Visit the Dordogne in 7 essential activities
Are you leaving soon but you still don't know what to do in Dordogne? I explain how to visit the Dordogne in this article and the must-see places not to be missed 🙂
The Dordogne is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, whether French or foreign.
It goes even further because the Dordogne is the most visited department after Paris and its regions.
The Périgord region is home to an impressive cultural and historical heritage! Sometimes all it takes is a few days in the middle of the countryside to recharge your batteries, and going to the Dordogne was a very good idea in my case 🙂
In this article, I reveal everything about the Dordogne, by sharing the essential activities to do in the Dordogne and all the practical information, you will see it really is an interesting destination!
Spending your holidays in the Dordogne: a good idea?
The Dordogne is a region steeped in history and highly appreciated by the French. Far from the atmosphere of the big cities of France, the province seduces for its charm and its tranquility. To share some figures with you, the Dordogne attracts nearly 3 million tourists each year, and the tourism sector represents 22% of the departmental economy.
The Dordogne attracts mainly for its natural heritage. It must be said that the region has a still well-preserved nature as well as many forest areas. It is the ideal place to spend a few days of quiet vacation.
But that's not all, the Dordogne also attracts people for its cultural and historical heritage. Some sites even bear witness to prehistoric times! The department has nearly 1,000 castles, not to mention the sites classified as world heritage of humanity, or the almost 900 buildings and monuments erected on its soil.
For the greediest, you will enjoy the local gastronomy of the Dordogne. The specialties are often based on foie gras, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, as well as a fine collection of wines available under 13 different appellations.
Where to stay in the Dordogne?
Several options are available to you for sleeping in the Dordogne: renting an AirBnb house, hotel room, camping or even a motorhome! It's up to you to choose according to your desires 🙂
Hotels in the Dordogne
You will have no trouble finding a hotel. You have of course heard the big chains like Mercure, Kyriad or even Ibis, which you will find all over the territory. But there are also beautiful charming hotels firmly rooted in the traditions of Périgord. If you are looking for a few examples, I can recommend La Métairie, located in the heart of the Périgord countryside, or even the Auberge de la Petite Reine Siorac in Périgord.
Campsites in the Dordogne
The Dordogne is best known for its campsites. The department has a very large number of campsites in the four corners of the territory. So it is very easy to find a campsite in the Dordogne 🙂
It is a region that lends itself well to nature and camping trips. Among the best campsites in the Dordogne we find Camping Capfun Le Melinal and Village Huttopia Lanmary.
If you like simpler and less luxurious campsites, Camping l'Offrerie and La Fage Lascaux are also very well rated (I couldn't test them!)
Visit the Dordogne by motorhome
If you go to the Dordogne at the wheel of a motorhome, the department has a wide choice of areas with the necessary equipment. To travel by motorhome, you will need to locate the area that interests you and reserve your pitch. You can also go to campsites in the area to sleep. You will then have access to certain services such as access to the swimming pool, theme evenings, as well as activities organized on site.
Opt for an AirBnb
Finally, the house rental service in the Dordogne is another option for accommodation. Although there are many rental sites, the safe bet remains AirBnb. The Dordogne has more than twenty entire properties for rent. It can be quite interesting if you are traveling with friends, but also with family.
However, camping is more suitable if you have children!
7 essential activities to do in the Dordogne
The famous Caves of Lascaux
Discovering the caves of Lascaux in the Dordogne is a must. It is impossible to leave the Périgord region without visiting it!
For the record, the caves were discovered for the first time in 1940. It was a dog who discovered the secret cavity. Curious, the friends decide to rush into the cavity before discovering the prehistoric caves. Very quickly, the site is classified on the list of prehistoric monuments of France.
The Lascaux caves are famous for the impressive amount of parietal art present on the walls. The caves have been renovated and reconstructed after damage caused by mass tourism. They were opened to the general public from 1983.
During your visit, you will be led to explore several caves, including Lascaux 4 illustrating the perfect representation of the original version of the cave discovered.
The Castles of Périgord
The Dordogne has three main castles: the castle of Beynac, the castle of Puymartin and the castle of Milandes. All three have played a role in the history of Périgord, but also in urban legends.
Puymartin Castle was the birthplace and prison of the famous Dame Blanche. It is said that she was imprisoned by her jealous husband, and she has haunted the place since his death.
As for the Château de Beynac, you can visit it by walking in the footsteps of the famous King Richard Coeur de Lion. The fortress has many corridors and rooms to immerse you in the medieval atmosphere of the time.
The castle of Milandes meanwhile is a building offering architecture in the Renaissance style, with beautiful maintained gardens. I recommend visiting the gardens! They are superb! 🙂
The Gouffre de Proumeyssac
Also called the Crystal Cathedral, the Gouffre de Proumeyssac is an incredible treasure to discover in the Dordogne. It is the largest cavity in the Périgord and magnificent crystallizations have developed on each wall of the abyss.
To visit the cavity, you can book a 45-minute guided tour, or join a free group to explore the abyss via a basket. A lighting has been installed in the Proumeyssac chasm, sharing a subdued atmosphere that you are not ready to forget.
Visit the town of Bergerac
Who does not know the great and famous Cyrano de Bergerac? The one who knew how to compare his nose to a huge peninsula... Well, if you go to the Dordogne, it's the perfect opportunity to take the time to discover the town of Bergerac. It is located in the southwest of the department.
While remembering the writings of Edmond Rostand, take the opportunity to discover the narrow streets of Bergerac. The architecture of the city is very authentic. My favorite part is undoubtedly rue Clar from where you can admire the half-timbered houses.
Then, take the time to take a break at Place Pélissière and Place Mirpe, the most beautiful places in the city. If you still have some time, also plan to visit the Maison de Vins de Bergerac.
Boschaud Abbey
Built in the 12th century and destroyed several times due to religious wars, Boschaud Abbey evokes spirituality and the tranquility of life. The places have long been abandoned, but you can admire the ruins of the abbey freely and for free.
If you are interested in this unique place, Boschaud Abbey is located in Villars. It is a historical site that you should visit at least once in the Dordogne!
Explore the vineyards of Monbazillac
For Monbazillac wine lovers, it's time to make your dream come true. In addition to being a stopover not to be forgotten during your getaway in the Dordogne, you will be able to find out more about wine production (not to mention the tastings, of course 🙂 ).
However, the vineyards are not the only things to discover in the area. The Château de Monbazillac has beautiful architecture in a medieval and Renaissance style. So why not take a trip to Monbazillac and take advantage of what it has to share with you?
Visit Sarlat-la-Canéda
Capital of the Périgord Noir, Sarlat-la-Canéda is one of the most beautiful places you will have the opportunity to visit in the Dordogne. This city concentrates the largest quantity of historical monuments in the world, so plan several days if you plan to visit everything!
To organize your visit as well as possible, remember to book the city tour with a guide. This way, you can explore the must-see sites while learning more about its history and upheavals.
There are other monuments to see such as the Manoir de Gisson, the Sainte-Marie church and its panoramic lift.
Finally, the Saint Sacerdos Cathedral is also an essential monument to have. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1840! If you plan to stay a few days in Sarlat in the Dordogne, this is the opportunity to visit this magnificent building.
