What to do in the Dordogne: history, nature and characterful villages
Great reasons to visit the Dordogne
Key highlight | Why visit | |
Medieval heritage | Learn more about the history of the region through its castles and fortresses. | Beynac, Castelnaud, Commarque, Puymartin |
Subterranean treasures | Visit caves and sinkholes. | Padirac, Proumeyssac, Villars |
Prehistoric sites | Trace the origins of humanity. | Lascaux IV, Les Eyzies, Roque Saint-Christophe |
Nature activities | Mix up your experiences between sport, relaxation and wide open spaces. | Canoeing, rail biking, hiking, treetop adventure courses. |
Characterful villages | Discover authentic towns with preserved charm. | Sarlat, La Roque-Gageac, Rocamadour, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle |
Original experiences | Learn while having fun and step off the beaten track. | Escape game in Périgueux, Tèrra Aventura, craft workshops. |
Fauna and biodiversity | Observe wildlife in respectful settings. | Calviac Nature Reserve, Monkey Forest, La Tour Blanche Park. |
Practical tips | Adapt your visits according to the weather and your budget. | Caves in hot weather, museums when it rains, villages for a small budget. |
The Fortresses and Castles of the Périgord
In the Dordogne, castles are far more than relics of the past: they are true witnesses to turbulent times, where wars, legends and heroic tales intertwine. Perched on rocky outcrops or hidden deep within forests, they offer stunning viewpoints as well as stories that spark the imagination.
Puymartin Castle
A place filled with mystery, famous for the legend of the White Lady. The fortress also offers a fun experience with a unique escape game.
Castelnaud Castle
A landmark of the medieval period, it houses a remarkable museum dedicated to the art of warfare and impressive siege machinery. From its ramparts, it offers breathtaking views over the Dordogne Valley.
Commarque Castle
Set in the heart of nature, it captivates visitors with its romantic atmosphere and ruins. A visit here feels like a journey back in time.
Beynac Castle
Dominating the valley from its rocky spur, this castle with its imposing keep is one of the most iconic in the Périgord. Its silhouette has also featured in several film productions.
The Underground Wonders of the Périgord
The Dordogne does not only reveal its castles and valleys above ground. Beneath the surface, it hides mineral and prehistoric treasures that amaze and surprise in equal measure. Caves and sinkholes open onto spectacular landscapes, perfect for a short escape from everyday life.
Villars Cave
This site combines natural formations and prehistoric paintings, while also offering activities about the lives of early humans.
Padirac Chasm
The descent leads to an underground river, where a boat ride reveals an impressive setting more than 100 metres underground.
Proumeyssac Chasm
Known as the “Crystal Cathedral”, it stands out for its illuminated vault and spectacular light displays.
Following the Footsteps of Prehistory in the Dordogne
The Dordogne is a land of ancient history. Here, the rock walls tell the earliest stories of humanity, and each site takes visitors on a journey blending cave art and rock shelters.
La Roque Saint-Christophe
This limestone cliff, shaped and adapted by humans, is striking for its vast terraces overlooking the Vézère Valley. From prehistoric ways of life to medieval fortifications, the site offers a true open-air history lesson.
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Known as the “world capital of prehistory”, this village brings together shelters, caves and a leading national museum. A must-visit to understand the daily life of Cro-Magnon people and the evolution of our ancestors.
Lascaux IV Cave
A faithful replica of the famous cave, Lascaux IV allows visitors to admire frescoes over 20,000 years old through immersive technology. A striking experience where the paintings feel as if they have just been created.
Adventure and fresh air in the Dordogne
With its rivers, forests and walking trails, the Dordogne is a land of adventure. Here, sport, relaxation and thrills come together to offer varied experiences for all types of travellers.
Périgord Vert rail bike
On a former railway line, you pedal in pairs or groups of four for a unique countryside escape. A friendly activity that combines gentle effort with beautiful natural scenery.
Canoeing on the Dordogne or Vézère
Gliding along the water, paddling while admiring villages and castles from the river is a unique way to discover the heritage from a different perspective.
Swimming and treetop adventure parks
Lakes, natural rivers and adventure parks allow you to switch between refreshing relaxation and adrenaline-filled activities, all in a privileged natural setting.
Hiking and cycling
From the Sarlat–Cazoulès greenway to routes around the bastidetowns, the Dordogne offers a wide range of itineraries suitable for walkers and cyclists alike.
Discovering characterful villages in the Dordogne
In the Dordogne, some villages feel as though time has stood still. Wandering through their streets, tasting local specialities or admiring the surrounding landscapes is an authentic way to experience the region.
La Roque-Gageac
Nestled against a cliff and bordered by the Dordogne, this village is perfect for a stroll. You can also board a traditional gabarre boat to discover it from the river.
Sarlat-la-Canéda
An unmissable medieval town, Sarlat charms visitors with its remarkable heritage, lively atmosphere and bustling market full of flavours.
Rocamadour (Lot) – on the border with the Dordogne
Clinging to a cliff face, this sacred town is renowned for its sanctuaries and spectacular viewpoints. Its birds of prey display adds a unique touch to the visit.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Set beneath its imposing castle, this medieval village offers a unique setting where history and landscapes blend together.
Fun and creative activities in the Dordogne
Discovering the Dordogne is not only about landscapes and monuments. For those who enjoy challenges, learning new skills or trying original experiences, the region offers great opportunities to step off the beaten track.
Tèrra Aventura
This digital treasure hunt lets you discover the Vézère Valley from a new perspective, using an app that guides you step by step to small and unusual finds.
Escape game in Périgueux
With “The Secret of Puy Saint-Front”, the town becomes the setting for a gripping puzzle adventure that blends culture and entertainment.
Modelling workshop in Manzac-sur-Vern
Guided by a ceramic artist, participants learn how to shape their clay creation and leave with a unique handmade souvenir.
Farm visits
Meet the animals and experience farm life first-hand. Local farms open their doors to share authentic and educational moments.
Nature and wildlife in the Dordogne
The Dordogne also stands out for its dedicated wildlife areas and its commitment to biodiversity conservation. Observing rare species in respectful environments is a great way to combine discovery with environmental awareness.
Monkey Forest (Lot) – just a few minutes from the Dordogne
More than 150 macaques roam here in semi-freedom. The feeding time is particularly memorable, offering an experience that is both educational and surprising.
Calviac Zoological Reserve
This site focuses on the protection of endangered species. Lemurs, red pandas and maned wolves live here in a preserved natural environment.
La Tour Blanche Zoo Park
More intimate in scale, this park allows visitors to get close to a variety of animal species while enjoying a peaceful natural setting.
Practical tips to make the most of the Dordogne
Knowing what to do in the Dordogne gives you access to a wide range of activities. To get the best experience, it is wise to adapt your outings according to the weather, your budget or your preferences. Here are some useful guidelines to help you plan your days with ease.
When it rains
Head to museums, creative workshops or immersive experiences such as Lascaux IV or an escape game, perfect for staying dry while staying entertained.
When it’s hot
Nothing beats the coolness of the caves (Padirac, Proumeyssac, Villars) or a swim in supervised rivers and lakes.
For tighter budgets
Listed villages, walks in nature and free events are all great ways to discover the region without spending too much.
For thrill seekers
Caving, cycling, canoeing or treetop adventure courses bring a real dose of adventure and excitement in the heart of the Périgord.
In the Dordogne, you are free to create a holiday that reflects who you are. Medieval castles, sinkholes, prehistoric sites, outdoor activities and timeless villages, every day brings its own discoveries.
Sites et Paysages invites you to experience it all from your campsite in the Dordogne, close to nature, in a setting designed for relaxation and discovery.
