The Dordogne Valley is an unbelievable area in France. It’s bought among the greatest 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 may be spoilt for alternative.
We’ve visited the Dordogne Valley many occasions and adore it! It’s a particular French area and straightforward to discover should you’re already renting a automobile 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 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 should you want any extra tips about how or the place to go to in your Dordogne Valley journey. We’re all the time comfortable 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 previous city has been constructed utilizing timber frames, and it truthfully appears idyllic while you’re right here.
While right here, be certain to go to Chateau de Tiregand, a stunning citadel and winery which you can go to. Right here, you possibly can be part of a winery tour and even attempt some native wines (that are scrumptious, by the best way). It’s unbelievable, 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 approach again to the 1600s. It is a a lot simpler possibility to go to should 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 overlook, you too can 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: 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 definitely the most effective issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, and it’s steeped in historical past.
Now, one factor to notice: it may well 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 must 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 full of 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 web site within the village. One factor to notice is that there are many steps right here, so be ready with water and shade should you’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: 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 Fortress (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 suggest spending a minimum of a day in Sarlat-la-Canéda, particularly should 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.
Actually, you’ll wish to eat your approach across the stalls.
Simply be certain 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 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 right option 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 the most effective issues to do within the Dordogne Valley should you’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 received’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, 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 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 should you’re something like me and must learn each signal and artefact’s origins. You’ll see every thing 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 today, 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 surprising little space (or commune) that’s nice for a couple of hours of exploring. Visiting is definitely the most effective 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, be certain 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 fashioned over 1000’s of years.
The entire expertise will take round 90 minutes and is gorgeous when you’re inside. Simply be certain to pack a jacket; it may well 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).
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to within the north of France
6.) La Roque-Gageac
Should 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 effectively value consuming outdoors 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 a terrific lunch spot throughout the bamboo at Bar de la Bambousaie. It’s so beautiful.
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 definitely the most effective 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 lots of 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 number of areas within the Dordogne) there are heaps of steps. It’s all good should you’ve bought good mobility, however it may be a wrestle should 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 price for entry, but it surely’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, but it surely’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs.
As soon as right here, be certain to wander across the beautiful gardens, that are beautiful. 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 citadel 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 enormous however effectively value 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 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 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, 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 one of the best expertise. Simply be certain to guide a ticket upfront; areas replenish quick on the top of summer season.
It is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do within the Dordogne Valley, particularly if you wish to maintain 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 among the area’s wines (that are so good, by the best way).
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