Staying cool when the temperatures reach 30 degrees. What to do when it’s hot

The Dordogne Valley boasts a lovely temperate climate with the odd rainy day and occasional hot spells in the summer months. When temperatures soar above 30 degrees, you should probably avoid the midday sun and head for cooler activities.

Anything by, in or on water should be your first port of call. Splashing around in the Dordogne river is the best way to avoid overheating. Caves are also a great option, always between 13 and 14 degrees all year round. Even during a summer heatwave, don’t forget to bring a little cardigan with you when going down under.

Visiting a castle or a museum is also a great way to beat off the heat. Here are our sightseeing suggestions and great activities for topping up the suntan without burning to a crisp.

2016-08-15-baignade-riviere-dordogne-vayracmalikaturin-00617.jpg

canoe-sur-la-dordogne-dan-courtice-vallee-de-la-dordogne.jpg

Water activities

Making a splash

Hitting the water is definitely the best way to cool off. Dip your feet in the Diège River or splash around in the Dordogne, where you can swim at one of the many wild beaches surrounded by the most unspoiled natural settings.

These secluded spots are perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet swim surrounded by nature. If you prefer a safer swimming environment, head to one of the supervised beaches where lifeguards keep watch, ensuring a worry-free dip for you and your family. Beside the beaches on the Dordogne River, many of the lakes, like the Lac du Causse or Lac de Miel, have supervised swimming.

The Dordogne Valley also boasts many swimming pools and waterparks. They provide a safe and fun environment with lifeguards on duty. Great for families to enjoy everything from leisurely swims to cool water slides and kid-friendly splash zones.

Canoeing downstream

If you want a bit more adventure, take a canoe trip down the Dordogne or Vézère Rivers. Paddling along, you’ll pass beneath limestone cliffs and ancient castles, exploring the valley from a whole new perspective.

It’s not just about the exercise; it’s about experiencing the tranquil beauty of the region. From the water, you will find a myriad of secluded little beaches where you can throw down your towel and enjoy a picnic. When going on a canoe trip, remember to wear a hat and stay covered (with plenty of sun cream). Wear a long-sleeved T-shirt under your life-jacket and don’t forget to cover your legs too!

Chill out caves

With temperatures constantly hovering around 13 degrees, caves are a great refuge from the summer heat. They provide a natural cooling system, 13 degrees being the average temperature across the year.

It can be quite humid down there so don’t forget a piece of clothing to throw over your shoulders. Natural caves, like the Gouffre de Padirac, Gouffre de la Fage or the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, can also have a lot of steps and sometimes be slippery. So it’s probably best to swap the flip-flops for a pair of trainers.

The prehistoric caves of Lascaux IV have air conditioning throughout, including in the interactive rooms. Remember to book your tours in advance (English tours available).

Adrenaline junkies can also combine the coolness of the caves with the excitement of pot-holing with an expert guide. Dressed with the right gear, you get to experience dry or partially-submerged caves and encounter the occasional bat colony. A day to definitely remember!

Cool castles

Medieval fortresses were not only good at keeping the enemy out, but the heat too!

The thick walls mean cooler temperatures inside, making it a great option on a hot summer’s day.

The Dordogne Valley is called the Land of 1001 Castles, so you won’t be running out of options to beat the heat anytime soon. Strongholds like the Château de Beynac and Château de Castelnaud also feature on-site demonstrations and reenactments of medieval life and warfare.

Night visits

Too hot to visit villages in the afternoon? Leave it for the evening when the temperatures fall. The sanctuary in Rocamadour is open until 10pm in July and August. Going later means you won’t just beat the heat. You will beat the crowds too!

Sarlat is also a must at dusk with loads of free street entertainment going on in the medieval centre every day in the summer months.

You can also book guided torchlight tours of historic villages throughout the Dordogne Valley. A magical and sunstroke-free way to discover the medieval past and heritage of some of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

Early morning markets

The world belongs to early birds. So get a head start in the coolest part of the day and fill up your picnic hamper with the freshest local produce. A must-have is a melon du Quercy (rock melon), an orange fleshed, sweet and juicy slice of Heaven.

There are markets everyday throughout the Dordogne Valley and they set up shop quite early. You could even be back before the rest of the family has had breakfast.

If getting up at the crack of dawn is not your idea of a holiday, then you could always leave the food shopping for the evening in one of the many Farmers Markets. They generally start around 5pm until late.

Museums

Combining culture with air-conditioning, the many museums of the Dordogne Valley cater for all kinds of interests. From prehistory to chocolate, here are a few that shouldn’t be missed:

Musée National de la Préhistoire: over 18000 pieces of prehistoric artifacts in Les Eyzies
Musée de la Médecine: 17th century hospital transformed into very interesting museum on the evolution of surgery and medicine in Hautefort
Musée du Vin et de la Batellerie: great wine and river boating museum in Bergerac
Vesunna: Art and archaeology museum in Périgueux built around a Gallo-Roman site
Gare Robert Doisneau: Exhibition of some of the works of the world famous photographer Robert Doisneau in an old train station
Musée Labenche: Beautiful museum retracing the history of the region through 5000 objects and artifacts
Musée du Chocolat Bovetti: Fantastic chocolate museum and boutique in Terrasson

Eating out

We have saved our favourite for last.

Too hot for walking, cycling, sightseeing? Great! It’s the perfect excuse to sit on a terrace, enjoy some gorgeous food while staying properly hydrated with your favourite tipple .

You will probably want this heatwave to go on a bit longer…