Great holiday fun with the whole family! Fun with the kids

It’s not always easy to please everyone when travelling with kids. In the Dordogne Valley, with so many varied and exciting activities and places to explore, you won’t experience a single dull moment. Canoeing, swimming, discovering legendary castles, exploring deep caves, meeting wild animals…and that’s just for starters!

Are you ready to bring back a suitcase full of happy memories? Check out below for our favourite activities to keep all of the kids entertained, even terrible two’s and moody teenagers.

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Canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding

A canoe trip down the river is a must-do on any Dordogne Valley holiday. For beginners or those with young children, opt for shorter canoe trips around 10 km to keep it manageable and enjoyable.

Experienced rowers or families with older children can challenge themselves with longer stretches. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to stop for a picnic and a swim.

Rentals companies typically offer single kayaks or 2 to 4-seater canoes so the entire family can paddle together. They provide life jackets and a sealed plastic container to protect your snacks and electronics from water splashes.

Remember, children under 6 and non-swimmers are not permitted to canoe.

Additionally, consider trying paddle boarding for a different way to experience the river. Like canoeing, paddle boarding offers a fun and active way to explore the scenic surroundings. Please note that you cannot do paddle boarding alone on the Dordogne River. A professional must accompany you.

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Going underground

Step into the magical underworld of the Dordogne Valley where caves like the Gouffre de Padirac and Lascaux IV turn every family outing into an epic adventure!

Descend into the depths of Padirac on an underground river—or play time-travelers at Lascaux IV, where prehistoric paintings bring the Stone Age back to life.

With so many captivating caves to choose from, your trek through these underground wonders will be nothing short of spectacular, whatever the weather.

Storming a castle or two

Venturing through the castles of the Dordogne Valley is like stepping into a storybook filled with medieval adventures.

While it might be ambitious to visit them all (legend says there are 1001 castles in the region!), here are some top picks that are especially fun for families:

Castle of Castelnaud – This castle doubles as a museum of medieval warfare, making it super exciting for young adventurers who can discover displays of real swords as well as catapults and trebuchets set up in the gardens. During the season, you can even watch these siege engines come to life in thrilling demonstrations.
Castle of Beynac – A massive medieval fortress, once the stronghold of Richard the Lionheart. The castle not only boasts breathtaking views but also hosts shows and reenactments during the holidays that transport you back to the Middle Ages.
Maison Forte de Reignac – Unique and mysterious, this castle is partially built into a cave and features a room dedicated to medieval torture devices. It’s a fascinating, if slightly eerie, exploration of the less-savory historical aspects of medieval life.
Tours de Merle – Hidden in a lush forest, this impressive medieval citadel is a real-life scene from a fairy tale. During your visit, don’t miss the medieval shows featuring knights and horses, which bring the drama of the past vividly to life.

Biking with young families

Ready to pedal through the Dordogne Valley? No bike? No worries! You can rent them all over, from regular bikes to electric ones. Stick to the safe, car-free Voies Vertes (Greenways) for a worry-free ride.

Véloroute Voie Verte V91 near Bergerac: Enjoy a shady 40km ride by the Dordogne River, with brief encounters with low-traffic quiet roads.
Voie Verte from Sarlat to Cazoulès: Follow this charming route along an old railway line, perfect for families and without any motorised traffic.
La Vézère à Vélo: Brand new for summer 2024! This 22-kilometre path connects Les Eyzies, Le Bugue, Limeuil and Saint-Chamassy, in an almost completely car-free environment.
Cycling path Vallée de l’Isle from Périgueux: Cruise from Périgueux city centre through stunning landscapes on this 100km route, with portions of dedicated greenways and shared roads.
Brive city greenway: Lovely route with playgrounds on the way as well as picnic areas

Lakes and waterparks

When the summer sun turns up the heat, there’s no better way for kids to cool off than by diving into the water. And in the Dordogne Valley, options are endless: sandy beaches on lakes, cascading waterfalls, riverbank pebble beaches, thrilling water parks, and local pools – So many places to throw down your towel or sunbathe on a lounge chair!

Whether it’s secluded shores or supervised lakes with slides, there’s something for every water-loving adventurer. During July and August, many lakes have lifeguards and kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds and inflatable structures to keep the fun flowing. Plus, some Dordogne River beaches are supervised too!

For those seeking the ultimate splash, water parks are the ticket. Take your pick from the likes of Jacquou Parc near Périgueux, Parc aquatique de la Saule in Bétaille, or Quercyland in Souillac. For a quieter but still fun day-out, aqua centres with slides are scattered throughout the Dordogne Valley.

Animal adventures

Embark on a wilderness adventure packed with discovery and excitement!

Parc animalier in Gramat: Encounter over 150 species, from local to exotic, in spacious enclosures perfect for a family outing. Watch out for bears, wolves, monkeys, and more. Plus, learn about their conservation efforts for endangered species.
Réserve Zoologique in Calviac: Discover almost 200 animals from five different geographical zones along a 2km trail. Get up close with lemurs, wallabies, and birds while learning about conservation.
Monkey Park in Rocamadour: Enter La Forêt des Singes and mingle with over 150 Barbary macaques roaming freely.
Aquarium du Périgord Noir: Dive into Europe’s largest private freshwater aquarium and marvel at 70 tanks featuring 6,000 animals. Explore open-air ponds and encounter alligators, anacondas, and more.
Rocher des Aigles in Rocamadour: Witness majestic birds of prey soaring above the Rocamadour canyon during captivating shows featuring vultures, eagles, and falcons.

Plus, experience the thrill of Jurassic Park (kind of) with life-size dinosaur models and roaring exhibits at Prehisto-Dino Park in Lacave or Le Parc aux Dinosaures in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. Great fun with younger adventure seekers!

Fun museums

Rainy days in the Dordogne Valley mean museum adventures for the whole family! Check out these who guarantee to keep the kids entertained:

Musée National de la Préhistoire(National Prehistory Museum) in Les Eyzies: Get back to the dawn of time through interactive exhibits and workshops. Kids can dress up like ancient hunters, carve tools, imagine life in prehistoric times, and explore the museum’s fascinating displays.
Le Parc du Bournat in Le Bugue: Experience a blast from the past at this theme park. Everything is just like it was in 1900! Antique funfair, century-old merry-go-rounds, 1900 Ferris wheel, demonstrations of old trades, petting zoo, boat rides, horse-drawn carriage rides or a pen-and-ink writing workshop.
Musée de la Médecine in Hautefort: Explore medical history through the evolution of surgical tools in this 18th century hospital near the castle of Hautefort.
Musée du Chocolat Bovetti in Terrasson: Treat your taste buds to a chocolatey adventure! Kids will love watching how chocolate is made, decorating their own chocolates, indulging in sweet samples, and exploring the museum’s exhibits.
Vesunna, Gallo-Roman site in Périgueux: Roman treasures buried under the town of Périgueux with fantastic views over the ruins.

For thrill seekers only

Looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure? Here are some ideas for thrill-seekers that will leave them exhausted but happy.

Parcs Accrobranches: Strap in and swing through the treetops at tree-climbing parks scattered across the Dordogne Valley. Get harnessed onto zip wires and navigate from tree to tree in a thrilling display of agility and strength. It’s a physical challenge that guarantees loads of laughter and fun.
Aqua Trekking: Take on the ultimate aquatic adventure by hiking along forest streams, scrambling up and down waterfalls, and zooming down natural water slides. Guides lead adventurers off the beaten track to explore hidden waterfalls in the Dordogne Valley. Suitable for ages 7 and up, it’s an adrenaline rush like no other.
Caving: Delve deep into the earth and explore hidden caves and caverns. Expert guides lead you and your kids (aged 7 and above) on an underground journey, providing wetsuits, lights, and helmets for a safe and unforgettable experience.
Via Ferrata: For those who love a cliff-face challenge, the Via Ferrata in Argentat, in Alassac or the Gardens of Marqueyssac offer breathtaking views over the Dordogne Valley. Climb and hike along the side of a cliff, a hundred meters above the river, with safety equipment provided including ropes and helmets. Suitable for ages 8 and up, as long as you’re fairly fit and over 4.2ft tall, this adventure is sure to thrill.

Also not to be missed

A Ride on the Truffadou Stream Train

Just 5 minutes down the road from Martel, jump on the Truffadou and journey through tunnels carved into the cliffs 260ft above the river before emerging to jaw-dropping views over the Dordogne’s countryside. This vintage steam train takes its passengers on a there-and-back journey from Martel in around 90 minutes and makes a stop for a stunning cliffside viewpoint.The line’s open from April to October and if you want to ride on a steam engine as opposed to diesel, make sure you check out the time table beforehand. All aboard!

Geocaching: follow the clues and discover hidden treasures

Using a free app and GPS coordinates, you will be lead through picturesque villages, ancient castles and verdant forests. No need to translate, a version in English is available. Combining the thrill of a treasure hunt with the discovery of the region’s cultural and historical heritage, the Terra Aventura geocaching app will keep the family entertained for hours.

Les Jardins de Colette: beautiful gardens with giant maze

Try and find your way out of a giant labyrinth shaped like a butterfly! The gardens of Colette are packed-full of fun for kids with playgrounds and oversized games.