Top 10 Places to Visit

1. The Most Beautiful Villages in France

The Dordogne Valley boasts an impressive collection of villages that have been dubbed the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” and for good reason. Picture-perfect is an understatement. Here are just a few:

Turenne is a hilltop village crowned by a castle, where each twist and turn offers a postcard-worthy view. Then there’s Carennac, sitting peacefully along the banks of the Dordogne River, with its Romanesque church and half-timbered houses.

You also can’t miss Collonges-la-Rouge, a truly unique village known for its vibrant red sandstone buildings. And La Roque-Gageac, tucked between a cliff and the Dordogne River, where gabare boats peacefully sail by.

Each of these villages, and more, is like walking through a time capsule, untouched by the rush of modern life.

2. Bergerac and the Bastides towns

Bergerac is where wine lovers will rejoice. This riverside town is famous for its vineyards, but also for its old town centre with charming squares and historic lanes.

However, what makes Bergerac and its surrounding area even more special is the bastides (fortified medieval towns) such as Monpazier and Eymet. These towns were designed like medieval grid systems (think urban planning in the 1200s) and are perfect for a wander.

Monpazier, in particular, is considered one of the best-preserved bastides in France and is still bustling with life, especially on market days.

3. The Castles

In the Dordogne Valley, castles seem to sprout from the landscape like mushrooms. For those who can’t resist a turret or two, you’re in for a treat.

The castles of Beynac and Castelnaud are perhaps the most dramatic, perched on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne River, like a scene straight out of “Game of Thrones”.

Then there’s the Château de Hautefort, a more refined affair with elegant French gardens and interiors fit for royalty. And for something a little wilder, the Tours de Merle—a cluster of medieval towers surrounded by deep forests—is a hauntingly beautiful ruin that feels like stepping into a lost world.

4. The Caves

No trip to the Dordogne would be complete without exploring its caves. These underground worlds offer a glimpse into the region’s natural and prehistoric past.

The Gouffre de Padirac is an impressive chasm that you can explore partly by boat on a crystal-clear underground river. At the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, you can be lowered down in a metal basket (stairs are available too). And for something a bit more accessible, the Tourtoirac Cave is wheelchair-friendly, so everyone can enjoy its magical underground formations.

5. Rocamadour

Rocamadour literally looks like it’s been glued to the side of a cliff.
This pilgrimage site has been attracting visitors for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. The town seems to defy gravity as it clings to the rock face, with a sanctuary perched at the top.

Be prepared to climb some steps, but don’t worry, lifts are also available. And while you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of Rocamadour’s famous goats cheese. It’s just heavenly.

6. Sarlat

Ah, Sarlat. If you love medieval architecture, this town is a dream come true. Its narrow, winding streets, golden stone buildings, and lively markets make it one of the most visited towns in the Dordogne Valley.

Sarlat is the place to enjoy some of the region’s most delicious local products while admiring the best preserved medieval city centre in Europe.

It’s especially magical in the evenings when the streets are lit up by gas lamps, making you feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the 14th century.

7. Périgueux

Périgueux is an absolutely charming town packed with bustling squares and pedestrian streets.

The capital of the Dordogne region, it offers a mix of ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance elegance. You’ll want to visit the Saint-Front Cathedral, a quite unique Byzantine-style marvel. And don’t miss the Vesunna Museum, built around the ruins of a Roman villa, where you can explore what life was like in Gaul under Roman rule.

8. Prehistoric Sites

The Dordogne Valley is often called the “Cradle of Mankind” for good reason. It’s home to some of the most important prehistoric sites in the world.

Start with La Madeleine, an ancient settlement that gives its name to the Magdalenian period. Then, head to Font de Gaume, one of the few caves with original polychrome paintings still open to the public.

If that’s not enough to satisfy your inner caveperson, the Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies puts on display fascinating exhibits and artifacts that span over 400,000 years of human history.

Last but not least, anyone interested in prehistoric art should pay a visit to Lascaux IV. The famous cave paintings, though replicas, are incredibly detailed and give you a real sense of our ancestors’ creativity with the added bonus of interactive exhibits.

9. The Gardens

For those who need a break from all that history, the Dordogne’s gardens provide the perfect respite. Marqueyssac is the star of the show, with its 150,000 hand-pruned box trees and sweeping views of the Dordogne Valley. The gardens are especially magical when lit up with candles during some summer evenings.

Then there’s Eyrignac, which offers another take on French garden design with its beautifully manicured hedges and romantic pathways. Les Jardins Sothys in Auriac and Les Jardins de l’Imaginaire in Terrasson are lesser known beauties that equally deserve an afternoon visit.

10. Vineyards and Tasting Visits

It wouldn’t be a trip to the Dordogne without indulging in a little wine tasting, would it? The Bergerac vineyards are famous for their reds, whites, and rosés, and a vineyard tour will give you a taste (quite literally) of what the region has to offer.

For something a little stronger, head to Distillerie Denoix in Brive, where you can sample their famous walnut liqueur (but always in moderation). After a day of exploring castles and caves, sipping on local wine or liqueur feels like the ultimate way to unwind.