What's On in the Dordogne Valley

Markets are an integral part of the culture here and you will find markets are pretty much everywhere. Some have been running since the Middle Ages and there is bound to be a local market nearby wherever and whenever you visit in the Valley.

From bustling weekly markets that fill village squares with fresh produce to enchanting night markets where you can enjoy both regional delicacies and local entertainment, each market offers a unique experience.

Be on the lookout for Marchés de Producteurs de Pays, the local farmers’ markets that spring up in towns and villages across the Dordogne Valley throughout the summer. These markets are a treasure trove of the freshest, farm-to-table produce.

Also a must-do are night markets in the Dordogne Valley, known as Marchés Gourmands. Not your typical food markets, these markets pop up in fields or on the cobbled squares of medieval villages, coming to life in the late afternoon and into the night. A choice of food stalls all serving local produce allows you to pick and match your meals exactly as you like it. You can then soak up the atmosphere and sit down with the locals on communal seated tables often accompanied with live music and entertainment.

Buy local

In addition to regular market events, you’ll also find unique festivals that honour the region’s age-old traditions and renowned local products. One standout is the Fest’Oie, held in Sarlat every first weekend of March. This festival is a grand celebration of foie gras, geese, and all the culinary delights associated with this gourmet specialty.

Also held annually every January, Sarlat hosts an annual weekend-long celebration dedicated to the truffle. Known as the ‘black diamond,’ the truffle takes centre stage as it is bought, cooked and savoured on site by locals and visitors alike, turning the town into a hub of mouth-watering festivities for two days straight.

Don’t miss the renowned Foires Grasses in Brive-la-Gaillarde— a lively winter market fair (November to March) that showcases the region’s finest duck, goose, and foie gras delicacies, making it a true celebration of gastronomic indulgence.

In spring, the town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne comes alive with its annual Strawberry Festival, a celebration of everything strawberry. Here you can sample this berry delight in all its forms. The village is also a multiple Guinness World Record holder for having created the world’s largest strawberry tart!

Festive Season

Christmas markets are a cherished tradition in this region, filling the crisp winter air with festive cheer. In the bustling towns of Sarlat, Brive, Bergerac and Périgueux, the holiday spirit truly comes alive. From the beginning of December in Périgueux30 chalets pop up creating a Christmas village dedicated to everything Yuletide. In Bergerac you will find a Christmas market, gourmet village, carousel, arts and crafts, shows and entertainment that offers more than just shopping. Brive, too, gets into the holiday spirit with its own Christmas village in the town centre offering an array of festive goods, gifts and activities.
Sarlat has the biggest Christmas cheer with its amazing themed Christmas Market that goes on throughout December in the city centre with an outdoor ice-skating rink.

Not to be outdone, in the smaller picturesque villages such as Carennac, designated as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’, the adjoining half-Roman, half-Gothic cloister of the monastery hosts an intimate and enchanting magical Christmas market. Nearby in Meyssac (near Collonges-la-Rouge) every corner of the village is filled with the aroma of spiced mulled wine, sweet treats, and the promise of finding the perfect handcrafted gift.

But the holiday magic doesn’t stop there. Many other quaint villages in the area get into the festive spirit, hosting boutique Christmas markets over a weekend day or two where visitors can find unique gifts, sip locally brewed beer, and soak in the joyous atmosphere. Santa Claus himself has been known to drop by!

Special Cultural Events

Just like in the UK, France celebrates Heritage Days, known as Journées du Patrimoine, every year on the third weekend of September. During this autumn weekend, historic sites, museums and gardens welcome visitors for free or reduced price, giving everyone a chance to explore France’s rich heritage. Some sites generally closed to the public open their doors while others organise special visits.

In a similar vein, and organised by the French Ministry of Culture, Rendez-vous aux Jardins is an annual celebration of exceptional parks and gardens. Held annually in early June, all types of famous gardens in The Dordogne Valley open their doors for visits (often free) and special events catering to gardening novices and enthusiasts.

Annual One Offs

The 14th July is one of the most exciting days of summer, with villages coming alive in celebration of Bastille Day! Expect bustling village fêtes, accompanied by dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky. From the Dordogne to the Lot and Corrèze, all the corners of the Dordogne Valley are buzzing with festive energy throughout the summer.
Don’t miss out—check the full calendar of events available from local tourist offices.

Named after the pioneering French engineers behind the world’s first successful hot air balloon flight in 1793, the Montgolfiades of Rocamadour is a spectacular two-day celebration held every last Saturday and Sunday in September. It’s a sight to behold as Rocamadour’s skies come alive as 30 hot air balloons from across Europe lift off against the breathtaking backdrop of this UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll want to have your camera ready to capture the magic of this picture-perfect weekend!