A beautiful valley in the South-West of France

Should you visit this picturesque valley in France?

The Dordogne Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in France. With beautiful villages and quaint towns in a peaceful French countryside, it is storybook pretty. Villages like Sarlat, Beynac, and La Roque will leave you wanting to come back again and again.

Why should you visit the Dordogne Valley?

5 Reasons why you should go:

Charming Villages: Wander through picturesque villages with medieval architecture.
Gastronomic Delights: Savor exquisite French cuisine and renowned truffles.
Scenic River Views: Enjoy the idyllic landscapes along the Dordogne River.
Historic Castles: Discover impressive castles like Castelnaud, echoing the region’s rich history.
Markets and Local Produce: Immerse yourself in vibrant markets, sampling local delicacies and experiencing the valley’s authentic charm. (This includes wine tasting of the region’s finest…)

What is special about the Dordogne?

Dordogne is amazing! Old caves, cute villages, yummy food, beautiful river scenes, and cool castles make it special

In the Dordogne you’ll explore medieval villages, savor exquisite French cuisine, enjoy scenic river views, and immerse yourself in the rich history of impressive castles. It’s a captivating blend of nature, history, and culinary delights!

What is the most beautiful part of the Dordogne?

Here are a few of our favorite places: Sarlat-la-Canéda and La Roque-Gageac

Sarlat-la-Canéda

If you love markets, like we do, you will find them in almost every town. According to the locals the best markets are in Sarlat-la-Canéda, Issigeac, Périgueux, and Bergerac.

The village of Sarlat-la-Canéda is famous for its listed buildings (especially Place de la Libertié).
Furthermore, Sarlat-la-Canéda is also known for its fantastic market, loved by tourists and locals alike. The market is filled with fresh fruits, veggies, and Dordogne’s famous walnuts and truffles. The village is famous for its historic buildings, especially the Place de la Libertié. In the summer, it gets bustling with tourists, and the streets and restaurants can feel lively. It’s not a tiny village, and some cobblestone streets go uphill, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Every street corner has something to explore, with noble homes showcasing amazing architecture, stone-colored buildings adorned with French flair, shutters, iron balconies, and vibrant plants and flowers.

Sarlat Côté Jardin is a 16th-century house located just at the entrance to the medieval town of Sarlat in the Périgord region. You can stay here while you’re in the Dordogne and enjoy a real French lifestyle for just a while…

From Côté Jardin, you can discover the scenic town of Sarlat with its many cafés and restaurants, many serving duck specialities typical of the South West. Sarlat Train station is a 15-minute walk from the B&B.

Or search for the perfect place to stay from the more than 300 options in Sarlat.

While in Sarlat-la-Canéda: 3 More things to see and do:

Lascaoux Cave Paintings: The original caves are no longer open top public in order to preserve the paintings, but you can visit the adjacent replica. You will actually think you are in the original caves, with more than 600 amazing paintings on the walls and ceilings.
Visit the Museums and if you are there in winter, you can’t beat the Christmas market and outdoor skating rink during December.
Go to the Cathedral Saint Sacerdos de Sarlat with its beautiful stained glass windows.

La Roque-Gageac

A unique place to visit

This is truly a must-see village. In our opinion, the best way to get fantastic views and pictures of this village is to rent a canoe or go on a boat trip. Without a doubt, you will have no problem getting a canoe or boat as they are lined along the river and eager to accommodate travelers. This village is certainly one of our favorites and is also listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. Here you need to spend some time on the river… and make sure your camera is ready. A visit to the Dordogne Valley is not complete without a visit to La Roque-Gageac. (Also read our article on our selection of the most beautiful villages in France.)

While in La Roque-Gageac: 2 More things to see and do:

Visit the beautiful Chateau de Marquessac as well as the magnificent gardens of Marquessac.
Tour the La Roque St. Christophe Cave homes with family friendly and interactive exhibitions as well as beautiful views.

Hotel Le Perigord

You can stay in this beautiful newly renovated 4-star hotel, or search for your personal preference amongst more than 20 options on where to stay in La Roque-Gageac.

What is the main town of the Dordogne?

The main town in the Dordogne region is Périgueux. It serves as the capital of the Dordogne department and is known for its historical architecture, including the Saint-Front Cathedral and medieval streets.

Map of the Dordogne Valley

How to get there: Fly to Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (EGC) or Brive-Souillac Airport (BVE). Bordeaux Airport (BOD) is also an option.

The Dordogne Valley in France is home to several towns. Some other notable ones include:

Périgueux: The capital of the Dordogne department, known for its historical architecture.

Bergerac: A picturesque town along the Dordogne River, renowned for its wines.

Brive-la-Gaillarde: Located on the border of the Dordogne, known for its historic center.

Domme: A stunning medieval bastide town with panoramic views of the Dordogne River.

Rocamadour: Although not directly in the Dordogne department, it’s a nearby town known for its dramatic cliffside setting.

These towns offer a mix of history, culture, and picturesque landscapes, making the Dordogne Valley a captivating destination.

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More THINGS TO DO at your favorite destination

…in the Dordogne Valley

Here you can have a true “Willy Wonka Experience”: In my opinion, you have to do the “Ascenseur Panoramique” (glass lift) at the Sainte Marie Church. Obviously, this activity is only for people who are not afraid of heights, as this lift takes you to the top of the belfry. From here you have the best ever 360 º views of the Dordogne.
The Dordogne River which flows through the area ensures a lush green landscape. Take the time to explore the villages and to enjoy the restaurants.
Make time to visit the Marqueyssac as well as the Les Jardins de l’Imaginaire
The Dordogne delicacies like duck confit, walnuts, and truffles are things you just have to taste while visiting. Include some wine from Bergerac, which you will buy during your wine tour there, and you have the ingredients to a perfect French lunch.
Visit Chateau de Beynac and Chateau de Castelnaud
Brantôme en Périgord – Via Lemovicensis, an old pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, runs through Brantôme.
Explore ancient caves like Lascaux with fascinating prehistoric art.

TIP: To ensure you see and experience the best during a visit to the Dordogne Valley, book with travel guides that knows the area well. The above are some suggestions.