, head to the Bambousaie de la Roque-Gageac. It’s a stunning pathway that runs by means of the bamboo that grows round La Roque-Gageac and is gorgeous to see. Plus, they’ve an awesome lunch spot inside the bamboo at Bar de la Bambousaie. It’s so beautiful.
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7.) Château de Beynac
One of many area’s most iconic spots, visiting Château de Beynac is well the most effective issues to do within the Dordogne Valley if you wish to go to one of many area’s unbelievable castles.
Proper on the banks of the Dordogne River, Château de Beynac is a medieval stronghold that’s stood for a whole bunch of years. It’s unbelievable, and you may simply jump over for an extended afternoon journey whereas following the route of the Dordogne River itself.
Now, one factor to notice is that (like plenty of areas within the Dordogne) there are heaps of steps. It’s all good for those who’ve bought good mobility, however it may be a wrestle for those who’re feeling the ache from different walks you’ve been doing.
As soon as right here, take a wander across the Château and peek contained in the historic stone rooms. It’s like stepping again in time and it’s all been preserved so superbly.
There’s a small payment for entry, however it’s nicely value it.
8.) Chateau de Marqueyssac
Round a 20-minute drive south from Sarlat-la-Canéda, Château de Marqueyssac is nicely value stopping as you drive across the wider Dordogne area. Now, it’s not the place you’ll spend all day exploring, however it’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs.
As soon as right here, be sure that to wander across the beautiful gardens, that are beautiful. Nonetheless, my favorite factor in regards to the gardens is the beautiful views over the broader Dordogne area.
Afterwards, drive south for about 10 minutes and go to Château de Castelnaud. It’s a fully mind-blowing citadel that’s good for a day of exploration. You would possibly even catch the trebuchet getting used. It’s like an enormous catapult utilized in battle in Medieval occasions.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do within the West of France
9.) Monpazier
Positioned between Bergerac and Sarlat, Monpazier is a picture-perfect village within the Dordogne that’s an absolute gem to go to.
Once more, Monpazier isn’t large however nicely value spending two hours, over lunch, strolling round. As soon as right here, be sure that to discover the Place des Cornières, the place yow will discover 23 stone homes and a stunning native market that operates seasonally.
Oh, and Le Croquant is a stunning little spot for lunch, simply in case you’re struggling to discover a place to eat.
10.) Martel
We had essentially the most wonderful time exploring Martel while road-tripping across the Dordogne Valley. It’s the form of place that’s good for morning exploring, particularly simply earlier than lunch.
As soon as right here, be sure that to take the steam prepare on the Haut Quercy Railway. When you’ve purchased tickets, the prepare will depart on a loop again to Martel, and it’s the most effective expertise. Simply be sure that to guide a ticket prematurely; areas refill quick on the peak of summer season.
It is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, particularly if you wish to preserve the entire household entertained.
For a chew to eat, cease off at Le Bistrot des Consuls. Its homely and easy menu serves up some tasty treats from the Dordogne area, they usually additionally serve a number of the area’s wines (that are so good, by the way in which).
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