The Dordogne Valley is an unimaginable area in France. It’s obtained a number of the best cities in France, picturesque villages and heaps of vineyards which are excellent to discover while visiting the west of France. There are such a lot of issues to do within the Dordogne Valley that you may be spoilt for selection.
We’ve visited the Dordogne Valley many occasions and adore it! It’s a particular French area and straightforward to discover when you’re already renting a automotive in France. Plus, you’ll get to strive 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 an incredible time exploring France. Oh, and as at all times, message us when you want any extra recommendations on how or the place to go to in your Dordogne Valley journey. We’re at all times completely happy to assist.
1.) Bergerac
Nestled within the southwest nook of the Dordogne, Bergerac is a beautiful city excellent for an evening or two. Round 50 km from town of Bordeaux (throughout the regional border from the Dordogne Valley), Bergerac is steeped in historical past and has distinctive quaint buildings.
You see, a number of the previous city has been constructed utilizing timber frames, and it actually seems to be idyllic while you’re right here.
While right here, be certain to go to Chateau de Tiregand, a beautiful fort and winery you could go to. Right here, you may be a part of a winery tour and even strive some native wines (that are scrumptious, by the way in which). It’s unimaginable, particularly as this place has been round for the reason that 1600s.
Afterwards, be certain to discover the Récollets Cloister. It’s proper within the coronary heart of town and dates manner again to the 1600s. It is a a lot simpler possibility to go to when you 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 previous cloisters that have been constructed on the medieval fort gardens within the metropolis.
Oh, and don’t neglect, you may as well see two statues of Edmond Rostand within the metropolis as a result of he made Cyrano de Bergerac considered one of his performs’ topics.
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2.) Rocamadour
Travelling west from Bergerac, round 2 hours by automotive, you’ll attain the enduring village of Rocamadour. Visiting this clifftop village is definitely among the finest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and it’s steeped in historical past.
Now, one factor to notice: it may possibly get fairly busy on this little city, particularly on the height summer time days. In reality, it’s an everyday incidence that Rocamadour has extra guests than residents. It will get very busy.
As soon as right here, you’ll have to park. We at all times discover it best to park at ‘Parking 2’ on Pl. de Chateau. Right here’s the Google Map link, simply in case you wish to pop it in your GPS system.
After parking, put in your strolling footwear and stroll the cobbled streets and hilly alleys that make Rocamadour so particular. The previous clifftop village is stuffed with small outlets promoting wines, oils, lavender, and extra.
Afterwards, be certain 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 when you’re visiting within the top of summer time. Alternatively, a seasonal ‘mini prepare switch’ will take you from the underside to the highest – avoiding all these pesky steps.
Lastly, in order for you an amazing view of Rocamadour, drive to this point on Google Maps. The views throughout the valley are breathtaking.
Read more: Best things 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 straightforward to go to. You see, it’s comparatively near the close by Commarque Castle (which is one other must-see spot, by the way in which).
You may 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 when you’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 manner across the stalls.
Simply be certain to take loads of luggage with you. There are numerous farmers’ stalls with totally different native produce, which I can assure you’ll be taking house with you.
Afterwards, wander the cobbled streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda and see the centuries of historical past on foot. Now, don’t neglect to go to the Lanterns Des Morts (the Lanterns of the Lifeless). It’s proper behind the Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos and completely distinctive on this space of the Dordogne Valley.
It’s the proper option 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 previous fort that also stands proudly overlooking the area.
I completely adore it, and it’s simply among the finest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley when you’re on a street journey.
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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 proper place to remain in a single day (or perhaps a few days) and act as a base to gradual journey town and the broader space round Perigueux.
As soon as right here, be certain to go to essentially the most well-known cathedral within the area, Saint-Entrance. It’s completely colossal, and you’ll simply tour the within for over 45 minutes and study a lot extra about its historical past.
Love museums? Then, you’ll wish to head to the Périgord Museum of Artwork and Archaeology. You may spend hours inside, particularly when you’re something like me and have to learn each signal and artefact’s origins. You’ll see all the things from Stone Age artefacts to modern-day artwork that’s lovely.
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 below Rome’s affect. To this present day, you may nonetheless see remnants and study extra concerning the historical past of Romans in Perigueux, too.
Oh, and for a tasty dinner, pop into Hercule Poireau. Their menu is at all times seasonal and native, and the meals is scrumptious.
5.) Domme
Round a 25-minute drive south of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme is a shocking little space (or commune) that’s nice for a couple of hours of exploring. Visiting is definitely among the finest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and I’m quaint to discover on foot. Sure, as you’ve most likely gathered, you’ll do a number of strolling within the Dordogne Valley.
After arriving, be certain 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 certain to pack a jacket; it may possibly 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).
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6.) La Roque-Gageac
Should you’re following the Dordogne River, then you definately’ll simply come throughout La Roque-Gageac. Sure, it’s small, however that’s all a part of the allure of visiting the Dordogne Valley.
Now, there’s a devoted parking space (simply here on Google Maps) that lets you pay for a couple of 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 effectively price consuming outdoors if climate permits.
Alternatively, head to the Bambousaie de la Roque-Gageac. It’s a beautiful pathway that runs via the bamboo that grows round La Roque-Gageac and is gorgeous to see. Plus, they’ve an amazing lunch spot throughout the bamboo at Bar de la Bambousaie. It’s so pretty.
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7.) Château de Beynac
One of many area’s most iconic spots, visiting Château de Beynac is definitely among the finest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley if you wish to go to one of many area’s unimaginable castles.
Proper on the banks of the Dordogne River, Château de Beynac is a medieval stronghold that’s stood for tons of of years. It’s unimaginable, and you’ll 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 a number of areas within the Dordogne) there are heaps of steps. It’s all good when you’ve obtained good mobility, however it may be a battle when you’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 fantastically.
There’s a small charge for entry, nevertheless it’s effectively price it.
8.) Chateau de Marqueyssac
Round a 20-minute drive south from Sarlat-la-Canéda, Château de Marqueyssac is effectively price stopping as you drive across the wider Dordogne area. Now, it’s not the place you’ll spend all day exploring, nevertheless it’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs.
As soon as right here, be certain to wander across the attractive gardens, that are pretty. Nonetheless, my favorite factor concerning 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 fort that’s excellent for a day of exploration. You would possibly even catch the trebuchet getting used. It’s like a large catapult utilized in battle in Medieval occasions.
Read more: Best things to do in 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 big however effectively price spending two hours, over lunch, strolling round. As soon as right here, be certain to discover the Place des Cornières, the place you could find 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 type of place that’s excellent for morning exploring, particularly simply earlier than lunch.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 perfect expertise. Simply be certain to book a ticket prematurely; areas refill quick on the top of summer time.
It is likely one of the finest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, particularly if you wish to hold the entire household entertained.
For a chunk 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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