The Dordogne Valley is an unimaginable area in France. It’s obtained a number of the finest cities in France, picturesque villages and heaps of vineyards which might be 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 adore it! It’s a particular French area and straightforward to discover when you’re already renting a automobile in France. Plus, you’ll get to attempt all of the scrumptious cheeses, wines, and contemporary produce grown on the rolling hills across the Dordogne Valley.
So, that will help 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 at all times, message us when you want any extra tips about how or the place to go to in your Dordogne Valley journey. We’re at all times pleased 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 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You see, a number of the outdated city has been constructed utilizing timber frames, and it truthfully appears to be like idyllic whenever you’re right here.
While right here, ensure that to go to Chateau de Tiregand, a stunning fort and winery that you could go to. Right here, you’ll be able to be part of a winery tour and even attempt 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, ensure that 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 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Plus, when you’re inside Récollets Cloister, you’ll get to wander round and see the outdated cloisters that have been constructed on the medieval fort gardens within the metropolis.
Oh, and don’t neglect, it’s also possible to see two statues of Edmond Rostand within the metropolis as a result of he made Cyrano de Bergerac one in all his performs’ topics.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Paris
2.) Rocamadour
Travelling west from Bergerac, round 2 hours by automobile, you’ll attain the enduring village of Rocamadour. Visiting this clifftop village is well probably the greatest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and it’s steeped in historical past.
Now, one factor to notice: it might probably get fairly busy on this little city, particularly on the height summer season days. The truth is, it’s a daily prevalence 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 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 crammed with small outlets promoting wines, oils, lavender, and extra.
Afterwards, ensure 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 when you’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 need an amazing view of Rocamadour, drive to this level on Google Maps. The views throughout the valley are breathtaking.
Learn extra: Finest 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 Fort (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 suggest spending at the least 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 huge quantity of cheeses, pate, cured meats and honey.
Truthfully, you’ll wish to eat your approach across the stalls.
Simply ensure that to take loads of luggage with you. There are various farmers’ stalls with totally different native produce, which I can assure you’ll be taking dwelling 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 right approach to spend a day, stopping for lunch and having fun with this glorious 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 outdated fort that also stands proudly overlooking the area.
I completely adore it, and it’s simply probably the greatest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley when you’re on a street journey.
Learn extra: Finest 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 right 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, ensure 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 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 possibly can 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 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 this present day, you’ll be able to 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 well probably the greatest 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 a number of strolling within the Dordogne Valley.
After arriving, ensure that to go to the Grotte de Domme. It’s a colossal cave system the place you’ll be able to see heaps of stalagmites and stalactites which have shaped over hundreds of years.
The entire expertise will take round 90 minutes and is beautiful when you’re inside. Simply ensure that to pack a jacket; it might probably 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 smart).
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to within the north of France
6.) La Roque-Gageac
In the event you’re following the Dordogne River, then you definitely’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 a couple of hours’ keep and wander round La Roque-Gageac.
I’d suggest 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 price consuming exterior if climate permits.
Alternatively, head to the Bambousaie de la Roque-Gageac. It’s a stunning pathway that runs via the bamboo that grows round La Roque-Gageac and is gorgeous to see. Plus, they’ve an amazing lunch spot inside the bamboo at Bar de la Bambousaie. It’s so pretty.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Provence
7.) Château de Beynac
One of many area’s most iconic spots, visiting Château de Beynac is well probably the greatest 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 a whole bunch of years. It’s unimaginable, 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 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 wrestle 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 superbly.
There’s a small payment for entry, however it’s nicely price it.
8.) Chateau de Marqueyssac
Round a 20-minute drive south from Sarlat-la-Canéda, Château de Marqueyssac is nicely price 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, ensure that to wander across the attractive gardens, that are pretty. Nevertheless, 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 completely mind-blowing fort that’s good for a day of exploration. You may even catch the trebuchet getting used. It’s like a large catapult utilized in battle in Medieval occasions.
Learn extra: Finest 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 nicely price spending two hours, over lunch, strolling round. As soon as right here, ensure that to discover the Place des Cornières, the place you 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 superb time exploring Martel while road-tripping across the Dordogne Valley. It’s the sort of place that’s good for morning exploring, particularly simply earlier than lunch.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 perfect expertise. Simply ensure that to e-book a ticket upfront; areas refill quick on the peak of summer season.
It is likely one of the finest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, particularly if you wish to maintain 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, and so they additionally serve a number of the area’s wines (that are so good, by the way in which).
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