The Dordogne Valley is an unbelievable area in France. It’s received a number of the greatest cities in France, picturesque villages and heaps of vineyards which might be excellent 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 instances and find it irresistible! It’s a particular French area and straightforward to discover in case 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 probably 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 in case you want any extra recommendations on how or the place to go to in your Dordogne Valley journey. We’re at all times 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, a lot of the previous city has been constructed utilizing timber frames, and it truthfully seems to be idyllic if you’re right here.
While right here, ensure to go to Chateau de Tiregand, a beautiful citadel and winery that you would be able to 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 best way). It’s unbelievable, particularly as this place has been round because the 1600s.
Afterwards, ensure to discover the Récollets Cloister. It’s proper within the coronary heart of town and dates manner again to the 1600s. This can be a a lot simpler possibility to go to in case 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 citadel gardens within the metropolis.
Oh, and don’t neglect, you can too see two statues of Edmond Rostand within the metropolis as a result of he made Cyrano de Bergerac considered 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 long-lasting village of Rocamadour. Visiting this clifftop village is definitely probably the greatest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and it’s steeped in historical past.
Now, one factor to notice: it will possibly 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 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 need 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 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 instances.
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 in case you’re visiting within the peak of summer season. Alternatively, a seasonal ‘mini practice switch’ will take you from the underside to the highest – avoiding all these pesky steps.
Lastly, if you need 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 straightforward to go to. You see, it’s comparatively near the close by Commarque Citadel (which is one other must-see spot, by the best way).
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 a minimum of a day in Sarlat-la-Canéda, particularly in case you’re visiting on the weekend like we did. You see, the city is a hive of exercise, with the Sarlat Saturday Market promoting probably the most huge quantity of cheeses, pate, cured meats and honey.
Truthfully, you’ll need to eat your manner across the stalls.
Simply ensure to take loads of baggage with you. There are lots of farmers’ stalls with completely 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 Useless). It’s proper behind the Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos and completely distinctive on this space of the Dordogne Valley.
It’s the right solution 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 find it irresistible, and it’s simply probably the greatest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley in case you’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 gained’t need 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 town and the broader space round Perigueux.
As soon as right here, ensure to go to probably 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 be taught a lot extra about its historical past.
Love museums? Then, you’ll need to head to the Périgord Museum of Artwork and Archaeology. You possibly can spend hours inside, particularly in case you’re something like me and have to learn each signal and artefact’s origins. You’ll see every 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 instances when this space was underneath Rome’s affect. To at the present time, you possibly can nonetheless see remnants and be taught 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 probably the greatest 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 lot of 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 will 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 (somewhat like open pies, if that is sensible).
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to within the north of France
6.) La Roque-Gageac
If you happen to’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 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 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 properly value consuming outdoors 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 gorgeous to see. Plus, they’ve an awesome lunch spot throughout the bamboo at Bar de la Bambousaie. It’s so beautiful.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Provence
7.) Château de Beynac
One of many area’s most iconic spots, visiting Château de Beynac is definitely probably the greatest 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 lot of years. It’s unbelievable, and you’ll simply jump over for a protracted afternoon journey whereas following the route of the Dordogne River itself.
Now, one factor to notice is that (like a lot of areas within the Dordogne) there are heaps of steps. It’s all good in case you’ve received good mobility, however it may be a battle in case 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, but it surely’s properly value it.
8.) Chateau de Marqueyssac
Round a 20-minute drive south from Sarlat-la-Canéda, Château de Marqueyssac is properly value 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 to wander across the attractive gardens, that are beautiful. Nonetheless, 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 fully mind-blowing citadel that’s excellent for a day of exploration. You may even catch the trebuchet getting used. It’s like an enormous catapult utilized in battle in Medieval instances.
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 enormous however properly value spending two hours, over lunch, strolling round. As soon as right here, ensure to discover the Place des Cornières, the place you’ll 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 probably the most wonderful 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 practice on the Haut Quercy Railway. When you’ve purchased tickets, the practice will depart on a loop again to Martel, and it’s one of the best expertise. Simply ensure to ebook a ticket upfront; areas refill quick on the peak of summer season.
It is likely one of the greatest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, particularly if you wish to hold 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, and so they additionally serve a number of the area’s wines (that are so good, by the best way).
Learn extra: Greatest cities in France to go to
Test Out The Very Greatest Of Nice Britain!
Pop Over To Our YouTube Channel For Journey Movies!
