The Dordogne Valley is an unimaginable area in France. It’s bought a few 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 may 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 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 an incredible time exploring France. Oh, and as all the time, message us for those who want any extra tips about how or the place to go to in your Dordogne Valley journey. We’re all the time completely happy 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 previous city has been constructed utilizing timber frames, and it actually appears idyllic whenever you’re right here.
While right here, ensure that to go to Chateau de Tiregand, a beautiful citadel and winery that you would be able to go to. Right here, you’ll be able to be a part of a winery tour and even attempt some native wines (that are scrumptious, by the best way). It’s unimaginable, particularly as this place has been round because the 1600s.
Afterwards, ensure that to discover the Récollets Cloister. It’s proper within the coronary heart of the town and dates approach again to the 1600s. It is 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 previous cloisters that had been constructed on the medieval citadel 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 certainly one of his performs’ topics.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Paris
2.) Rocamadour
Travelling west from Bergerac, round 2 hours by automotive, you’ll attain the long-lasting village of Rocamadour. Visiting this clifftop village is well among the best issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and it’s steeped in historical past.
Now, one factor to notice: it will probably get fairly busy on this little city, particularly on the height summer season days. In truth, 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 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 previous clifftop village is stuffed 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 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 excellent 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 straightforward to go to. You see, it’s comparatively near the close by Commarque Fort (which is one other must-see spot, by the best way).
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 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 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 numerous 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 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 right method to spend a day, stopping for lunch and having fun with this glorious 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 like it, and it’s simply among the best issues to do within the Dordogne Valley for those who’re on a highway 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 sluggish journey the 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 may spend hours inside, particularly for those who’re something like me and have to learn each signal and artefact’s origins. You’ll see the whole lot 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 beneath Rome’s affect. To at the present time, 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 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 a number of hours of exploring. Visiting is well 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 plenty 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 gorgeous when you’re inside. Simply ensure that to pack a jacket; it will 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 sensible).
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to within the north of France
6.) La Roque-Gageac
When 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 appeal of visiting the Dordogne Valley.
Now, there’s a devoted parking space (simply right here on Google Maps) that permits you to pay for a number 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 beautiful on a sunny day and nicely price consuming exterior if climate permits.
Alternatively, head to the Bambousaie de la Roque-Gageac. It’s a beautiful pathway that runs by way of the bamboo that grows round La Roque-Gageac and is beautiful to see. Plus, they’ve an excellent 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 among the best 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 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 battle 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 price for entry, but it surely’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, but it surely’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs.
As soon as right here, ensure that to wander across the beautiful gardens, that are pretty. Nevertheless, my favorite factor concerning 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 completely 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: 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 large 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 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 type 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 very best expertise. Simply ensure that to e book a ticket prematurely; areas replenish 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 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 few of the area’s wines (that are so good, by the best way).
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