The Dordogne Valley is an unbelievable area in France. It’s acquired a few of the finest 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’ll be spoilt for selection.
We’ve visited the Dordogne Valley many occasions and adore it! It’s a particular French area and simple to discover if you happen to’re already renting a automobile 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 all the time, message us if you happen to want any extra recommendations on how or the place to go to in your Dordogne Valley journey. We’re all the time blissful 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, numerous the previous city has been constructed utilizing timber frames, and it truthfully appears to be like idyllic whenever you’re right here.
While right here, ensure to go to Chateau de Tiregand, a beautiful fort and winery which you can go to. Right here, you possibly can be a part of a winery tour and even strive 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, ensure to discover the Récollets Cloister. It’s proper within the coronary heart of town and dates approach again to the 1600s. This can be a a lot simpler choice to go to if you happen to 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 overlook, you may as well see two statues of Edmond Rostand within the metropolis as a result of he made Cyrano de Bergerac one among his performs’ topics.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Paris
2.) Rocamadour
Travelling west from Bergerac, round 2 hours by automobile, you’ll attain the long-lasting village of Rocamadour. Visiting this clifftop village is definitely among the best issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and it’s steeped in historical past.
Now, one factor to notice: it may get fairly busy on this little city, particularly on the height summer season days. In actual fact, it’s a daily incidence 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 footwear and stroll the cobbled streets and hilly alleys that make Rocamadour so particular. The previous clifftop village is stuffed with small retailers promoting wines, oils, lavender, and extra.
Afterwards, ensure 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 web site within the village. One factor to notice is that there are many steps right here, so be ready with water and shade if you happen to’re visiting within the top of summer season. 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 a terrific 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 straightforward to go to. You see, it’s comparatively near the close by Commarque Citadel (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 at the very least a day in Sarlat-la-Canéda, particularly if you happen to’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.
Truthfully, you’ll wish to eat your approach across the stalls.
Simply ensure to take loads of baggage with you. There are a lot of farmers’ stalls with completely 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 overlook 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 technique to spend a day, stopping for lunch and having fun with this excellent city.
Afterwards, hop again in your automobile 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 best issues to do within the Dordogne Valley if you happen to’re on a highway 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 gained’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 sluggish journey town and the broader space round Perigueux.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 may spend hours inside, particularly if you happen to’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 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 below Rome’s affect. To at the present time, you possibly can 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 shocking little space (or commune) that’s nice for just a few hours of exploring. Visiting is definitely among the best 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 numerous strolling within the Dordogne Valley.
After arriving, ensure to go to the Grotte de Domme. It’s a colossal cave system the place you possibly can see heaps of stalagmites and stalactites which have shaped over hundreds of years.
The entire expertise will take round 90 minutes and is gorgeous when you’re inside. Simply ensure to pack a jacket; it may 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 of like open pies, if that is sensible).
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to within the north of France
6.) La Roque-Gageac
For those who’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 means that you can 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 beautiful on a sunny day and effectively value consuming exterior if climate permits.
Alternatively, head to the Bambousaie de la Roque-Gageac. It’s a beautiful pathway that runs by means of the bamboo that grows round La Roque-Gageac and is beautiful to see. Plus, they’ve a terrific 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 best 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 tons of 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 numerous areas within the Dordogne) there are heaps of steps. It’s all good if you happen to’ve acquired good mobility, however it may be a battle if you happen to’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 payment for entry, nevertheless it’s effectively value it.
8.) Chateau de Marqueyssac
Round a 20-minute drive south from Sarlat-la-Canéda, Château de Marqueyssac is effectively value 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, ensure to wander across the attractive gardens, that are pretty. Nevertheless, my favorite factor in regards to the gardens is the gorgeous 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.
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 big however effectively value spending two hours, over lunch, strolling round. As soon as right here, ensure to discover the Place des Cornières, the place yow will discover 23 stone homes and a beautiful native market that operates seasonally.
Oh, and Le Croquant is a beautiful little spot for lunch, simply in case you’re struggling to discover a place to eat.
10.) Martel
We had essentially the most superb time exploring Martel while road-tripping across the Dordogne Valley. It’s the sort of place that’s excellent for morning exploring, particularly simply earlier than lunch.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 one of the best expertise. Simply ensure to ebook a ticket upfront; areas replenish quick on the top of summer season.
It is among the finest 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 few of the area’s wines (that are so good, by the way in which).
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